PARTICIPANTS OCT’ 2008 1. Amy Blackwell
24. Little Moshi
2. Amy Cartwright
25. Mary Kilvert
3. Be Happy Now
26. MAU Studio
4. Candace Jean
27. Mrs. Eliots Books
5. Carolyn Alexander
28. Multiple Personality
6. Cate Anevski
29. Oh Bara
7. Corid
30. Razorberries
8. Cutiepie Company
31. Sam Bradd
9. Duda Daze
32. Sarah Gardner
10. Dollygagging
33. Sew Bettie
11. Flora Douville
34. Springcart
12. Flummeries
35. Stacy Kathryn Holst
13. From Tiki With Love
36. Susan Estelle Kwas
14. Goldlion
37. The Lapwing Printworks
15. Gumball Grenade
38. The Time is Now
16. HeliS
39. Theophany
17. i.itch illustrations
40. Twozdai Hulse
18. Irena Sophia
41. Violeta Gau
19. Jess Gonacha
42. Vivienne Strauss
20. Kaching Design
43. Wonder Thunder
21. Kate Endle
44. Your Secret Admiral
22. Lineanongrata
45. Zoetropa
23. Lino Creative
46. ZukZuk
www.pikaland.com/shop www.flickr.com/pikaland
Hello! Time sure does fly by when you’re having fun, no? And I surely didn’t realize how soon it was until here we are -- at the fifth round of the PikaPackage Project. I have to say that I am amazed at the constant inspiration that surrounds my life at this moment, and this is mostly due to the work of the artists and illustrators whom I have had the pleasure of working with. From the blog and the project, I have made many new friends and kindred spirits who have been a pillar of strength bearing constant support and unwaivering faith. And for that I thank you. October’s round sees many new emerging new artist and illustrators, talents that range from the humorous works of Carolyn Alexander to the wonderful creatures of Amy Blackwell; the wonderful limited edition print by Oh Bara (her shop has yet to open too -- what a treat!) to the lovely paintings of ladies of leisure by Vivienne Strauss; as well as some previous participants -- including the linoprint maestro Sandra Krumins. In other news, October’s round is double joy for me too, as I move into my life’s new chapter of being married to the wonderful Mr. T -- my constant companion of more than 7 years! We’re moving into our new home soon, and I can think of nothing better than to fill my walls with works by my wonderful peers. Amy Ng amy@pikaland.com p/s: We hope you’ll join us again in our next PikaPackage Project in December. Hope to see you then! we didn’t manage to get some of our artists for the zine, and they are: Goldlion and Oh Bara -- if they do get back to us, we’ll fit them right here!
Amy Blackwell
www.blackoutwell.etsy.com
Nottingham, UK
1. When i was young I wanted to be an inventor / mad scientist sort of thing. I was never very good at maths or science though. But if you handed me a cardboard tube, hey presto I would’ve turned it into some sort of imaginary scanning device... thing. 2. My worst habit is eating chocolate. 3. I am in love with chocolate. 4. I wish I could read books as fast as my mum and still understand them... and speak Icelandic. 5. Who/what inspires you? I read a lot of fiction. A good story is a good source of inspiration. Feeds the imagination, which then feeds the drawings. I’m usually happiest with my nose stuck in a book. If the books stuck in the past that’s even better. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? If the work’s selling already I doubt they need advice :) All I have to say it sign yourself up to as many of those art/photo sharing systems like flickr etc. Online portfolios are the way forward. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I have a tiny tiny tiny glass ladybird called Zeus. He sits in a tiny pink Cadillac on my bedside table. He’s the closest thing I have to a pet.
Amy Cartwright
amycartwright.com
Illinois USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a person that drew pic tures all day long. 2. My worst habit is cleaning. 3. I am in love with my husband 4. I wish I could never ever ever ever get cold. 5. Who/what inspires you? My box of sharpened pencil crayons and cute fluffy animals. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Make it accessible but unique. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Grapefruits and pumpkin seeds are delicious for breakfast
Be Happy Now
behappynow.etsy.com // Jenny Meilihove
Israel
1. When i was young I wanted to be an archaeologist 2. My worst habit is I love to sleep until late noon. 3. I am in love with music. 4. I wish I could speak animals language. 5. Who/what inspires you? Music. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Don’t think about the money while you make art. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Don’t forget to be Happy.
