Indianapolis artist uses online presence to network and connect with fans

John Essex II of EssexArt ABC creating a caricature.

EssexArt ABC, LLC

It is often said that people are most successful in business when they are passionate about what they do. If that is the case, John Essex II might be finding a pot of gold at the end of his colorful rainbow. John has found a way to turn a love of art and music into a second career. After retiring from teaching full-time after 33 years, he launched EssexArt ABC, LLC, an Indianapolis arts and entertainment company.

When John isn’t working as an adjunct professor of Art Appreciation at Marian University, he spends his time doing artwork and caricatures at parties and special events. John says that his caricature work often “spotlights a product, company, school, college or organization while providing a personalized memento for individuals who sit for them.” The caricature then becomes not only a branding item but also a souvenir.

The other aspect of John’s business involves playing the bagpipes at weddings, memorials, wakes, and funerals. Although many people associate the bagpipes with St. Patrick’s Day, John performs throughout the year at events both celebratory and solemn. On occasions that are the latter, John stresses that he does not take his participation lightly and that “decorum and protocol rule the day.”

What is particularly interesting about John’s company is that he has found a way to conduct much of his “business” online despite the actual events all being on-site. John credits the “marketing and exposure opportunities” online and adds that “the ease of communication is a big plus.” He uses sites such as Facebook and Smaller Indiana to network and promote his business.

John uses both his Facebook page and his official website to demonstrate his work. Examples of his fine art and caricatures can be found on both. In addition to seeing a little bit of the process of his caricatures, you can see some of the end results. He also uses his blog to educate about art as well as keep his fans up to date on what he is doing.

Although EssexArt ABC has only been in business officially since September 2009, John has already begun creating an active online presence that complements the word of mouth publicity that he has been getting. John loves what he does, and it is apparent that his customers love him back. For more information about EssexArt ABC, you can visit John’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/EssexArt. You can also contact John through his official website at http://essexart.webs.com/.