Interview with...Shema Ladva

Every other month, Perfect layout goes out into the community to talk to local businesses. The aim is share with our readers the personal experiences of these companies. What has worked for them and what they could do a little better…

Perfect Layout believe that sharing knowledge and experiences is a great way to help other local businesses. Attracting customers to the Essex area is paramount if independent companies are to thrive.

As a result, we are keen to promote the awesome, creative and varied companies that exist right here on our Essex doorstep.

Read on to find out more about a talented artist that works just around the corner…

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Business name – Shema Ladva

Owner – Shema Ladva
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Location – Romford

How long have you been an artist for?
I would say about 17 years since I graduated, I’ve been doing it from day one.

Did you always want to be an artist?
Absolutely! From the age of 9 I knew. During an art class at school I drew a still life of a pot plant and my teacher said that mine was the best.

Is this your full-time job?
Yes.

What type of artwork do you produce?
Currently, I am doing large illustrations with pen and ink. Six years ago, I stopped painting and I am enjoying illustrations so much that I might not paint again for a good few years.

​What inspires your creativity?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my surroundings. I like drawing communities and people in the communities. I also enjoy drawing landscapes and cityscapes as well as poultry, which sounds a little odd, but I love it!

​What type of mediums do you work with?
Currently I am working with pen and ink. Although I’ve previously worked with paints, print making, animation but drawing seems to come up as my favourite.
 
Who buys your artwork?
People who visit my exhibitions, primarily. I currently have a gallery that help me to sell my work to a third party.
 
How can your customers find you?
Social media. I have Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter and a personal website.
 
Do you sell any of your work through your website?
No.
 
Do you think that your website is a good medium through which to sell your artwork?
Currently no.

​Have you thought about growing your business more through your website, i.e. create an e-commerce website that would allow people to peruse your work more as though they were in a shop?
Not really.

What other digital marketing do you do to sell your artwork?
I’m on a couple of on-line galleries but they’re not really selling anything.

What advice would you give to other artists trying to successfully sell their artwork?
I would say that sometimes you’ve got to wear the business hat, which I lack. You’ve got to get yourself out there and be happy about promoting what you do, which I think I need to work on.

What plans do you have for 2018? Will we be able to visit your new creations anywhere?
I am working towards a show that will be at The Havering Museum in October. During the year more, exhibitions will start to pop up and I’ll see whether or not my work is suitable to submit.

Where do you see your artwork business going in the next five years?
Hopefully, I’ll be more comfortable wearing the business hat and be happier with promoting my work. I want to be climbing that ladder of success and I want to head to the top.

​So, if you’re looking for some artwork that will add life to a bare wall, how about you check out some of Shema’s amazing creations via:

Facebook – Shema Ladva
Twitter - Shema Ladva
Instagram - shemaladvaarts
​Email -  [email protected]

If you have a business that you would like to feature in this regular slot, why not get in touch? We’d love to hear from you!