Who are you?
Asia Scudder
What is your business?
Sculptor (Asia Scudder Designs) and Non-profit Executive Director, (Art. Tech. Innovation. Inc. 501(3)- c)
Is there a story behind your business?
I am a systems person. By that I mean that I enjoy working behind the scenes to put collaborative efforts together whether in art, business or innovation. This is how I approach my work both as a sculptor and as a non-profit agent.
What problem(s) are you/your business trying to help solve?
Right now as a sculptor, how to get my work into the marketplace in a career-oriented and with sustainable income. Creating bridges between creating the work and selling is the highest priority for me as an artist. As a non profit the problems are similar but on a broader scale, mapping the pathways for creative entrepreneurs to find their voices in their vision, discovering the scalability of their work and turning that into a marketable product while introducing the general public and other entreprenuers to new ideas and concepts as well *Notably using IT tools that are marketplace driven such as apps, light, sound, augmented reality and more futuristic IT products.
How is your company changing the world?
We hope to find ways to establish inroads for creative entrepreneurs in the world of marketing and production. This hope is feed others with the key ingredients that will help them to establish those lines of communication as well, opening to national or even global markets. We don’t stop at just plain creativity – my hope is to teach tools to develop and understand sustainable outcomes which include profitability for artists and startups as part of a changing global picture. Example: Cultural innovation pop-up: at local restaurant with traditional spices and foods from Dominican Republic we include the music of South America with local musician.
Why do you like about being a part of the bigger CI Works puzzle?
At CI Works, diversity means ingenuity and collaboration from unexpected places. As a person who is labeled as an artist, I get to work towards the unexpected with people of different backgrounds who are seeking different outcomes for their work.
What do you hope your company’s next milestone will be?
As a sculptor, getting myself to the point of manufacturing certain pieces I have created could become the bread and butter of profits for my company. For the non profit finding either a grant or a patron would be an ideal milestone.
What’s cool about your team?
I have spoke to diversity, that includes all backgrounds and types of businesses. For example, we are working on a floating iceberg installation that includes solar panels from INRoof Solar incorporated into our sculpture, allowing nighttime viewing in a public space.
Are there any causes you are passionate about?
Allowing easy access to tools that provide inspiration for others. Whether that is through collaboration, social media, workshops, grants or field trips.
What is your biggest fear?
Having to get an 8 – 5 job!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Receiving a grant towards a three-part lecture series on contemporary photography from the Mass Humanities Council.
What is something most people don’t know about you/your brand?
It includes whimsy and design that is something that I create simply, but actually has quite a bit of history, research and incorporates those educational elements in the work. The intention is simplicity, to conform a complicated piece of artwork into an aesthetic design. For the non profit, we are working towards a Virtual reality exhibit Summer 2018. (shhhh!)
What advice do you have for other small businesses?
Stay open to new opportunities, don’t let fear be an excuse, and ask a lot of questions as you grow and expand your ideas!
To learn more about Asia Scudder visit her websites: