How did you hit on this unique painted clocks idea?
Shalini Verma
I enjoy painting and decided to fix a clock to the frame of a painting in my house to give it more utility value. Visitors became interested in the concept and the idea just took off over a year ago.
Is it now big enough to be called a business?
Not really, but yes it does pay me more than what I earned as a teacher. It also gives me more time to experiment and try out things. But, as I have not yet commercially pushed my trait, you really can’t slot it as business.
Why did you give up your full-time job?
I was bored with my teaching job which was going nowhere. I wanted to do something more creative.
What is the kind of investment and money that goes into this art?
Painting does not cost much. All you need is a board and some basic equipment. I invested only a couple of thousand rupees. But it takes about a week to get a painting done, fix the clock and get it framed.
Do people request for specific designs?
Yes, quite often. They sometimes even get a picture of what they want to be painted. If it is a cartoon character it can take a day or two. But if it is anything more detailed it can take more than a week. Businessmen come with specific requirements that go with their office decor.
How profitable is the venture?
Immensely, if I consider self-satisfaction and creative outflow. I charge Rs 2,500 onwards for a painting. The maximum that I have got for a painting-cum-clock was Rs 5,000. I am quite content with my work.
