Entrepreneur of the Week
Donovan Willis Willis Fine Art
With an array of beautifully illustrated flowers, Donovan Willis, a local artist, presents his handiwork at various Lowveld markets.
Willis spent his high school years in Mbombela, after which he travelled for a while and returned home two years ago. Willis’s studio is based in Mbombela and goes by Willis Fine Art.
He creates his artworks using graphite pencils, watercolours, charcoal and a minimum of 200gsm (grams per square metre) art paper.
As far as background goes, he started in the film industry.
“I was working as a rigger. I got inspired by the creative departments in terms of art, creative concepts, writing and photography.
“I always did art at school and after returning from travelling in Malaysia, I did a two-year art sabbatical in Wilderness in the Western Cape.”
In total, he has spent five years full-time in the industry. It is not just for monetary gain, however.
“I started this business to inspire people through my art, provide graphic design services and creative solutions to businesses.”
It is more than just a business; it is a means of expressing his creativity and passion.
Any profits he makes off the current business is reinvested into marketing and educational courses. He is also looking for a bigger studio as he teaches music, too. Willis believes in promoting creative business locally, and that is why the community’s support is so important to him.
“To support local artists means enriching culture and expression. I aim at serving the community in the creative field.” Should you wish to order or collaborate with Willis, reach out to him on his Instagram page @willisfineart, contact him on WhatsApp at 078 186 4874, or email him on dmkwillis@gmail.com.