Hello, my name is Ken Bayard, the owner of Summit Metal Designs. My craft is metal art.
I started this business July 2013 with little knowledge of the craft. I worked in automotive prototype company, so I had some background in the materials I'm using and the machines/tools I'd be using. I lost that job in 2012, which thrust me into survival mode after my search for a comparable job was not going well. I went back to school and earned a degree in Alternative Energy Engineering... that too did not help much in my job quest. So I had to do something to bring in some money. On a whim, I sold my old classic Mustang to fund my hair brained idea.
I wont say I'm killing it, but doing ok for my first year of business... and my crash course in running a business. I am trying to soak up as much info as I can to be as good and successful as I can. My art started out as you might expect a newbies work to be, but it is getting better.
I am a father of two beautiful girls (6 and 3) and a husband to one of the most understanding lady on the face of the earth. My wife has been very supportive (more so now that she sees I can actually make some money... lol). I am a sports nut and work part time for the university/team I scream my head off for Michigan State University.
I look forward to meeting some of you at some regional shows and if you see my banner, please say hello!
Ken Bayard
Replies
Glad to have you join us, Ken, and now that I know where you are from I see why you were interested specifically in the Michigan shows. In general it may be too late to get into any this year. Suppose you have learned how early they are juried already. You might also look into Art and Apples in Rochester, MI, second weekend of Sept. and (I hate to say it because there is so much buy/sell) but Milford Memories might be a place to solidify what you want to do in this business.
Hello Ken...welcome and thanks for sharing your story with us. This is the spot for support, experience and knowledge. We're happy to have you among us and wish you the best.
Hi Ken! Glad you came over from the other site! Welcome aboard.