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Sometimes the stars align and everything falls into place.
Add two young, talented entrepreneurs willing to put in 70-hour weeks and you have the success that is the Scribble Art Studio.
The business began in 2009 when artist Carrie Christian agreed to take over a class of four students for an artist friend who was moving to New York.
At the time, Christian, 36, who holds a bachelor’s degree in illustration and master’s of fine arts in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design, was busy making a name for herself in the national and international art world. With works in museums from Mobile to New Orleans, as well as numerous private collections, she was also featured in Southern Editions of “New American Paintings.”
“I really hadn’t thought about teaching,” she said. “I was just going to finish up my friend’s obligation.
“I had no idea how much I would love it.”
It wasn’t long before four students became 10 and the one class became four, then two a day, then four a day.
“It was mostly children and all word-of-mouth from mom to mom,” Christian said, still seemingly surprised at the slow snowball that has become a full-time business.
But not without the catalyst that is Tara Garrigan.
Christian and Garrigan met through a mutual friend two years ago.
A 2009 SCAD graduate and accomplished artist in her own right, Garrigan, too, was a natural teacher.
“I believe in stimulating young minds through art,” Garrigan said. “They can learn fundamentals and build skills, all while exploring their imagination.”
The two quickly formed a partnership, with both teaching and Garrigan running the business end of the enterprise.
“Tara has the business head,” Christian said. “She suggested we do birthday parties and things really took off after that.”
Today, Scribble Arts Studio offers group, private and semi-private lessons, as well as workshops, birthday parties and “Mommy and Me” classes.
“We also host art shows, where our students display their work, and we work with various groups such as the Live Oak Public Libraries, Girl Scouts and Savannah Children’s Theatre,” Christian said.
Scribble works with charitable organizations, including their own venture — Scribble on Wheels, which brings art to the children at Backus Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center.
Garrigan, whose degree is in sequential art, also works with students trying to get into the visual arts programs at Garrison and Savannah Arts Academy.
“I help them assemble their portfolios and prepare for the drawing audition,” she said.
While they work mostly with children, Scribble Arts also offers adult classes.
Next month, they will celebrate the grand opening of their second studio — this one in Pooler — with an art show and reception.
And, while theirs could be called an overnight success, both Christian and Garrigan are quick to point out there is no substitute for hard work.
“We’re open seven days a week,” Christian said. “One of us is always here. We average 70 to 80 hours a week and neither of us has had a day off in months.”
Garrison, ever the businesswoman, nodded.
“If we want to be successful, we have to be flexible enough to accommodate last-minute requests,” she said. “For example, a rainy summer day might get really busy, really fast.”
In addition to teaching, the two have to answer emails, prep for classes and stay on top of their social media marketing.
They are slowly beginning the process of hiring extra help, a task that’s not as easy as it sounds, they added.
“We teach mostly children, so we have to have someone who is responsible and reliable, patient and smart — someone who is willing to learn on the job,” Christian said.
While repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals have allowed them the luxury of opening a second location, the two are not about to rest on their laurels.
“It’s not enough to maintain,” Garrigan said. “We have to keep pushing forward if we’re going to be the best at what we do.”
ABOUT SCRIBBLE ART STUDIO
Scribble Art Studio has two locations, 212 E. 37th St., just north of Sisters Court, and 114 Canal St. in Pooler. Call 912-323-0123 or go to www.thescribbleartstudio.com for a list of classes. Fees run from $170 for an eight-week class to $160 for four private lessons, with sibling and military discounts available.
ABOUT THE GRAND OPENING
Scribble Art Studio will celebrate the grand opening of its Pooler location with a Valentine’s-themed art show and party Feb. 9 from 6-8 p.m. The party, which will include activities and refreshments, is free and open to the public.