A thriving publishing business has grown in Cannonvale, with local Vladimir Stankovic transforming his lifelong creativity into ‘Wild Garden Publishing’ with the support of our Self Employment Assistance Program.
Vlad had always been a keen artist and had created a fantastic collection of work including standalone prints, illustrations and even fantasy stories. However, despite being passionate about his craft, it was a push from his local employment consultant who helped explore growing his passion into a viable business.
Emma from AimBig Employment had already experienced the benefits of referring previous participants to our Self Employment Assistance Program and recognised it could be a great step for Vlad too.
“Vlad had these incredible artworks and designs but no clear pathway forward” she said.
“I’d referred potential business owners to My Pathway before, and I knew they could help Vlad turn this into something real.”
Vlad was partnered with our Small Business Mentor Cass Walsh, who also saw his talent and worked alongside him to tend the seed ideas of a sustainable, creative enterprise. Together, they planned the publishing business strategically, modelled financial details, forecast milestones and developed effective branding and promotion.
“Vlad is a real artist, he genuinely sees the world in more detail than most” said Cass.
“By combining his creative vision with practical sales strategies and real numbers, he’s already becoming a recognised, local, artistic business.”
Wild Garden Publishing is now producing and marketing Vlad’s work including art prints, canvas pieces, fantasy books, greeting cards, magnets, and functional art stationery. With the pieces appealing as everything from gallery pieces, office décor, keepsakes, and even as local souvenirs, he’s attracting attention wherever he displays them.
Recent pop-up stalls at local shopping centers have been very successful with children and families drawn in and captivated by the immersive world he creates, and Wild Garden Publishing is quickly gaining a strong local following.
Wild Garden Publishing’s journey is a powerful example of what can grow when creative talent is nourished with the right business support. Through our Self Employment Assistance Program, Vlad hasn’t just learned how to sell his art, he’s learned how to grow a future around it.