Candace Jean
candacejean.etsy.com // Candace Jean Andersen
Utah, USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a marine biologist ‘til I found you aren’t on the ocean much but in a lab instead. I wanted to be a pastry chef, which I did for a while. I wanted to be a veterinarian but changed my mind when I imagined spaying a large dog. I wanted to be on the SWAT team, to be a photographer for National Geographic, to be a stunt car driver... 2. My worst habit is being too shy when something calls for speaking up. 3. I am in love with my son Alden! Flora & fauna..Quaking aspen, moss, fern & daffodils. My Austin. Goldfish. Twinkle lights. Good vegan pastries. Water. The color green. Pancakes. 4. I wish I could buy a little bungalow with a sun room for an art studio, a library, a yard with trees and a big porch. That and to travel to faraway places. 5. Who/what inspires you? Everything I’m in love with, old books, good music, and beautiful imagery. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Not everyone likes Peanut Butter Captain Crunch with chocolate soymilk. Just keep trying ‘til you find a niche with those that do. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. That last answer count? I’ve got a million more.. heck I make cards with randomness all over them.
Carolyn Alexander
carolynalexander.co.uk
France
1. When i was young I wanted to be a waitress, I think it was the little French maid apron that had me. After that I wanted to be a “drawer”. 2. My worst habit is daydreaming when I should be listening. 3. I am in love with chocolate yogurts. 4. I wish I could remember being an infant. Everything would be so big. Amazing. 5. Who/what inspires you? By who; Louise Bourgeois, Paul Klee, Eduardo Paolozzi, Louise Hopkins, anyone who can traverse mediums. By what; changing environments, sounds, smells, and throwaway remarks. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? I worked in a gallery boutique for a while before I moved to the mountains. It helps you learn what is expected of you professionally, who to approach and where your work will and will not fit. Another good plan is to have yourself on every corner of the Internet. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I’ve heard a rabbit scream and it’s nasty.
Cate Anevski
cateanevski.com
Portland, OR
1. When i was young I wanted to be a an artist or a centaur. I’m halfway there.... 2. My worst habit is buying art supplies I never use. My house is full of them! 3. I am in love with my kitties! 4. I wish I could clean my kitchen by wriggling my nose, a la Samantha Stephens. That would free up enough time to use some of those art supplies. 5. Who/what inspires you? Nature and children’s books... and everything else wonderful in the world. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Make sure that you really enjoy what you do. Even if it doesn’t seem popular at first, your belief in your own work is ultimately what will make others love it. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I sleep with a stuffed dolphin named Pholdin.
Corid
corid.etsy.com // Cori Dantini
Pullman, WA
1. When i was young I wanted to be princess Leia. 2. My worst habit is i have bad allergies at certain times of the year, and i find myself, for lack of a better word SNORTING to itch the deep deep insides of my very tickly, itchy nose. 3. I am in love with all the little birds that visit my bird feeder in the winter (particularly the little black eyed junco’s) 4. I wish I could live near the ocean. 5. Who/what inspires you? I am completely moved by music. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Always use the very best materials that you can afford, and give it your all. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. When i was young girl (14), i entered a classical voice competition up in Spokane. I was competing against girls as old as 22, and i won!
Cutiepie Company
cutiepiecompany.etsy.com // Milly Itzhak
New York, NY
1. When i was young I wanted to be an artist or a journalist or interior designer. 2. My worst habit is procrastination. 3. I am in love with my dog! 4. I wish I could have a house with a yard. 5. Who/what inspires you? I like to be surrounded with color... I am inspired by old photographs and vintage ephemera, children’s textbooks and colorful science illustrations, diagrams, plants and flowers, food, travel, Robert Rauschenberg, Joseph Cornell, small everyday moments, my dog, I could go on and on, really. I am also incredibly inspired by the wonderful and amazing talent I encounter around me every day, on etsy, in person, and all over the web. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? I’m not sure if I am qualified to be giving advice, but I would say to be true to yourself, let your work come from within, whether it be your heart or soul or whatever you call it... When you love what you do, you will find an audience that loves it too. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I’ve only ever lived in coastal cities.
