Name of your website?wall-smacker-art
Your name?
David Folland
Your Location (city, etc)
Carmarthen
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Dramatic portrayals of historic scenes, featuring the pioneers of motorsport in the original art of David Folland. You can see Eddie Pullen and J B Maquis at Death Curve in the Vanderbilt Cup Races of the early twentieth century, or Manfred Von Brauchitsch in his spectular drive in the Mercedes Silver Arrow at Donington. Oringal oil paintings, or high quality giclee prints are available to purchase. Private commissions are also undertaken.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I am passionate about cars and all things automotive, having a particular love of the history of motorsport, and an enormous respect for the brave men who forged the path to the future. My aim is to transfer this passion to the canvas, and through my website I hope to make this available to fellow enthusasits worldwide.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
This is my first website.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Wall Smacker was the nickname of Peter De Paolo, winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1925. This was a sobriquet afforded him by veteran drivers after he had wrecked five times in six starts at the beginning of what was to become an illustrious racing career. I could not resist using this name for my website! For me, it symbolises the boldness and bravery of the pioneers of motorsport.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
Each of my paintings is carefully and extensively researched and I have endeavoured to make the paintings as acurate as possible, and to depict the real-life drama of the event. I have also explained the exciting background to each scene. My art is not primarily a business - it is my passion and something I have been wanting to do since I was a schoolboy. Consequently, I have tried to make the website more personal; I am delighted to hear from anyone who shares my passion, and we aim to offer a personal and friendly service to anyone who may wish to invest in a painting.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I aim to share my interest with like-minded people.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I have invested a huge amount of time in researching and creating my artwork - all of it enjoyable. I have now decided to offer it for sale. It is my hope to have success in that venture but, if not, I am still having fun!
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
This is my first website so it is a learning curve. I would probably try and be a bit more exciting, and perhaps have some music, but I am still finding out what is possible!
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes, - let's hope!
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
None really, but I have been fortunate in having help from a IT knowledgeable brother-in-law!
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
I am only just beginning, so I don't really know, but I am hoping that submitting this to your website will be really helpful
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It has taken a lot more time and energy than I had anticipated. But it has been a steep and interesting learning curve.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
The website has only just started. I have no idea how much success it will bring, but I shall aim to keep it going even if it only plods along - as long as some people share my interest. Of course, it would be lovely if it proved the key to unlocking a whole new career for me!
Would you welcome feedback
Mpst definitely - either on the paintings or the website. Any constructive criticism would be welcome as we shall always be looking to improve.
What is your website address?
wall-smacker-art
