For Valentine’s Day, we at Etsy’s blog thought we’d seek out the Etsy members who are the most beloved (or rather, be-hearted). We tracked six of out of the top one hundred most-hearted users and sought them out for interviews. They were totally surprised and pleased to find out! Without further ado — johnwgolden.
John W. Golden has been selling his art since he was 11 years old and his photographs since he was 19 years old. With a degree in graphic design, he spent 18 years creating illustrations, layouts and animation for clients such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, E!, TNT, TBS, Animal Planet and a host of others. He lives with his wife, three kids and Wire Fox Terrier on the coast of North Carolina. John creates his artwork with the computer using an array of tools to replicate traditional methods digitally. He makes artist’s reproductions of his work, as well as jewelry featuring his art and robot plushies. In his spare time, John likes to skateboard, camp, kayak, listen to music and spend time with his family.
Tell us how you first got involved with Etsy.
In late 2005, my sister-in-law sent a link for a mutual friend’s shop to my wife. I was trying to transition away from the long hours of broadcast design to selling my art full-time. I opened shop in June 2006, and before too long, I couldn’t do both the design work and Etsy. Etsy won out.
What’s your favorite Etsy feature?
I’m really digging the web analytics right now.
How do you think you became so beloved in the Etsy community? (You’ve got a lot of hearts!)
I have been very fortunate that a large number of people have connected with the subject matter I choose to depict. On the more tangible side of things, the amount of work I have, the variety of subject matter and styles, and the fact that I offer work that appeals to men, women and children allows me to reach a large audience.
Who are your favorite Etsians?
Artsy, Wardomatic, SuzannaAnna, Bloodle, PearsonMaron, JohnClark, MixedSpecies, BerkleyIllustration, Modofly, CircaCeramics, MatteArt, AshleyG, RetroWhale, TheBlackApple, Matty8080, boygirlparty, monstergallery… The list goes on and on. It’s hard to pick just a few.
What are you doing this Valentine’s Day?
Probably dinner and a movie. No, wait… We’ll plan on a movie, but after dinner, we’ll decide we are too full and tired to go to a movie, so we’ll just go to Target without our kids. (Rare opportunity!) : )
Below you’ll find some of John’s favorites. Check out the other Most Hearted individuals here...
106 comments
Sign in to add your owncirclesareforever says:
Great article, love your art too!
3 years ago
shavingkitsuppplies says:
Great collection of some of my absolute faves!
3 years ago
KellesKitchen says:
Ha ha "We'll just go to Target without our kids" That is wonderful! :) Great feature and congrats, John!
3 years ago
kristensteinfineart says:
Hearts to you all! Love that Jazz print. Awesome!
3 years ago
AlloverArt says:
Great feature!! :)
3 years ago
Knight27 says:
Congrats! I love seeing photography/illustration success on etsy!
3 years ago
thepairabirds says:
JohnWGolden, Wardomatic, Circa, and Matteart all in the same article? Someone's been digging in my favorites! Nice feature
3 years ago
cintillajewelry says:
Awesome prints...great shop!
3 years ago
beyondtherockz says:
John, you're the best!
3 years ago
boygirlparty says:
thanks for the shout out, john! love your work, too :) but you knew that...
3 years ago
olivebrown says:
i agree...great stuff!
3 years ago
MarionGrieseDesigns says:
Wonderful art - so inspiring! Great article too!
3 years ago
ThePeachTree says:
Yup, he's in my hearted :)
3 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
I heart John!! My daughter and I have so much fun going through his shop from time to time!!
3 years ago
PeppermintDaydreams says:
more etsy art to love!
3 years ago
LittleGreenSquirrel says:
I'm heart number 13234!! Man, it's like an out of control heart dog pile in there! Yippee! Congrats! Great work deserves lots- o -hearts!
3 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Great feature! I purchased some of John's art for a Christmas gift.
3 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
ooh lovely! yay!
3 years ago
iomiss says:
congrats! I love your art, in fact your are in my last treasury http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=41290
3 years ago
NestaHome says:
LOVE your work! You got my heart :)
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Fan-tab-u-lous!
