Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Anderson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Courtney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Arrowwood Designs started out as a hobby back in 2012 when I made jewelry to build my portfolio for my dream job at Anthropologie. It slowed down because I got the job (yay!), but I kept it up as a hobby making jewelry and macrame wall hangings for friends and Etsy shoppers. It was so much fun, that I started making more pieces to sell at shows like Flea Style and Renegade Craft Fair.
With the new skills that I had been learning at Anthropologie, it then grew into freelance fixture building and window displays for companies, which is when I met Carley Seale who owns Favor The Kind in Dallas. The Creative Director position opened up there, and I jumped on it because working for small businesses brings me so much joy! I was at Favor the Kind until March of 2019 when I decided to step down as CD to make Arrowwood my full-time gig.
I am currently doing freelance work for local boutiques and companies, building things from jewelry fixtures to tables and window displays. I am also branching out from retail into the events world, making installation art and photobooths for clients. I have acquired many different skills over the years, and I love to collaborate with people to help bring their dreams and projects to life!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My advice for anyone who is wanting to be a freelance artist is to do it on the side for as long as possible. It’s hard to take the leap from a steady job to the unknown world of freelance, so making sure it’s going to be ok beforehand is key! Side hustles are also a glimpse into what your life will look like because freelancing is not a normal 9-5 job, and you don’t get weekends off! It is a total whirlwind, and your days, weeks, months will blend together instantly.
Another take away is to make sure you truly love what you do. What may seem like a great hobby, might make a miserable full-time job if you’re not careful. Make sure you’re willing to give the craft 110% of your time and energy!
What should we know about Arrowwood Designs? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Arrowwood Designs is a Dallas based company specializing in custom installation art, retail displays, and handmade home decor. As a female woodworker and installation artist, I put my spin on the masculine-bulky medium to make it light and fresh. When something is looking too stiff, I’m notorious for drilling a hole into it and turning it into a vase! I have an eye for design and would rather make something for my home than buy it from a commercial company. Handmade is always better! I am also up for any challenge and love to collaborate with local businesses. There are so many wonderful, creative people in this community and we all benefit from helping each other out.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Thinking about my childhood and the connection to what I’m doing now, makes me realize that I am truly my father’s daughter. I have very fond memories of my brothers and I playing in the warehouse at his work on weekends, and entertaining ourselves for hours on end. We would push each other around on dollies, climb the huge Uline shelving, hiding in-between boxes (which now seems a little scary). But we did it so we would be out of my dad’s way while he was working overtime in his office. He never (openly) complained about work and kind of made it look like fun. He would go above and beyond and was on the road visiting clients all the time. He truly cares about people and could fire someone and then make them laugh on their way out the door!
My Grandpa, Uncles, and Dad all worked together, and it made me realize that your personal and professional life could be combined. When you have your family’s support in your professional life, you can celebrate the wins together and cheer each other up when the inevitable lows hit. They always know whats going on and can be your biggest cheerleader.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arrowwooddesigns.com
- Email: courtney@arrowwooddesigns.com
- Instagram: @arrowwood_designs
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/arrowwooddesigns
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/arrowwooddesigns
Image Credit:
Secretary Studio
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