Rachel Akers
My name is Rachel Akers and I own my own business as a professional artist, I am an artist through and through, it is not only a job but a passion that I cannot live without.
- Tell us a little bit about your business… / or the organisation you work for.
I am Rachel Akers, an award-winning artist and the founder of Akers of Art. I specialise in creating bespoke art installations for businesses that aim to transform spaces into a visual spectacle and boost the mood of your staff or clients.
I also run art workshops. I believe that art has the power to transform and connect people. That’s why I offer bespoke art for the work place and team-building experiences that incorporate art.
- How did you get into the industry?
I have always been an artist and studied it at university but was a teacher’s assistant or a teacher over approx. 15 years, after being made redundant one too many times I decided to go full time on my business in 2018.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
There are some huge challenges as an artist as people don’t realise that they actually NEED my work, but they do want it. It is my job to convince them of the benefits to their staff and clients of having art works in their building or grounds.
- How would you describe your leadership style? (if not in a leadership role talk about your working style)
I work alone so don’t have a team to lead but my working style is passionate. I try to put across the beauty of art and the mental health benefits of enjoying art at every possible opportunity.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you? (or work with you)
In my workshops I offer encouragement for those who have never tried art before or just think they are bad at it, with my bubbly personality I always manage to get people enthusiastic about what they are doing and they always go away with a beautiful piece of art that they can cherish
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Working for myself I have to be very organised and disciplined in order to keep track of meetings, schedules and deadlines. To do lists and tracking are crucial to keep me focused. But I do love that every day is varied and I love spending my days making and teaching art.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
It hasn’t been easy, I have had some really good months and some really difficult months and the key now is to get that consistency to ensure that I don’t have so many bad months
- What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
I have a sculpture exhibition coming up which will be my first solo exhibition and I have a number of workshops booked with corporate clients. Plus meetings with lots of different venues.
The word Collaboration, sums up my next 12 months and it is very exciting.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
Some big highlights of my career so far are exhibiting in local galleries and restaurants. Winning 2 awards. Making some amazing connections with influential pieces and booking my first solo exhibition
- What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Undervaluing my time – It has taken a long time to set prices that value my expertise, years of learning and honing my skills and the time it takes for me to make each piece. It is hard to come up with a pricing structure that reflects all of that and I used to very much under charge
- What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
Network — People buy from people and I have made most (if not all) of my sales and bookings through who I have met through networking, it is essential to build your network and learn from other people whilst making great business connections and having fun too.
The people you have around you will become invaluable to you.