3 years ago
bluetricycle says:
Love it! That's what my husband and I always end up doing-wandering around Target without kids for date night. he he
3 years ago
artkitten says:
One of my favorites!
3 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
I love your art and the variety of styles you use...no wonder you're well-loved. :D
3 years ago
johnwgolden says:
Thanks so much to everyone who has read and/or commented. Making me blush :)
3 years ago
miinsters says:
Very inspirational to the newbies like me! Thank you! Love your work!
3 years ago
KalliopeGifts says:
Woo-hoo, keep up the great work, thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
Wunderkind says:
Oh, John W, you have my heart, as well. My kids absolutely need your "By Order of the Management" series all over our walls! Okay, well I need them, :)
3 years ago
RubyStudios says:
Pleasure to meet you John!!
3 years ago
JDWolfePottery says:
My first purchase on Etsy (under a different username) was from johnwgolden. Your is what prompted me to actually open an account. Still love what you do after all these years! Keep up the good work!
3 years ago
JDWolfePottery says:
Oh geesh. Wish we could edit these posts. Nice grammar, huh? lol
3 years ago
peekabooproductions says:
Very nice work, John! I am really enjoying reading about these talented and multiply hearted crafters! Great job, Etsy!
3 years ago
VedaArts says:
that's funny picture
3 years ago
wardomatic says:
I've known John since 2000-- great guy and a fantastic artist. Congrats to you, John! Looking forward to seeing what more great work you'll produce here on Etsy.
3 years ago
ashleyg says:
yay John!!!!!
3 years ago
SunshineandRavioli says:
Your "By Order of the Management" prints had my heart at "Hello"!! A well deserved Congratulations!
3 years ago
Lundberg says:
coolness
3 years ago
OpulentOddities says:
Love your work, and you're a total babe. Great package!
3 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
love the work you chose...can definitly get a sense of your taste - it's awesome!
3 years ago
dayslonggone says:
Love your work, John!
3 years ago
re4madoglass says:
awesome art! congrats john!
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
aaaaah love JohnWGoldens work~ going to Target without the kids~ lol~ enjoyed the read and glimse into his life. Congrats to you John~ continued success as well.
3 years ago
cthings says:
Congratulations John!! I really liked your Resin Jewelry Tutorials on Youtube!! Many more success to you!!
3 years ago
spongetta says:
Date night at Target! Doesn't get any better! Wonderful article and congrats on the feature.
3 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Love the collection here - new to the feature artist, but monstergallery is wonderful - lucky to have many of his originals - we want more!!!!!
3 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
John... love your work!
3 years ago
CircaCeramics says:
You, dear man, rock :) -Nancy + Andy
3 years ago
noodleandlou says:
what a great article and a fabulous artist:) I got such a giggle from the Target comment...sounds just like my husband and I if/when we ever get a break from our boys:) xox...jenn
3 years ago
KisforCalligraphy says:
At one point, I had to stop myself from hearting every item in your shop! Thank you for being an awesome motivator and teacher to so many! Have fun at Target! :D
3 years ago
bellasparty says:
I love your art!
3 years ago
cheriebeadle says:
Very inspirational! The Target comment made me laugh out loud. I have NEVER been to a target because sadly we don't have one in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. But we get to see the commercials on the tv all the time and I'm dying for a road trip just so I can shop in one.
3 years ago
LegendaryTigerHero says:
Woah! That's a lot of sales, brotha!! Good job!
3 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Awesome!
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
John, you are wonderful!!!! Artist and man.
3 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Love, love LOVE John Golden!! So happy to see him featured here. :)
3 years ago
picklevalentine says:
Fantastic!
3 years ago
VintageScraps says:
Of course he was already one of my favorites! Didn't realize he's also from my state :) Great Valentine's feature.
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
The coolest art! Very talented, I just added another heart to his already massive number. And he's in Wilmington, one of my favorite cities!
3 years ago
soule says:
Good Selection!
3 years ago
2kute says:
awesome... great to read articles that motivate you....