Duda Daze
dudadaze.etsy.com // Diane Duda 1. When i was young I wanted to be grown-up. Now it’s just the opposite. 2. My worst habit is my pesky, nervous, shoulder twitch. Not sure if you’d call it a habit, but I’d like it to stop. 3. I am in love with my life and all (well, most) of the people in it. Also Flight of the Conchords, and the t.v. show Pushing Daisies. 4. I wish I could turn back time and realize that I was “an artist” sooner. I wasted a lot of time doing payroll. :( 5. Who/what inspires you? My family, music, my pets, childhood memories and the work of other talented artists 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Be everywhere... like a ninja. Be good to your customers and true to your own style. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I once had my head run over by a golf cart.
Dollygagging
www.dollygagging.com // Emily Ipolani 1. Tell us about yourself! I just started my life recently, so there’s not much to tell as of yet. I began small, slipped through the cracks unnoticed, was old too soon, but always too young, got by on luck, fell in love daily until the day I finally was caught from falling anymore, have known loss too well, but gain even greater, acheived what was stated as impossible for me, have been happily wrong about almost everything. When I grew up my other goal besides being an artist was to be a veterinarian. That never really came to fruition.
2. What inspires your work? My main source of inspiration comes from humanity at it’s quieter moments combined with constant streaming Buffy/Angel dvds in the background and just a wee dose of contradictions. :) The vast range of emotion and feelings humans are capable of never ceases to inspire me in my art and life in general. The potential to capture these mo-
ments in artwork or just learn from them largely dictates what I create. I find much comfort in the chaos of the world as it continually changes with more astounding humans added daily. The quiet times of reflection are by far my favored inspiration at the moment. 3. What’s a perfect day for you? The one where Erik and I watched the clouds or the other one watching the rain with our cat Oscar. I try and revisit them often (as weather or Oscar permits) 4. What’s your favorite animal? A toss up between Oscar, James, Holden. When they aren’t listening or reading over my shoulder, I’d have to say my most favorite animal in the entire world is the sloth. My sole aspiration in life is to meet and perhaps hold one. I’m very fond of llamas as well. 5. What would you like to be known for? The shocking discovery that I am Bruce Wayne. 6. If you could have superpowers, what would it be? I already have superpowers, what I really need is a good technician to fine tune them. Oh yes, and patience. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I once held a giant block of lard while Ed Kowalczyk worried the bowl wasn’t porcelain and the water to wash my feet not warm enough. More than really random, it was truly odd.
Flora Douville
floradouville.etsy.com
France
1. When i was young I wanted to be a minister. 2. My worst habit is to be late, often. 3. I am in love with my camera. 4. I wish I could save the world. 5. Who/what inspires you? I’m inspired by Illustrator Quentin Blake and my parents fabulous house. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Be very professional and very friendly. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I need a hot chocolate, now.
Flummeries
www.flummeries.com // Erik Stein + Emily Ipolani 1. Tell us about yourself! My name is Erik and I’m the co-creator of Flummeries along with my wife Emily. We came up with the idea from a doodle she made while watching cheesy movies and have continued to illustrate them together ever since. I’m a graphic designer by trade, but don’t usually get to work on my own ideas during the day, so I like to create things without restraint on Flummeries. Also, I don’t sew. Emily does sew, but doesn’t like it. Both of us do like how the little Flums turn out when they’re finished though. 2. What inspires your work? For me it’s nature, life, literature and the strange melding of all three... Emily says, me (aww :-) the little critters all around, antiquities, ornaments, and wordplay. 3. What’s a perfect day for you? A quiet one with nothing to do but create. Emily says hers is one with nothing to do but eat pastries. 4. What’s your favorite animal? The majestic moose. 5. What would you like to be known for? Witty repartee. 6. If you could have superpowers, what would it be? To make the perfect cup of coffee... not really a super power, but supercharged and a power of good for the world. Emily already has superpowers. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Don’t walk on dried lake beds... they aren’t always “dry” and can suck your hiking shoes off. Also, marmots eat shoes too (they like the rubber - maybe it tastes like chicken to them).
