Interview Art of Rotterdam by Mijnwebwinkel

Crazy about Rotterdam? Govert makes sure you can enjoy this city every day with his prints and paintings. We took a look behind the scenes.

1. How did Art of Rotterdam come into being?

I have been drawing my whole life and have always been interested in cities and buildings. I was increasingly asked to paint Rotterdam and I thought: 'I have to do something with that'. At first I had a portfolio site where everything was on, but for many private individuals the paintings were too expensive. That is why I also started selling digital work and reproductions of paintings via my webshop at the end of 2015. This way they can also have something on their wall for a good price.

2. How are things going so far?

It's going well! I hardly advertise but people know how to find me, mainly through Google and word of mouth. Making a painting takes a lot of time, but I can combine it perfectly with my part-time job as a 'visual thinker' at Jongens van de Tekenen. It's a matter of being flexible and not scheduling deadlines too tightly.

3. Your product is really niche. Does that make selling harder or easier?

I notice that it actually makes it easier. I can focus on one target group and quickly get on the same page with my clients, with whom I share the same proud feeling about Rotterdam. When I get an assignment, I ask what they like about the location or the building and then I include that in the sketch. Maybe in the future I will also depict other cities in the world, but for now Rotterdam really remains 'my' city from which I get the most inspiration.

"Everyone likes something different about the city and has their own favorite. That's what makes it so much fun."

4. Who are your customers besides Rotterdam residents?

Actually, I only have clients from Rotterdam and the surrounding area. Many of them are companies that want business gifts or a gift for a colleague who is leaving. Occasionally I have clients from outside, for example Feyenoord fans or people who lived or studied in Rotterdam. For example, I am currently working on an assignment for someone who studied at Erasmus University and wants a painting of that as a souvenir. Occasionally I have a client from Amsterdam, but of course that shouldn't be too many, haha ​​;-)

5. How exactly do you go about it?

For a new assignment, I first call the client. They have often seen an example on the site. Then I make a sketch of the composition and buildings off the cuff. If it is good, I paint on canvas with acrylic. In between, I show photos of the progress and finally of the end result. It is not that I make something and that is it, but I really take clients along in the process. Then the work goes to a framer and people come to pick it up or I bring it along. The last time was at a company. Everyone came to look and it was really unveiled, very nice!

6. What do you find important about your products?

I think it is important that the colours are good and that it lasts a long time. If you buy something, it should not become less beautiful after a few years. It was quite a search for the right supplier. I have ordered samples several times and visited to see the entire process. In the meantime, I have found professionals for both the materials and the frames. The materials that I use are quite expensive, which makes the products more expensive; €50 is quite a sum. But otherwise the quality will be less and then I cannot sell it well.

7. Which drawing or painting is (your) favorite?

The painting where Rotterdam is shown in its entirety is my favorite, that is also the most successful work . On it everyone can point out where he or she lives or works. My work has two styles: the detailed line work and a more abstract style with many patterns and black or white areas. Everyone finds something different beautiful about the city and has their own favorite. That is what makes it so much fun.

8. What do you still hope to achieve with Art of Rotterdam?

The brand could still become more widely known within the city. One way to do this is to sell work in physical stores. For example, I sell prints at Hutspot and regularly exhibit in restaurants and coffee bars. In the coming period I will focus on offering my work to other retailers. Sometimes I dream of having my own gallery/store in a nice place in the city, who knows...

9. Do you have any tips for starting entrepreneurs?

It's an open door, but keep it to yourself. Make your webshop a bit more personal here and there. I notice that it's a plus when people know who is behind the webshop. That gives confidence. When designing your shop, also look closely at how big brands do it, because you can learn a lot from that. And: don't make it too complicated. I sometimes wonder whether I give people enough choices in terms of format and material, but an overview gives people peace of mind. I don't like it when there are too many choices either. In addition, it's a matter of continuing to respond to questions from your customers and adjusting your offer if necessary.

10. What do you like most about being your own boss?

The best thing I find is that you are very flexible and that you do it all for yourself. Because of that, it doesn't really feel like work. It's great when you get an email from someone who has found your work and is very enthusiastic about it. Not only do I get to do what I love most: making drawings of the city that I love, but that others are also willing to pay for it and want to look at it every day is really great. That gives me a lot of energy.