Today we’d like to introduce you to W Sterchak.
W: OK first it’s double-you NOT dub-ya and Bill is fine. W is a branding tool for my art and historically I was experiencing confusion and distress signing off letters, memos and notes ‘BS’ for obvious reasons. So I switched and prefer to use the ‘W’ like Zorro used the ‘Z’. No one has called me William since the first grade.
Bill, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a program manager for a defense contractor and was let go in a reorganization just before I was ready to retire. I suddenly found myself with quite a bit of ‘free’ time on my hands. I had been wood carving as a pass time and hobby and had done a few shows and donated decoys to conservation groups so I started focusing on ‘art’, spending more time carving and also started experimenting with painting first then ventured into other forms of media and honestly surprised myself with my work.
I had been giving pieces away to Family and close friends and thru networking with other artists started doing more local shows. I do my own marketing and nearly everything that I can myself. I am learning new skills, meeting new people. I have made many new friends with much more talent and their patience has been fantastic and a tremendous help as I continue to learn.
Finding new shows that fit my schedule and exploring new materials, methods and techniques, as well as my style, continue to evolve.
I also write a blog. Mostly short, humorous stories of my observations of life and misadventures spun up in a funny way. I have given up taking such things in life too seriously and sometimes the therapeutic value of writing outweighs the caliber or quality of the work without question.
It’s all been fun so far. When it stops being fun, I’ll find something else to do. Landing in McKinney seems like the perfect spot and very fortunate to be here. A vibrant and thriving creative community of all kinds & types of artists is exciting and inspirational just being a small part of.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think only a select few find life WITHOUT struggles. There are always speed bumps, limitations and restrictions. How you react and deal with life’s problems and decisions one makes dictates how your life unfolds and what kind of character develops.
Most obstacles just require some soul-searching and making a sound business decision. I have tools for that from life experiences. Knowing when a challenge is too large or beyond scope, having trusted friends or confidants are most helpful to bounce ideas off of.
Sometimes another artist runs up against the same problem and sharing helps at both ends. It really does.
My biggest single obstacle is setting price-points for my work. Some customers have said I don’t charge enough.
But I’m working on that. 🙂
Fortunately I do not depend on selling my art work for my livelihood. I think if I did I would have failed, starved or become homeless a long time ago.
Bill – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Being in the middle of the Bell curve is not a bad thing even if it is dull and boring. What do I do best or sets me apart? I do what I like, what pleases myself and others, try not to hurt of offend anyone in the process and keep searching for true happiness.
I laugh at myself first, or with others but do not laugh or poke fun AT others.
I do commissioned carvings, paintings, sculptures, and primitive signs. They are all custom and unique. My process involves much customer interaction and ends with an approval of the design usually before starting work. My goal with every project is to bowl over the customer at delivery.
This is really a two (2) step process. First I MUST be happy and satisfied with the piece (design) but my highest reward is the reaction from the client or customer when they receive the project (deliverable).
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Speaking strictly from a personal perspective, if a client or patron comes back that is huge. After that, I have found that their initial reaction is what I look for. There is nothing better than a customer delighted and thrilled with something I made for them.
My marketing program is discounts on follow-up and additional purchases. This builds a relationship and the patron usually ends up on my Christmas card list.
Contact Info:
- Address: McKinney, TX 75072
- Website: sterchak.com
- Phone: 469.500.6281
- Email: w.sterchak@yahoo.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
