Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Chase.
Hi Devin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started in 2015 shortly after landing my first job out of college in the corporate world. It was so cool to be working in a large office and having quick conversations around the coffee pot, however it just didn’t satisfy my creativity. I decided I needed to use it because I couldn’t lose the job. I created some artwork both digitally and physically and had planned to set up a booth at the art fair in Fort Lauderdale. I had some friends in marketing at the company, and they helped me make a large print of my first logo, it was all starting to come together. I would work my 8-5 and then go home and create and prep for these “artwalk” shows once a month. I would tell all my friends, so they could stop by. After a while, it slowly started to dwindle, fewer people bought art and I started to lose faith. Other things became priorities and my art got put on the back-burner. With new jobs in between that were more demanding, less of my time went towards my art.
Fast forward to March 2020, my full-time job got reduced to part-time due to the pandemic. I was trying to find other part-time job opportunities so that I could stay afloat, which was difficult to find during this time. I certainly had more time for art, I thought I could start it back up and create art, and if people wanted to purchase it- great! So I opened up Mini Mod Studio again. Now, I have this amazing community of people that I have met through Mini Mod in Orlando as well as in other locations across the U.S. I know the pandemic had caused us all to be more secluded, but I never felt that way through all of the friends and fellow creatives that I had met.
Alright, 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?
I wish I could say yes! In the beginning, when I would set up for art shows it would take a lot out of me. I would be on my feet for most of the day and lifting and packing lots of heavy set-up equipment. I was the poor, starving artist, I would spend money on getting my art printed, packaging supplies, business cards, booth set-up fees etc. It was probably the hardest to put all the effort in and come out upside down and not making any sales. Now I have a different mind-set and am more confident in my art and most importantly, I do it because it makes me happy. It is also hard to put a price on my art, I think that’s something that all artists struggle with. I fear someone telling me my art isn’t worth that amount.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist and an Interior Designer. I grew up painting and creating all kinds of art starting at the age of four. When I was 15 I decided I wanted to be an Interior Designer. 15 years later, I am doing just that. I am an Interior Designer, I specialize in commercial offices, retail, and restaurants. I also have experience in residential design. What sets me apart from others is I am first and foremost an artist, so I have that vision and problem-solving attitude. I also can design beautiful spaces without breaking the bank. I am known for being creative and bringing the big vision to life.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Transparency & trust, I think both of these qualities go hand in hand. I am always transparent with my clients from the very beginning. This creates trust, which is the most important to build with my clients. When a client trusts me, the end result always turns out amazing.
Contact Info:
- Email: theminimod@gmail.com
- Website: minimod.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minimod.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mini-Mod-Studio-105498358163157
Image Credits
Amalie Orrange – The Branded Boss Lady
