Conversations with Cori Couch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Couch.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My name is Cori Couch, and I am the local artist and designer behind Cori Dymond Designs.

When I graduated from the University of North Carolina, I began working full-time as a User Experience Designer in the healthcare industry, which I still do today. Because my professional design career is more research and insights-based design, I explored other outlets for my creative energies.

As a result, I started my side business, Cori Dymond Designs, in 2017. In addition to selling my art and designs online in my Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/coridymond), I sell my products through various local stores in Raleigh and have participated in First Friday shows. I hope to partner with some additional stores in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham soon. I’ve used social media, mostly my Instagram: @coridymond, and the supportive arts community in the Triangle to market my artwork, designs, and related business.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I think all artists and designers face certain challenges when they turn their passion into a business, but for me, every step has been an experience that has helped me learn and grow, even after 5 years. Sales certainly ebb and flow and there have been times where I have needed to put my business or current strategies on hold, but in those moments I have learned to take a step back and explore other sales outlets or new products.

Recently, I’ve been mailing, emailing, DMing, and visiting various businesses where I want to sell my work just to explore new connections and partnerships. So I think for me, the hardest part has been finding the time to put in the legwork! Through it all, I have found that the Triangle has an incredibly supportive network that provides numerous opportunities for creators to showcase their work and make connections if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Of course. I design bright and colorful paintings, prints, postcards, and stickers, and have a collection of funky abstract watercolor paintings and prints. Most of my graphic design prints are inspired by the cities that I love, including Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham. I enjoy creating designs that convey the joy and pride people possess related to the places they live and love. Currently, I am operating my small business out of my home through Etsy sales, but I also sell many of my designs at DECO Raleigh.

My most popular products tend to be my Raleigh and Chapel Hill stickers and postcards, but I have many more designs and products that I currently sell, or that are in the works! Some of my notable designs are my colorful city skyline collection and my street sign print collection.

During First Friday shows in Raleigh, I have also sold a handful of my abstract painting collection, which includes a series of colorful watercolor and Indian ink patterns. I also sell 8×10 prints of some of my larger art pieces.

What were you like growing up?

Growing up, I was a very spunky, messy, outgoing, and imaginative kid. I loved crafts and making things, but I wasn’t necessarily artistic when I was young. I DID always need an outlet for expression, and from an early age, that outlet for me was dancing. It wasn’t until I suffered an injury when I was 15 years old that I began exploring other creative outlets.

That’s when I turned to art. From then on, I loved painting, designing, and creating. Luckily for me, my mom is an incredible artist, so she always had canvases, paints, scrap papers, and craft materials around the house that she was happy to share. My access to these resources and a constant source of inspiration from my mom definitely sparked my interest in art and design and has helped me maintain and cherish that interest to this day!

I also grew up in Winter Park, Florida, and did not move to North Carolina until 2012 when I started college at UNC-Chapel Hill. When I was little, I always knew I wanted to go to UNC and live in North Carolina. I loved visiting my grandparents here in North Carolina every summer, and I just knew this is where I wanted to live when I grew up. I have lived in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and now reside in Durham. I think my love and appreciation for this state started when I was very young and is clearly reflected in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: etsy.com/shop/coridymond
• Instagram: @coridymond
• Other: coridymond.com