David Beaulieu, CEO and Founder of Today is Art Day
We have asked David, our CEO, to answer 10 questions about Today is Art Day.
1. How did it start?
I’m an art lover.
Back in 2014, I wanted to make art more accessible and more fun so I decided to start a social media feed about art history. The idea was to share funny anecdotes about art every day.
We now have over 125,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Our social media handle is @todayisartday. You should check it out!
2. Tell us a funny anecdote about art.
The Mona Lisa doesn’t have eyebrows.
Wait a minute...
3. Why did you start creating art history related products?
In 2017, I had this idea to make a line of collectible figurines of famous artists. It did not quite exist at the time. And I thought they deserved it!
Our beloved Van Gogh figurine that started it all!
I took some of my savings to create a Van Gogh figurine prototype. I put together a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter and the project went viral (Bored Panda, Mashable, My Modern Met).
It was an unexpected success!
4. Did you have to quit your day job?
Yes, but not at first. The first two years were manageable doing both simultaneously. But it got too big at some point and I decided to focus on my company. The best decision I ever made!
5. What is your office like?
I work from home in beautiful Quebec City, Canada.
My desk is filled with product samples and some of my daughter’s drawings.
The company operates from a few warehouses around the world in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.
6. What are you the most proud of?
Our figurines at the Met in New York
Having our products available in over 150 museum stores around the world.
I’m a big museum goer. It’s a very funny feeling to know that our products live in the same building as some of the most famous masterpieces.
I’m sure they all come to life at night!
7. A fun fact about the company?
I have posted on Today is Art Day’s social media every single day since I started the brand in December 2014. I never missed a day. Even on my wedding day. Even when my daughters were born. Every. Single. Day.
If you don’t see a daily post someday on @todayisartday, something really bad is happening to me!
8. What do you like the most about your job?
Designing new products is the most satisfying thing in the world to me!
David in the Today is Art Day booth at the NY NOW Gift Show in 2019
I also like to attend trade shows to showcase our products to retail buyers. It gives me an opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people and also to visit new museums.
9. Anything you don’t like about your job?
Lost shipments. And being asked to fax something! Argh!
10. What is the future of Today is Art Day?
It will always be to make art history more fun. As simple as that! We hope to do this through innovative and beautifully-designed products!
Have more questions for David? Ask them in the comments!
Would you consider having a partner in Mexico? I can be thatone.