Klara Sormark

Boss Babe: Klara Sormark

Company: Drawn by Klara

Website & Social: www.etsy.com/shop/drawnbyklara | @drawnbyklara

Tell me a bit about your business.

I run an illustration business where I sell wall art and greeting cards on Etsy, and I’m currently also working on adding a commission option to my shop which is very exciting. I take inspiration from everything around me, but mainly from interesting colour combinations, nature and other art & design work. I enjoy creating colourful & slightly abstract portraits of people, animals and still life. My tool-of-choice is usually my iPad, creating digital art, but I also do lino-prints and hand drawings with ink and paper 🎨

What made you decide to start it?

The main reason is that illustration and design work makes me happy! I’ve been wanting to sell my work for a long time, but never really got round to it. By the time the second lockdown hit in the UK I just decided to go for it, and I’ve not looked back 💪🏼

What’s a typical day/week like in your shoes?

My day job is as a training manager for a hospitality operator, so in normal times I’d be at work during the day, holding training sessions or developing content, but during lockdown I’ve had more time on my hands to focus on my small business. So for now, my mornings usually start with breakfast and a podcast while I potter around the house for a bit. Then I sit down and check my diary for the week ahead, catch up on emails and plan the day. I usually go for a walk or cycle during the afternoon but the rest of the day is spent either drawing, or planning upcoming work. In the evenings I’ll usually cook (I love it) then me and my partner sit down with a glass of red in front of a series 🍷

What’s been the most difficult thing to get your head around when you started up?

The most difficult thing to get my head round since I opened my business is probably costing. I always feel like I’m either charging way too much or way too little!

Have you encountered any hiccups along the way?

I don’t think I’ve encountered many hiccups (yet😳), but it has been difficult to reach a wider audience without spending lots of money on promotions or advertising.

How do you stay motivated?

Getting to know and following other artists on Instagram drives and inspires me quite a lot, it’s a very welcoming and supportive community, and that definitely helps when building a business from the ground up. Catching up with friends and family is also a huge motivator for my mood!

What’s your main marketing took/social media platform? Are there any you want to try out that you haven’t had a chance to yet?

My main platform is Instagram, I’m also on Facebook but not very active on it. I might even try my hand at TikTok soon!

What’s next for your business?

I’m planning on expanding into stationery this year. I have some graphic design experience and have always wanted to design wedding invites, so I hope that all goes well!

Do you have any advice for other women looking to start their own business?

One piece of advice I once read in an article about growing a new business has stayed with me: Always start by understanding who your audience and buyers are or will be, then tailor your product or service to that audience. Listen to what your buyers want, look at what is selling or working, and try and find gaps in the market for things your buyers are missing that nobody else is providing. I try and let that way of thinking guide me - it’s about the customer, not the product!

What do you do to relax?

I usually draw as a way to relax which is pretty helpful considering the nature of my business🤓

And lastly, what did you have for breakfast?

Smashed avocado on toast 😋🥑

Thanks Klara! Great getting to know a bit about your life as a boss babe! If you're wanting to get your hands on one of Klara's beautiful prints, head over to her Instagram page @drawnbyklara for all the info you need. x