Name of your website?Two Purring Cats Design Studio Clothing and Gifts
Your name?
Carolyn McFann
Your Location (city, etc)
Tampa Bay, Florida
What kind of site is this?
Two Purring Cats is a large, ever-growing online store for animal and nature lovers. Here we have a great selection of soft, pre-shrunk cotton clothing; as well as items for home, office and garden. All designs are detailed and realistic. Find breeds of farm animals, sea life, dogs, cats and much more here, all in tasteful, living color.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I've been a freelance illustrator for over twenty five years, and selling online makes my job much easier. I fired my agent and took on my own selling, for better profits and satisfaction. It's not work to me, it's fun that I just happened to be paid to do (even the web management).
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I have many, many sites but this one is my most popular. Just Google my name, Carolyn McFann, and you will see how many there are. I forget which was started first, but I've been writing articles online for years, and selling my art through others.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Being a workaholic, I live at my drafting table and on the computer. My cats take it upon themselves to be with me every step of the way, they both pile themselves in my lap or on my desk as I work, then get up to eat when I take my breaks. It seemed only natural to name this site after them since they inspire much of my cat artwork.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
I have spent an entire lifetime living what I do. Having been a professional artist with a following since the age of twelve (back then, with help from family), art isn't a hobby and neither are my subjects. They are my life. I photograph, travel to visit and live among them. I even spent two years living in tropical Mexico to be immersed in the flora and fauna, as I worked for a large company doing illustrations there. I have chosen not to have a family, this is my life and all my time goes into what I do, gladly.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I hope to do more travelling abroad in Europe and the Orient, taking photographs and documenting nature in detail over there. I'd like to meet more people who love nature like I do, and would love to write a book on art and nature. Most of my income goes back into what I do. I would love to have the publicity and success of someone like Thomas Kincade but with a totally different style of work than his.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I am very strict with my budget. I have to be because the income of a freelance illustrator can fluxuate wildly. When I was young, I'd live it up then starve for a few months afterwards. I don't starve now, but I live a basic and secure existance, on a lake with nature all around. When I can or work allows, I travel.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would redesign everything and make it more user friendly. When I can afford to, I want to step up to a much flashier format.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes. I have had surges in sales in the past and have hired people to help whenever necessary. It's no problem sending off large quantities, having worked for a tropical fish warehouse years ago I know all about running things in a wholesale way.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Personal problems usually bring the unexpected costs, such as illness (sick cat, for example), or car repair. Working from home, I rely less on cars now, which helps a lot. I have whatever I need close by, yet live as if I was living in the country, in a quiet side street. No more living too far from civilization for me, too isolated when emergencies arise.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Clinical depression has been something that has been a challenge but I don't let it rule me. It could, easily, if I let it. There was a lot of abuse and dysfunction in my upbringing but my art was the key out of an unfulfilling home life. I work hard to stay positive and be loving to those in my family but I choose a kinder and gentler existance. It has been a rough road but I am ok, and its made me tenacious in my work, I never give up. Survivors are like that.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Going to shows, talking to people and showing my work. It is important to let people know about you, otherwise, how would they know, with a sea of sites out there?
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
No, it was a challenge I took on and work to upgrade constantly.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I've had this site for four years and will continue with it.
What do you recommend for those coming out of art school?
When in college, if you can double major in art and business, do it. My school (Rochester Institute of Technology) didn't allow it, but I wanted to. Learn business, one way or another. Art school generally doesn't tell you how to sell, just how to do the work. You must promote yourself and be savvy to those out there who want to take your work and not pay. Watch out for those who just want to promote without pay. Everyone wants you to do work for them, for "exposure". If you want to, do it, but don't let yourself be consumed by giving freebies to others or you won't make anything to live on. It's the difference between being successful and starving. You have a service, like a doctor or mechanic. Don't be afraid to charge for it and stick by your prices.
What is your website address?
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