Peter Kivumbi
Peter Kivumbi is quite a talent and he has mastered so many things. The artist and designer focuses majorly on painting and selling art and he shares bits of his hustle.
What kind of business do you run?
I am a versatile artist.
Please elaborate
I do graphic design, fashion design, interior and exterior design, decorative painting (landscape and seascape paintings), as well as abstract paintings, batik paintings and portrait paintings.
When did you start doing this job?
I have done this since childhood. I have loved art ever since I was a child but I started earning from it in 2009 when I was in my Senior Three.
How much were you paid for your first job?
One of my teachers entrusted me with a project and he paid me Shs100,000.
How much did you invest in this business?
I invested a lot and I am still investing. Art materials are quite expensive. Buying one tube of acrylic costs Shs50,000, yet I need five tubes for just one art piece. So investing in art may require at least Shs1.5m.
For first timers. How much would it require to make an art piece?
You would need at least Shs500,000 and that can be used to buy items such as acrylic tubes, painting brushes, canvas, A3 size and primer for undercoating.
Did you study to do this job?
Yes. I did Industrial Art and Design at St Lawrence University and graduated in 2015.
How much do you charge for your pieces?
I sell each piece between Shs300,000 and Shs500,000, depending on the type of art piece one wants.
How much profit do you get from this business?
In a month I can sell three paintings at Shs500,000 each and I could make a profit of upto Shs1m.
Where do you operate from?
I operate from my home in Kyengera. I have not yet got the finances to start up a workshop.
What challenges do you face doing this business?
I have quite a number of challenges starting with art materials being too expensive, people wanting quality work at cheap prices and people not appreciating art, among other things.
How many paintings do you make in a month?
I can make about 10-12 paintings.
What materials do you use and where do you get them from?
I use painting brushes, pallets, oil and acrylic paint, canvas, primer, water, oil, painting stand etc, which I buy from different places such as Aristoc, Nasser Rd and Nakasero Market.