From Tiki With Love
www.cgartsonline.com/birdart
Barrington, IL
1. When i was young I wanted to be a cartoonist. . 2. My worst habit is eating expired food because I don’t want to throw it out. 3. I am in love with Ryan, birds, dark chocolate, Cirque du Soleil, movie soundtracks, and sushi. 4. I wish I could have a soundtrack to my life that plays all the time and changes with the circumstances. 5. Who/what inspires you? Obviously, nature. I never used to be the outdoorsy type of person, I didn’t have the patience to sit still and watch a sunset. But once you become over-stimulated by life, you find awe and peace in a simple walk. Also, I love browsing other illustrators in blogs like Pikaland and Illustration Friday. They are bursting with creativity and I usually say to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Never sell a product you don’t believe in or that you wouldn’t want hanging on your own wall. Create something that you enjoy and hope others will like it too. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I truly love duck butts (when ducks feed in the water and just their butts are above the surface).
Gumball Grenade
gumballgrenade.etsy.com // Tanya Newbery
Utah, USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a veterinarian. 2. My worst habit is biting my lip. 3. I am in love with ...well here’s funny tid bit about love, when I was little I was completely in love with both Han Solo and Indiana Jones never realizing they were played by the same actor! But currently I’m head over heels for my wee ones. 4. I wish I could absorb all the creative knowledge of those wonderful artists I run into…and fly of course! 5. Who/what inspires you? Children and their sense of wonder are often the catalyst for my creations. Many of my illustrations feature two little dreamers, or souls, running about in their pajamas (nighttime is so special for creativity!). These little ones are featured gazing up to the sky. Their faces are rarely exposed as I hope it invites the viewer to place themselves into the perspective of the little dreamer. I hope my little characters stir up the childlike imagination of the viewer and take them back to the magical thinking that inspires so much of what children do. Art can trigger so much in an audience, hopefully mine allows them to think, “I remember when I was little and dreamed of …!” 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Don’t talk about doing it, don’t think about doing it, put yourself out there and actually give it a go! Share! I think fear of failure and one’s inner critic stops so many wonderful things from being created and shared. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Big eyed alien images scare me beyond belief!
HeliS
helis.etsy.com // Heli Sengezer
Istanbul, Turkey
1. When i was young I wanted to be an archaelogist and have great adventures in Egypt. 2. My worst habit is I quit smoking last february so that was the last one :P 3. I am in love with my hubby. 4. I wish I could have a ceramic kiln and make some ceramics. I miss that. 5. Who/what inspires you? Animals and people inspires me. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Be patient and trust yourself. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I love the scent of clean clothes!
i.itch illustrations
http://www.redbubble.com/people/dura // Dura
1. When i was young ... Honestly, I can’t remember what I wanted to be when I grow up but I knew I always wanted to do something with arts and creativity. 2. My worst habit is whining over silly thing :) 3. I am in love with my L.O.V.E, my Fashion Forest girls and fashion illustrations. 4. I wish I could have the chance to launch my own clothing label with my L.O.V.E and live happily ever after! :) 5. Who/what inspires you? Almost everything from fashion, patterns, nature, things that occurred around me. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? I’ve just started selling my work so I have less experience but when I do something I always remind myself to be honest in what ever I do. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I can be very difficult at times :)
Jess Gonacha
jessgonacha.etsy.com
Atlanta, GA
1. When i was young I wanted to be an artist! And a gymnast, an ice skater, a singer, an astrologer.... 2. My worst habit is getting stuck in negative thinking. 3. I am in love with creating repeating patterns. I’m seriously obsessed. Oh, and also my wonderful fiance. :) 4. I wish I could travel all over the world. Or ride in a hot air balloon. Or travel all over the world in a hot air balloon. 5. Who/what inspires you? Gosh, everything and anything can inspire me. Nature, pattern designers, looking at blogs, dreams, memories, photographs of people I don’t know, color combos I’ve never seen before... 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Don’t give up! Send your work to blogs, make friends with other artists, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help. It’s my experience that other creative people are friendly and want to help other artists to be successful! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. When I was a kid I used to be afraid that there were rats living in the bathroom near my room, so I would RUN past it and jump onto my bed every time I had to pass the bathroom. (There obviously were no rats-- I just had a crazy imagination!) he he he...
