We recently connected with Lamarr Sanders and have shared our conversation below.
Lamarr, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
For the most part, what we do, my wife and I is full-time with a little bit of supplemental work on the side, but still in the same field of business which is visual / fine arts. Before painting pictures full-time, I started out on my entrepreneurial journey as a graphic designer. In my earlier years of doing graphic design, I was making decent money but really good jobs were few and far in between and during that time the field was developing pretty fast. To make a long story short, I ended up quitting graphic design and moving away from that field of work all together. The reason I started doing graphic design anyway was because I couldn’t see myself working full-time drawing and painting. I am a graduate of college for creative studies, but after which I still didn’t have confidence in my skill, nor the ability to make a living. After a few bad clients I discovered that I really didn’t enjoy the vocation of graphic design, as much as I did with the idea of possibly making big money. Fast forward to now, with a few accomplishments in between, my confidence and passion for drawing and painting was rekindled. Back in 2010 I had the opportunity to design a banner for Detroit’s own leading techno producer Carl Craig. In my prodigal state I ventured off into producing music and exploring the genre of EDM. I put together a demo CD spray painted and designed the CD case, then submitted it to a rep from Planet E, Carl Craig’s record label. That was an awesome experience. I was able to release music under his label and produce visual art for a few of his projects and the release of my very first EDM album “I am Ready” by Ezana Harris. In 2014 I had the opportunity to facilitate a paint and sip party for a couple that owned a clothing boutique on the Avenue of Fashion located on Livernois Detroit, Michigan. After leading a group through a painting from start to finish I then realized that this is exactly what I wanted to do, I brought the idea to my wife she did her research and the rest was history. Looking back I can honestly say that all of the ups and downs of employment and freelancing was necessary for the now and knowing what I know now I wouldn’t change a thing.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Lamarr Sanders. I am a graduate of College for Creative Studies class of 2002. I am a visual artist and co-CEO with Monique Sanders my wife, at Our Hour-Mobile Paint Party. My wife and I have been in business for seven and a half years, we decided to go into business after having our 4th child and me wanting more out of life. We are in the business of providing creativity, creating fun memories and self-care through the vehicle of fine arts. What sets us apart from other “paint and sip” businesses is the fact that we are a husband and wife team, we’re mobile with excellent customer service. We are a multifaceted company where we provide social fun, art education to summer and after school programs and merchandise for collectors and novelty items for gifts.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The driving force that is fueling my creative journey is knowing that when I am operating out of my God given gifts I am actually setting myself up to be a blessing to others. Stepping out and pursuing full-time entrepreneurialship was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made thus far.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Before the pandemic my family and I would meet up with other family and friends and play a game called cash flow, created by Robert and Kim Kawasaki, the founders of rich dad, company, and the author of the book rich dad poor dad.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ourhour4u.com
- Instagram: Lamarr_sanders Our Hour-Mobile Paint Party
- Facebook: Our Hour-Mobile Paint Party