Meet April Couch | Artist and CZT

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Couch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I believe that one of the biggest and most important keys to my success is relationships. I want to build and maintain relationships with my customers and not just sell them something. It’s about my story and how their purchases impact my life, the life of my family and my community. I want to get to know them, and I want them to get to know me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I draw very detailed patterns on 3D functional items as well as pen ink drawings that are then printed on cards, coloring books, and t shirts. Every 3D piece that I create is one-of-a-kind. My process is all done by hand without computers, stencils or transfers. Anything is possible one line at a time!

I am proud of the fact that I am in my 9th year as a full-time artist. Having a degree in business and a 17-year career in banking was very beneficial in starting and maintaining my business. I believe that it is very important for artists/creatives to have a good working knowledge of business to help them be successful.

One of the keys to my success is diversification. When you come into my studio, you will see my art printed on several different items from cards to coasters and ranging in price from a few dollars for printed works to a few thousand dollars for original pieces. My goal is to make art accessible to any anyone who wants it, and a diverse array of items allows me to do that.

We must change the “starving artist” narrative, and encourage and educate the next generation so that they have a clear path or road map to success as an artist. I believe that we are all born with gifts or talents, and it’s never to late to become who you were born to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Places to visit for viewing and purchasing Art – Summit Artspace and The Akron Art Museum Akron Soul Train, Myers School of Art at the University of Akron

Shopping Small – Northside Market Place, Northside Cellar, Don Drumm Studios

Places to eat – Luigi’s, Crave, Diamond Deli, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely, my husband of 32 years, Paul! I can’t even begin to explain the importance of having the love and support of the people who are closest to you. He has been there since day one many times sacrificing his own needs to help me achieve my dreams.

Website: totallytangledcreations.com

Instagram: thetangledowl

Facebook: totallytangledcreations by April Nicholson-Couch