Ask an Artist: Interview with Gary Thompson, CEO of Jackson’s Art Supplies
Season 5, Episode 5: Interview with Gary Thompson, CEO of Jackson’s Art Supplies
In this episode Tom and Peter interview Gary Thompson, the founder and CEO of Jackson’s Art Supplies, about his journey from humble painter to founding and growing a now global art supplies company.
Gary's story is an example of how careers in the art world are not necessarily planned or straight forward but how creativity, drive and a belief in delivering the best you can, will ultimately bring about success.
In the first half, Gary talks about how he went to art school and shortly after, set up a gallery with a friend before moving on to starting a mail-order art supplies company. When this went “pear-shaped”, Gary was able to call upon his experience and the good relationships he had already established in the art world to launch, what would eventually become, Jackson’s as we know it today. The thread which runs through Gary’s business journey is one of making the most of opportunities which come your way and growing a business, bit by bit, with an ultimate eye on delivering the best products.
After the break, Gary talks about Jackson’s ethos and the commitment the company has to sourcing and providing quality products. He also talks about the importance of their relationships with their customers and the additional opportunities Jackson’s now offers; education through the blog and the Jackson’s Art prize.
This week’s takeaway… Jackson’s Art Supplies are a leading global art supplier and Gary’s story shows us why - at the heart of the business is a small, passionate and dedicated team of Artists and creatives, who all want to share what they love and deliver the best products they can, for all Artists, everywhere.
For more information, visit their website: www.jacksonsart.com
Main photo: Gary Thompson in the Jackson’s Studio.
All photos courtesy of Jackson’s.
This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.
For more information please visit Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art Supplies: www.jacksonsart.com
Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA.
