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Perfecting the Business of Art
By B.L. Turek
When Houston-based Anat Ronen is hired to paint one of her signature murals, she leaves her ego at home. That is to say, she's less concerned with expressing herself artistically and more interested in meeting the client's needs.
"While listening to his or her requests and background information, I come up with several different ideas and we start from there," she explains.
This kind of strategic approach is rare in the art world, and it's no wonder as Ronen comes from a business background.
"People always told me that there's no money in art," says Ronen, "and I believed them."
As a result she worked in an office setting for twenty-three years, designing presentations and documents for firms. However, after nearly a quarter of a century answering to various employers, Ronen saw the bigger picture - literally. Painting murals in homes and for businesses was her heart's desire. Boldly walking away from the security of a 9 to 5 job, she stepped into the world of freelancing to become her own boss.
A couple of ads on Craigslist landed her some initial assignments, and from there, the proof was in the pudding. Many of Ronen's clients sought her out after seeing her detailed, elaborate murals begin to crop up around the Houston area, advertising not only the businesses who had hired her, but Ronen herself. To date, satisfied customers include Neiman Marcus, Dr. Pepper, the West Oaks Mall, and the West I-10 Volunteer Fire Department, to name a few.
Originally from Israel, Ronen values the incredible opportunities she has found in the U.S., especially being able to utilize her creativity for a living.
"Making a mural is actually very hard work," admits Ronen, "but it's satisfying and fun."
Ronen's skills as a muralist are entirely self-taught, proving that drive and dedication are often enough to bring one's dreams to fruition. Her designs are 100% original, shunning the use of templates in favor of personalizing each and every design concept to ensure that the client's vision is fully realized.
"I am not hiding the fact that this is not a large firm," she states. "I work alone or with my husband."
Ronen designs on the computer, as well as on paper and canvas, plywood, walls, pavement and any other surface imaginable. Her preferred medium is a paintbrush/acrylic paint combination, but she also utilizes spray cans, airbrush, pastels and oils. She is completely unafraid to try new methods if it is a means to making her client happy.
So what is her secret to success?
"Just be open-minded and listen," she says. "And, if you have questions, ask them. You may not get the answers you were looking for, but you'll still find out something you wouldn't have learned otherwise. Also...never say no!"
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