Background: Ken Done, a renowned Australian artist, has been actively painting every day since 1975. In fact, his passion for his craft is widely recognized, as he dedicates extensive time and effort into creating remarkable works of art. Moreover, being in the advertising industry for 16 years, Done has acquired valuable marketing skills to effectively promote and distribute his paintings. Notably, his business endeavors have flourished to the extent that he employs over 100 individuals, including his wife who contributes her fashion design expertise. It is truly inspiring to witness Done supporting himself by pursuing his beloved art.
Ken Done’s unwavering dedication and extraordinary drive to achieve are evident in his daily commitment to painting and resolute determination to accomplish his objectives. Despite practicing painting for a considerable amount of time, he did not obtain his first exhibition until the age of 40, which showcases his highly determined nature. Furthermore, he has expanded his product range to cater to different markets by designing ideas for clothing, including swimming trunks. This relentless motivation towards achieving goals highlights Ken Done’s impressive determination. Additionally, creativity and innovativeness are the first qualities that come to mind when thinking of a painter.
To succeed in painting, it is vital to generate original and innovative ideas. Done displayed his creativity by showcasing his drawings on T-shirts to promote his paintings. This distribution of T-shirts provided free advertising and generated word-of-mouth publicity, ultimately increasing the likelihood of selling more artwork. Ken’s unwavering dedication, drive, and persistence have been evident throughout his long artistic journey. For over 35 years, he has painted daily with determination to delight customers with captivating art.
He mentioned that art exposed him to more failure than success. I believe that experiencing this failure greatly strengthened his perseverance. Ken demonstrates a high energy level as he continuously engages in painting and working on his artworks. He dedicates extensive periods of time, sometimes spanning multiple days, to his paintings. Additionally, he effectively deals with various challenges that come his way. For instance, one obstacle was finding alternative sources of income apart from selling paintings, which he resolved by incorporating his designs onto clothing items. Evaluating his skills and accomplishments, it is plausible for Ken Done to explore opportunities in the home décor market.
I suggest that Done begins creating designs for plates and cups. Additionally, he could consider transferring his paintings onto a table cloth, creating a unique painting tablecloth. Furthermore, designing plates with his artwork would bring in additional revenue for both him and his company. Another issue I see is the lack of mention regarding expanding his business internationally. By opening another company in the U.S., Done could gain more recognition and visibility.
Recommendations: One suggestion for improvement would be for him to expand his company beyond Australia, as it currently has a limited market outside of the country. Another suggestion is to enhance his advertising efforts. This could involve creating television ads to showcase his artwork and exhibiting his work in public showcases. Additionally, he could establish a stronger online presence by starting an Instagram account and sharing images of his artwork to gain popularity. Another possible recommendation is to explore the home décor market and consider creating products such as plates, cups, or bathroom items.