Kaching Design
www.kachingdesign.com // Pearlyn Tan
Atlanta, GA
1. When i was young I wanted to be old. 2. My worst habit is is the Internet. 3. I am in love with mike. 4. I wish I could be young again.. 5. Who/what inspires you? Money. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Dont give up. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Ok.
Kate Endle
www.kateendle.com
Seattle, Washington
1. When i was young I wanted to be an artist- since I was 2 years old. 2. My worst habit was McDonalds-ugh. I just gave it up. 3. I am in love with my life. 4. I wish I could spend more time on my art and explore other mediums. 5. Who/what inspires you? My boyfriend. He’s the lead singer for The Presidents of the United States of America. He’s writing kids songs and I’m illustrating them for a children’s book with a CD. His songs paint VERY vivid pictures. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Keep at it. I’ve been illustrating for over fifteen years and am just now experiencing a level of success that is very satisfying. Also, be really open to all that the world has to offer. Sounds cliché, but you just never know....... 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. When I was a volunteer at the Seattle Aquarium I used to feed the Giant Pacific Octopus, Billy. I would feed him clams.
Lineanongrata
www.lineanongrata.com // Julia Freund
France
1. When i was young I wanted to be an opera singer. 2. My worst habit is fretting over things that have not yet arrived. 3. I am in love with Vincent and making things. 4. I wish I could stop working for my parent’s business to gain money and concentrate fully on my illustrations. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Use good printing paper and inks. Always be kind to customers (always be kind to everyone, now that I think of it). Always answer requests and mails, even if you can’t comply with your customer’s wishes. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I have to go get a tetanus shot today and am already afraid of the pain (much much pain) it will cause.
Lino Creative
linocreative.etsy.com // Sandra Krumins 1. What / who inspires you? Books inspire me - childrens books and their illustrations, design and art books too. 2. Tell us which quote (and from whom) inspires you the most. “The more you work, the more inspiration will come” Im not sure who said it first, but its something I’ve found to be true.
3. What propels you to create art? When people say they enjoy my work. I just enjoy the process too, and the mystery of it. 4. What is your favorite tool? Photoshop.
Little Moshi
littlemoshi.etsy.com // Hilary Wagstaff
UK
1. When i was young I wanted to be artist or an archeologist. 2. My worst habit is procrastinating. 3. I am in love with my husband. 4. I wish I could surf. 5. Who/what inspires you? Life in general, the sea, sea shells, geometry, colours and patterns and I get very excited by World of Interiors magazine and Selvedge. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Make sure that your work is packaged well, and that you have really good communication with your customers. Promote yourself as much as you can, and be open to suggestions and advice. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Science cannot explain everything.
Mary Kilvert
marykilvert.etsy.com
1. Tell us about yourself! I am a freelance illustrator and work for clients in editorial, publishing and design. I started my Etsy shop marykilvert.etsy.com a year ago. It is a great way to sell prints and illustrated goods and an area I would love to develop more. 2. What inspires your work? Going to exhibitions such as the V&A in London, it has a beautiful collection of art, fabrics and design. I love to travel and see new places. I collect books on patterns, fashion, children’s books and artists. The internet is great for finding new artists and reading their blogs. I love animals and their quirky personalities, my cat is a good inspiration. I often work quite late into the night and find I get some of my best ideas at this time! 3. What’s a perfect day for you? My favorite work day is waking up to a sunny morning and then doing some yoga. Getting a cappuccino and croissant from the French cafe down the hill. Walking next to the river then back to my studio. Working on interesting commissions while listening to my favorite tunes. Having dinner with my friends/boyfriend and cat while watching the sunset from our flat. 4. What’s your favorite animal? I love all animals but for now it would have to be my black cat Philip. 5. What would you like to be known for? As a creative, fun-loving illustrator. 6. If you could have superpowers, what would it be? I would like to be able to fly. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I drink lots of tea everyday.
