This former Tooting resident and artist is changing the way people purchase art

If you're a Tooting resident it is very likely that you have seen a piece of Ben Poultney's artwork.

Draw my Town is an art business with a major twist - the purchaser is able to be drawn into the original image.

The business was created by former Tooting resident Ben Poultney a year and a half ago.

After deciding to leave his job as a Practice manager in health care, Ben embarked on a journey to follow his passion for art.

Ben quickly learnt that residents of Tooting responded well to seeing the area in his unique style and began to hone in on creating memorable localised images.

[.B] The locally famous 'TOOTING' artwork

The locally famous piece which depicts iconic parts of Tooting has become a staple for Ben's business and has resulted in more areas getting the Draw my Town treatment.

A year and a half ago, Ben posted on a popular Facebook community asking what came to mind when residents thought of Tooting.

"People spoke about St George's Hospital, the statue outside the station, the great array of pubs," Ben told Nub News

"I decided then to put it all into one image. Really creating a picture of what Tooting is like."

At the beginning Ben would put every purchaser into the image.

Ben said: "I loved doing this, but it did become a lot of work to keep up with."

Going commercial

Ben stayed working on his craft and learnt the business side of things as he went along.

"I am definitely not a businessman," he continued.

"The commercial side of things is definitely my biggest challenge, but it's all seemed to come together nicely."

The Draw my Town model now allows three options - buy a print, personalise a print or commission.

"Obviously not everyone wants to see themselves drawn as a cartoon, so it's good to give people the option of buying the print just as it is."

During lockdown Ben decided to make a PDF of the uncoloured Tooting image free.

This received over 7000 downloads from people who wanted something to colour during quarantine.

Helping Tooting's community

Ben has recently teamed up with a local parent to raise money for St Anselm's Primary School.

A piece is being created of some of the children, parents and teachers, standing proudly in front of their school.

All of the money raised will go towards playground improvements.

Ben told Nub News that he is keen to raise money for more schools in the area.

If you are part of a school that you think would be interested please get in contact.

You can learn more about Draw My Town HERE.

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