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January 7-13, 2021 Dubbo Photo News
Because the Dubbo Region is the best place to build your career DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the Dubbo region offers. DUBBO WORKS is a community-building initiative brought to you by Fletcher International Exports and Dubbo Photo News. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@dubbophotonews.com.au phone 6885 4433.
ARTMAKER
A fixation on imagination
Tiffany Patterson says imagination sparked her small business start-up and she loves working in that space from her Dubbo home. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/EMY LOU
By NATALIE LEWIS TIFFANY Patterson has worked in childcare, but this year she turned her flair for creativity into 3D printing and design business Imagination Fixation. The mum of two describes the venture as a ‘creative arts business currently focused on 3D printing services, some 3D design and abstract art work including painted canvases.’ Inspired by her parents’ hair salon and a desire to be her own boss, Mrs Patterson took the leap of faith in July, using Etsy, her website and social media as her main marketing tools. “I run the business from our home office in Dubbo; however sales are all online and our main store front is IF3DPrintingAU on Etsy,” she explained. Along with creating and sourcing design inspiration for customers, daily tasks include printer
maintenance and preparing orders for shipping. “General business operation includes social media marketing, updating website and Etsy store, bookkeeping, invoicing, updating clients individually on the progress of their ordered prints, discussing client concepts and reviewing custom order requests. “Plus an acrylic pouring painting here and there when I find the time or feel inspired.” While the wish to create extra income to pay for private school fees was a key motivator, the business is the perfect culmination of Mrs Patterson’s business background and creative interests. With a young family, it is also something she can do from home with relative ease. “I have seen firsthand the great family flexibility that small business can create. I also have a Certificate IV in small business management, statements of at-
tainment in bookkeeping and experience in the finance industry. All those skills plus many extra tech skills my husband has taught me have all come together. “Having experience in the early childhood industry and the finance industry is unusual but I think it gives me an advantage because I am just as excited to work with every client no matter their age, background or skill level.” With help from her husband Ben, who works in creative arts education, and enthusiastic daughter Piper, Mrs Patterson said Imagination Fixation is a family affair. They also have a young son, Finnley. “The business is just me as a sole trader but as with all small family business operations, my husband Ben does chip in when he can. My five-year-old daughter asks for ‘a turn of making a 3D print’ and may eventually design
with me in a decade or so. “She tells everyone she meets ‘we run a business’ so I suppose she is involved in word of mouth marketing.” For now, Imagination Fixation is a small home-based start-up company, but in the future Mrs Patterson has bold ambitions to create a collaborative arts space. “I would love to take things to a completely new level and have a physical space like a workshop where people can come and be creative together, learn new skills, share hobbies and interests, maybe run design or art classes and offer other local artists physical space to create or display their work. “It is a big dream and seems very far away right now but I am a people person and I would love to share a creative arts business with the incredible artists in the Dubbo community.” Mrs Patterson believes Imagi-
nation Fixation’s point of difference is excellent communication between the company and clients who range from people looking for unique products to industry professionals and the table top gaming community. “We care about our carbon footprint, we love to be creative and offer high quality products and services but the reputation I am building and hope to be known for is excellent communication with clients. “I want to build strong professional relationships but be flexible enough to work with expert 3D designers or complete novices who need more help understanding what 3D printing is.” That’s why I came up with my tag line Bringing Imagination To Life In 3D. Everyone has an imagination and that means there are endless possibilities.”