Mau Studio
maustudio.etsy.com // Manyi Au
1. When i was young I wanted to be a successful person in the future. This is still my goal and I am working hard to make it happens. Thanks everyone for supporting MAUstudio and making it better and better. My shop is 3 years old in October and I’m super excited about our giveaways! 2. My worst habit is I work all the time. 3. I am in love with anything cute and fluffy. 4. I wish I could go travel right now! 5. Who/what inspires you? Little cute animals...including my puggy from home. I created a character inspired by my pug, and it will soon be available in my store. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? It is difficult to start but don’t give up! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. There is a spider in the corner of my office at work and I’m afraid of it.
Mrs Eliots Books
mrseliotbooks.etsy.com // Francesca Iannaccone
UK
1. When i was young I wanted to be a scientist. 2. My worst habit is getting very stressed out if i don’t think i’m going to be on time. even if i’ve left home with an extra half hour to spare. 3. I am in love with with my boys. 4. I wish I could stay awake later than 10pm. 5. Who/what inspires you? Random shapes and pattern. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Put yourself out there, try not to get distracted by all the other beautiful things out there and be true to yourself and your own work. Do what you can with the time you have and enjoy yourself! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I’m secretly in love with Peter Falk aka Columbo.
Multiple Personality
multiplepersonality.etsy.com // Sara Harvey
Missouri, USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a an artist...or a clown. I quickly dropped the clown idea. 2. My worst habit is clinching and grinding my teeth. 3. I am in love with toys and art, who am I kidding, I love anything that looks cool. 4. I wish I could play the drums. 5. Who/what inspires you? Everything inspires me. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Never give up on what you love and never lose sight of who you are. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. When the zombie invasion begins make sure you cut off their heads.
Razorberries
shop.razorberries.com // Tanya Pshenychny
Illinois, USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a musician. 2. My worst habit is having a lot of bad habits. 3. I am in love with the universe. 4. I wish I could travel. 5. Who/what inspires you? My husband, family, friends, words, images, colors, textures, music, smells, feelings, events. There are so many things that I may as well just say ‘everything’.. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? The way you present your work is really important. Whether it’s the packaging of a necklace, print, or soap, or just your business card. It has to be eye-catching. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I have an elf ear.
Sam Bradd
www.sambradd.com
Vancouver, B.C, Canada
1. When i was young I wanted to be a lion tamer. I saw an illustration with a cartoon rabbit trying to tame a lion with a rainbow hoop. I wanted the hoop. If you think that’s weird, my sister wanted to be a ghost. 2. My worst habit is aking my socks off and leaving them all over the house. 3. I am in love with fresh baked bread. 4. I wish I could buy a Vandercook printing press. 5. Who/what inspires you? Generally, I’m inspired by people who are turning urban land into agricultural space, people who make concrete steps to live with and buy less stuff, and any book artist working in miniature. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Advice #1: Price your work and time properly, and everyone benefits. The minimum wholesale price should be a fixed hourly rate + supplies, multipled by 1.5 for a retail rate. The differences in prices will help you set a price you can afford for a wider distribution, late. Some art/crafts don’t wholesale, and that’s fine. Advice #2: Help people understand why they want to buy from you. Everyone is a consumer with a relationship to objects. As artists, we are selling stuff but more importantly, we are selling a part of our relationship to our art to an audience. Audiences want to understand the art, and to understand by extension, the person they’re buying from. So the more we can help people understand the processes and the stories behind stuff, the easier it will be for them to support us. That relationship is the difference (in price and emotion) between paying $50 for a handmade bag/print/etc and something imported for $10. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. The word “typewriter” is the longest word you can write with one row of letters on a keyboard.
Sarah Gardner
sarahgardner.etsy.com
Hastings, UK
1. When i was young I wanted to be a veterinarian. 2. My worst habit is talking out loud to myself. 3. I am in love with long walks and the smell of fall at the moment. 4. I wish I could spend everyday drawing until I had my fill. 5. Who/what inspires you? Odd phrases, hand lettered signs, Kurt Vonnegut, loud music, the amazingly creative online community that I am continually wowed by and, well, basically the wonder of being alive with all its ups and downs. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Trust your instincts. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I know how to milk a goat. (No, really. I grew up on a small farm...)
