Audwynn Newman, Master Artist –
Let me introduce you to Audwynn Newman, master artist of “New Art Rivals” and “The Crafty Animal.” Audwynn’s work can be enjoyed at a number of popular landmarks including the famous and oldest continuously running bar in all of Indiana, The Slippery Noodle. You can see Audwynn’s mural adorned on the wall as you work your way back to see the slugs Dillinger’s gang left embedded in the brick in the back room. You can also check out his racing themed mural inside the Speedway, Indiana Chamber of Commerce building.
In the mid 2000’s while pursuing his career as an artist, Audwynn was a manager at Fed Ex. His selflessness toward his craft while working a full-time job took a toll, and sometime in 2015 Audwynn had a stroke that affected his physical abilities. For the following two years art was the therapy he used to regain control of his body. Audwynn’s time using art to heal was a defining point in his life. He was ready to let go of his rigorous and unfulfilling career. He was ready to focus on his lifetime passion. Audwynn quit his job at Fed Ex and with his wife Vicky’s unwavering, behind-the-scenes support, he began selling his work at art shows around the country. Audwynn’s goal was always to create art that people can identify with. Art that feels personal not only to him, but to his audience.
Trial and error helped him understand the huge advantages to using Instagram as his primary source of staying connected to his customers. Audwynn created his Instagram page, New Art Rivals, to represent his brand out on the road. In fact, Instagram became his business card, and he used a QR code at his booth to share his contact information. The online social platform (Instagram) offered everything he needed: a digital destination, a business card, and a social marketing platform that allowed him to easily and efficiently market his work. He used social media and trade shows as the tool to grow his business.
After a few years on the road (circa 2017) Audwynn started thecraftyanimal.com to represent his new studio and online store. Oddly enough, the idea came out of a viral story he read about a raccoon that climbed a building. It made him think, “Now, that’s a crafty raccoon.” His loving wife exclaimed, “That’s it! Why not name your studio “The Crafty Animal?” Right there, The Crafty Animal was born. And the racoon? Well, that became part of his logo and brand.
The URL was available, so it seemed that it was meant to be. Audwynn developed his own website through a hosting platform that simplified his ability to sell and ship his artwork.
Audwynn dedicated the next two years or more to sharing his craft with others while being on the road full time. After finally returning to his studio, he answered a call from Connie with the Chamber of Commerce in Speedway, Indiana. She needed an artist capable of leading a racing themed community street chalk event. She had three news organizations scheduled to document the event and residents from Speedway and surrounding communities were expected. Connie needed someone she could trust. Someone with talent and personality, and she found that in Audwynn. He graciously volunteered his time, not hesitating to share his time and talents of the craft he’s been working so hard on. That hard work paid off as Audwynn soon found out that a lot of people must have been watching the news that day, learning about The Crafty Animal. His online traffic immediately trended upwards! That event led to a discussion with the President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which led to Audwynn being contracted to create a piece of work that commemorated the 2020 Indianapolis 500. The President shared it on social media platforms, adding direct links to The Crafty Animal website. The social media post went viral, and Audwynn’s online presence exploded! Like they say, the rest is history.
Since then, Audwynn and Vicky founded and continue to manage the nonprofit organization, “The wh2y Initiative.” They have teamed up with the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety on a number of events that focus on the importance of good decision making. They have mentored in another nonprofit organization in Indianapolis that focuses on helping students read. Additionally, they started the Hoosier Hero fund to support various first responders in central Indiana through the sales of patriotic works.
Audwynn and Vicky
Today, you can still find Audwynn touring the country selling one of a kind artwork while Vicky continues to work behind the scenes managing it all. The future is bright for The Crafty Animal. A new studio will be opening in Speedway, Indiana in April 2023. Audwynn has big plans to showcase his art online that involves custom landing pages so people can easily find what they are looking for through tailored indices of interests and groups. He is also contemplating YouTube and the development of an Amazon portal as another way to sell his work.
Audwynn’s talent and selflessness to his craft have driven his success, but it’s his hard work, discipline, and kind spirit that have opened the doors. His deep understanding and appreciation for the healing effects of art gives him a unique perspective that allows him to use art to better himself, friends, family, and community.
If you would like to learn more, please visit one of his digital destinations.
