Tonidraws - Boise
After receiving her B.A. from Boise State University, Toni McMillan decided to start her own business as a portrait artist. She realized it would take more than just talent to succeed in art, and turned to the Idaho SBDC for consulting. She completed the Fast Tract II for Entrepreneur's course, winning first place for her business plan in 1995. In addition to portrait art, she added face-painting art to her product line, bringing smiles to faces of all ages at events like company picnics, parties and other events like First Night Boise. She teaches the ABC's of drawing to children 6-8 years old at "Art for Kids" each summer, and offers private instruction classes for groups ages 12 and up. She recently added photography and photo restoration to her services. Toni also does commissioned water color landscapes.
By the end of 1999, Toni had fully committed her time and effort toward the business of portrait artist, and had found she was able to generate enough commissions from local marketing efforts to make a comfortable living. Her desire to expand beyond the local market and reach clients nationally caused Toni to consider developing a web-based marketing tool to gain interest in her artwork.
Rick Vycital of the Idaho SBDC assisted Toni in allowing her business to be used as a class project in the Boise State University Webpage design and development class, lead by Dr. Sharon Tabor. Teams of students worked during the semester, with three separate website design prototypes developed.
Upon completion of the class project, Toni was introduced to LouAnn VanHorn of the Idaho Virtual Incubator, operated out of the Lewiston SBDC. The IVI and its student interns, asssist small businesses in Idaho in developing websites capable of generating e-commerce capability.
The IVI began construction of the website for Toni McMillan in January 2002. By the end of the semester, "TONIDRAWS.COM", her final web-based marketing and sales program was completed. This 30-plus page website allows potential clients to observe the various types of art Toni offers, allows payment and communication with clients, and information about Toni. The IVI assisted Toni in having the site marketed as a sponsored site, assuring her website was found within the first page of inquires on dozens of internet search engines.
Toni'ssuccess in reaching her goal of self employment and fulfillment of artistic expression is a tribute to her energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The assistance offered to Toni by Boise State University, the Idaho SBDC and the Idaho Virtual Incubator was instrumental in enabling her to reach a national audience with her services.