Sew Bettie
www.sewbettie.com // Cara Angelotta + Mark + Bettie
USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a doctor. 2. My worst habit is leaving a messy tornado in my wake. 3. I am in love with Mark and Bettie. 4. I wish I could live in Italy. 5. Who/what inspires you? Bettie. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Make a nice website. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. My dad has 4 sisters named Mary.
Springcart
springcartdesigns.etsy.com // Myisha
Los Angeles, CA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a teacher. 2. My worst habit is procrastination. 3. I am in love with love and all thing beautiful and inspiring. 5. Who/what inspires you? Love inspires me. I have been feeling very amorous lately. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? The advice I would give to people trying to sell that work is to be diligent and to believe in yourself. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I am very much fascinated with Drag Queens. It might be the makeup. ;)
Stacy Kathryn Holst
stacykathryn.etsy.com
Chicago, IL
1. When i was young I wanted to be a doctor, until I found out they see blood, then I switched to wanting to be a teacher. I still would love to teach art one day. 2. My worst habit is eaving my wooden handled brushes in water overnight. Lost so many because of this. 3. I am in love with my husband, and my sweet dog, and color, and flowers, and brand new shiny magazines with glossy photos, and oh yes life! 4. I wish I could play the guitar, and sing. 5. Who/what inspires you? I am inspired by my very vivid and colorful dreams, and nature and its amazing ability to be so perfect in all its imperfections. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Just keep trying to get your work out there, don’t give up! Everyone’s work is unique and has a place out there, it may take some time to find it. And make sure to celebrate every sale, even if it is just a little funky dance around the room! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Guess who? Chicken Poo!
Susan Estelle Kwas
susanestellekwas.etsy.com
Milwaukee
1. When i was young I wanted to be an illustrator, as soon as I found out what one was, before that, a paleontologist. 2. My worst habit is worrying about money. Waste of energy. 3. I am in love with all forms of penny candy. 4. I wish I could take a year out of my life and become a nomad. 5. Who/what inspires you? Right now it’s Taisho era children’s illustration, autumn, my calico kitten, “Minute,” blank vintage diaries and as always, this time of year -new art supplies. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Don’t lose sight of the fun part. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. When I dream about hummingbirds, good luck is on the way.
The Time is Now
thetimeisnow.etsy.com
Israel
1. When i was young I wanted to be a Disney classic animator. I imagined it like a factory line, which really appealed to me. Drawing and coloring one page after another all day hunched over a light box... That’s how I imagined it, at least. Later I had a crisis of faith, and wanted to work in the mail room of the postal office. Still do actually. All those packages! 2. My worst habit is dancing in the dark with the ipod on. It’s not really bad, but it does mean I can’t get on with anything until it’s out of my system. 3. I am in love with deers. Do I really need to explain why? 4. I wish I could understand dog-speak. They probably think we’re all stupid. 5. Who/what inspires you? The mysteries of nature and folklore inspire me. The infinite horrors and beauty man can conjure out of nature are an endless source of inspiration to me. Keeping that in mind, I’m a sucker for animal skeletons. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Hard to dish out good advice when I’m still following other people’s advice. But, there’s a market for just about anything; When you price yourself make sure to be fair to yourself as well as potential customers; Don’t despair if you get it wrong the first oh, 10 times. I’m still trying myself. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I’m convinced lobsters are related to cockroaches. Seriously, just compare the underside and you’ll see.
Theophany
theophany.etsy.com // Licia
Florida, USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be the first woman president (of the U.S.). 2. My worst habit is procrastination. 3. I am in love with my four-year-old daughter, zoe. 4. I wish I could quit my “real job� and focus on art. 5. Who/what inspires you? My daughter inspires me daily..i am also inspired by a variety of different artists, photographers, and illustrators: Matte Stephens, Christopher Davis Ryan, Bryan C., Alicia Bock, and Jenifer Altman are just a few of the never-ending list.. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Never allow slow sales periods to affect your self-worth! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I have had thirteen concussions in my life and am afraid that if i shave my hair off, my head would have a lot of funny bumps.
