The Builder's Studio

First, a few basics:

Peter J. Pochylski, from Western NY State (yeah, well outside the Big Apple), also known as THe Builder’s Studio.

What’s your story? How’d you get started creating your art?

Artist for many years, since kid even, traditional painting and the like. But just a few years ago barely, started working in wood, combining that old fashioned material with new and futuristic items and styles. It got good reviews from the start and have little time for other art now! Trying to make this my only source now, doing Ok as far as art goes but IS a struggle with this economy.

What are some resources you’ve found invaluable to your work?

Books? Websites? Sorry, my memory and imaginings, supplimented by my love of literature, movies and even TV.

How do you get the word about about your hustle?

Tell everyone. Use places like Flickr in a casual way. Wait. Oh, don’t forget the biggee… MAKE GREAT STUFF or forget the whole thing.

Where do you find your inspiration and/or motivation?

See above. A lifetime of daydreaming.

What are some of your challenges and how do you deal with them?

Mundane, day to day things that suck your time, which IS also the computer! Unfortuneately the small percentage of truly horrific customers that can slash the goodness of all the rest! ANd all you can do in most cases is endure. Read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denesovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, my favorite novel.

What are some things you wish you had that would make your work easier?

More, “fancier” tools. An assistant. More time (as in IN THE STUDIO).

How has this so-called recession affected the way you conduct business?

If I have extra time I try to promote a little more, put more new items on. It’s sad to see people throw away so much money EVEN NOW on Wallyworld type items and tons of overpriced but still crappy take-out food, and yet won’t buy original art, even jewelry or “practical” items!

Which people or organizations do you look up to? Why?

This is a wild question for today. Not much “today.” Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo DaVinci. I don’t think I need to say why.
Organizations? The “organization” of free, independent workers, artists, writers (I do that too)… hurray for freelancers!

What is the work you’re most proud of?

In my current “line” I’d say the Big Fish Walker, and my Elegant Robot Cake Topper couple.

What are you working on currently?

Hundreds of items in various stages that I stuggle to get too! New items this coming months, a GORGEOUS (If I do say so myself) Tin Soldier Robot complete with muskette rifle and sabre sword. A T Rex. Cutaway Rocket Ship.

What is your dream project? Where do you plan on going with your business/hustle?

Something BIG and super complex! Some ideas in the works. Too early to say. Go? Further… more items, more fun for me and others, and yes, more money, so fewer worries, less time on “bull” and more on, well, creating more!

How has your dedication to your hustle/hobby/business affected your personal life?

As I said, too little time for everything, but since I am happier, things are only better!

What is something you know now that you wish you’d known before?

That “it” would work! But would indeed, no matter what, take more time to come to a full “steam!”

What is something you’ve learned on your path that you would share with anyone just starting out?

At this point I would mainly just be repeating some things I have said above. And “not giving up” … do I really need to say that? But maybe, make sure you are having fun… it shows and helps, HURTS everything when you are not! And people can tell.