In 1997, totally frustrated by constant rejections from the business sector, I founded Reed Productions Limited.
This was not necessarily the way I wanted to go, but I knew that my concepts were sound, and that until I could find a business person/entity who could see the same potential and possibilities as me, I had two choices, either to give up on the idea, or to start up my own business. When I know something is right, I don't give up.
At the same time, I had my first introduction to the computer. Along with many other leads, I connected with the WDA (Welsh Development Agency) who told me about a new tele cottage which had just started up in Crickhowell. I have to say that other than this particular lead, the WDA was of very little help to me over the ensueing years.
By volunteering at the tele cottage one afternoon a week, I was taught basic computer skills. I also became eligible for web site funding. I did this for two years until I got my own computer in 1999.
Meanwhile I was doing all the things one is told to do when starting up a new business. I exhibited at trade fairs, started to build a relatiohship with my business banking people at Lloyds, and networked as much as was humanly possible.
Remember along with all of this, I was still working on the Church panels in 1997, (they were dedicated that September) In that same year, I made two workshop trips to the States, and I did another mural project in an hotel outside of Birmingham. All of this was to support me financially while getting Reed Productions off the ground.
The outline of the business was this: I would produce images which had the magical 'mass appeal' factor.
My factory was a table...my tools were paints, brushes and paper.
With the print technology growing by the minute, I knew that I could 'print to order' If an hotel wanted 30 prints from one image - I could now do that.
This also meant warehousing would not be necessary.
At the same time, I connected with a ocmpany who could reproduce very large images, which would allow me to offer clients limited edition murals.
As stated in the Reed Productions marketing info, we could provide 'murals to postcards and everything in between'
Reed Productions would own the copyrites to all the original works.
Given that even back then, I could have an original water colour reproduced for as little as £2 - and given that my overheads were so low...the markups were very high.
In short, the higher the volume, the lower the costs, the higher the profits.
O.K. so why was it so hard to find an individual or entity that could see the potential in this. Tomorrow I will talk more about that.
Meanwhile here are two images that has the mass appeal factor - enjoy.
Back to London today to purchase carpeting for the new flat.
A Bientot