Twozdai A. Hulse
twozdai.etsy.com
Seattle, WA USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a ballerina & fashion designer. 2. My worst habit is biting my nails/fidgeting. 3. I am in love with creating, laughing and all the wonderful people in my life. 4. I wish I could fly. 5. Who/what inspires you? People going after their dreams/loves. My mom and god mother - two amazing and strong women. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Keep doing what you love! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Elephants are the only animal with 4 knees
Violeta Gau
violetteilustra.blogspot.com
Argentina
1. When i was young I wanted to be a sophisticated lady ^^ 2. My worst habit is sleeping! 3. I am in love with doodles, good food and illustration books (and my man, of course!) 4. I wish I could practice more some techniques i’m learning. 5. Who/what inspires you? Oh, so many things inspire me! people, playing, reading and watching blogs and books, a walk out on a sunny day, a great cup of tea... and many other things! 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? I would advice them to have confidence and to try to offer the best for the others. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I love frozen mango drinks!
Vivienne Strauss
vivstrauss.etsy.com
Portland, OR
1. When i was young I wanted to be a a writer. 2. My worst habit is coffee. 3. I am in love with beauty. 4. I wish I could time travel. 5. Who/what inspires you? Lately, everything inspires me! 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Put yourself into your work, keep it personal, it shows. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I always look at magazines from back to front.
Wonder Thunder
wonderthunder.etsy.com // Meagan + Sasha
1. When i was young I wanted to be a paw paw witch. 2. My worst habit is deep fried oreos. 3. I am in love with kettle corn seagulls and stink beaches. 4. I wish I could champion!! 5. Who/what inspires you? Dolly Parton, deep fried oreos, bottom feeders, noodling, easter, lind washington, toast, chinese checkers, fatty, decandence, pappy drew it, marjorie the trash heap. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Eat more multigrain cheerios, drink vitamin water. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Our auras are so sick.
Your Secret Admiral
wonderthunder.etsy.com // Meagan + Sasha
1. When i was young I wanted to be an archaeologist. My brother and I would dig with metal soup spoons in the backyard for a hidden city and treasure hunt for fossils. I also wanted to be a teacher, writer, artist, and the person who names the colors of crayons and markers. 2. My worst habit is taking on too many projects than I have time for. 3. I am in love with snack-time and sweater-weather. 4. I wish I could speak 27 languages and trot the globe whenever it strikes my fancy. 5. Who/what inspires you? Sunny afternoons & picnics, rainy mornings & pots of hot tea, walks & bike rides, a good book that sticks with me like a good friend, the library, craft fairs & farmer’s markets, friends, learning, old school office supply shops, adventures small and large, the animal kingdom, neighborhoods, handwritten letters, homemade meals, little nuances of day-to-day life,... 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Make what you love and that care will shine through! If you are selling your work online, I think the single most important thing I can recommend is to take excellent photographs. Since the internet and computer screen removes that sense of tactility, a good photo is the next best thing. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. A representative from Ripley’s Believe it or Not called me on the phone in high school with the possibility of being on their show. You better believe it! (I
Zoetropa
zoetropa.etsy.com // Pam
Massachusetts, USA
1. When i was young I wanted to be a cartoonist, comedian, and filmmaker. 2. My worst habit is biting my nails. 3. I am in love with my husband. 4. I wish I could stop worrying. 5. Who/what inspires you? Everyday objects, nature, my kitchen, photos in magazines, Klee, Kandinsky, Matisse, and classic Hollywood films. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Make (and sell) what you love and make it well. 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. I used to work as a film projectionist for many years. (is that random enough? this question is hard.)
ZukZuk
zukzuk.etsy.com // Helen Acraman
Canada
1. When i was young I wanted to be an astronaut. Now I am old, I still want to be an astronaut. 2. My worst habit is not being really kind to myself. 3. I am in love with the cocoa bean. 4. I wish I could bring down the system! 5. Who/what inspires you? People who are true to themselves and closing my eyes.. 6. What advice would you give to people who are selling their work? Well, if they are selling it then they probably don’t need any advice from me! I guess I’d be inclined to give to others the advice I try to remind myself of which is to try hard not to sell yourself short. I’d wager all people with a tender, artistic temperament find this hard. Your time, your skill, your magic; it’s all really valuable! 7. Tell us something random. REALLY random. Err, I’m part Fijian?
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