3 years ago
sarawestermark says:
I ♥ you to John Golden
3 years ago
KiraArts says:
I can see why he has so many hearts! I just perused his shop and hearted a bunch of items myself! I love the dog prints (he has my two favorites, a black and tan dachshund (my dog) and a Rottweiler (my parents' dog). And I am usually Miss Monster-Lover, but the "No Monsters Allowed" sign is too cute! I just saw a blog mentioning his "order of the management" signs the other day!
3 years ago
DoodleShack says:
In 1991, I bought a tinted photo (titled “Sofa Idahoâ€) by John W. Golden at a little gallery in downtown Wilmington. I taught at the Community College near by and loved to look at his and other artists’ work between classes. Eighteen years later and 5,000 miles away, I still display the little photo. It’s an inspiration to see someone use their creativity and talent for so long and with such success. Congratulations on all the Etsy love.
3 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
Thanks for sharing this story. I love to read about others and their experience here at Etsy. Art work is great.
3 years ago
mulberrymoose says:
Great story!
3 years ago
jenkasun says:
John: You were one of my "first" favorites. Your "order of the management" series is priceless for a playroom! Thanks for sharing. Jenny
3 years ago
JennifersJewels says:
I have to TOTALLY laugh too....my husband and I will go out to dinner, plan on a movie, and then end up just going shopping for our kids afterwards. Life is so funny when you're married with kids and run a business. Best wishes!
3 years ago
TheBearAffair says:
Great story and I love your plans for Valentine's Day - sounds like all of us with or without kids have something in common....nice and simple:>} Congrats on your Etsy success. I'm new and still trying to figure everything out but am slowly getting there. Cheers, Sally
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
A great model of Etsy success. Fun read. His picks are fabulous too!
3 years ago
f2images says:
One of my first purchases was a set of John's prints. I absolutely love them and have such great respect for the diversity of his talent. Big fan! Emiko ;)
3 years ago
AllthingsWood says:
Wow, so many super cool things to choose from- You rock! :)Bettie
3 years ago
YourMindsEyeDesigns says:
You are one of my all time favs too! :D
3 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Gotta Love those robots! Peace and Etsy love!
3 years ago
JumpingJackDesigns says:
My very first Etsy favorite and first Etsy purchase was one of John's pieces. http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7198892 This purchase is what turned me on to Etsy. He lives in my studio!
3 years ago
rachelmaydesigns says:
Congrats on the many hearts! Well deserved. Rachel May
3 years ago
DripStick says:
Congrats John! You're work is great.
3 years ago
shellieartist says:
Perfect John...congrats on your success and so many hearts- wow! I love reading these articles :)
3 years ago
persimmonsgal says:
John has always been one of my favorite etsy artists! Great job and great article...you deserve it.
3 years ago
Paintbox says:
I always love seeing your work here. Excellent art and excellent business sense.
3 years ago
WingsDove says:
I AM REALLY HAPPY TO SEE MATTEART, WHO I DISCOVERED ON ETSY A FEW MONTHS AGO -- LOVE HIS WORK. THIS ARTICLE IS EXCELLENT AND i FOUND A FEW MORE FAVORITES. IT'S ALWAYS HEARTENING TO ME TO READ ABOUT ARTISTS GETTING "OUT THERE" AND GETTING SEEN.
3 years ago
twogoodeyes says:
I am a big fan of John's work....I have many of his "By Order of the Management" signs....just great!!!
3 years ago
DreamyStarryNight says:
Very inspirational journey you are having with your work! Congratulations.
3 years ago
neawear says:
Love this series, I repeat! ;)
3 years ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
Cool pick! Johns' shop was one of the first I hearted on Etsy, truly, as he states, his subject matter appeals to a lot of different persons. Congratulations:)
3 years ago
snew says:
wow john w you is a sexy man! *tee hee*
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Great article! Congrats, John! :)
3 years ago
nfall2rt says:
congratulations on the article and on so many hearts! That's a great accomplishment.
3 years ago
BirdWatching says:
I have had him on my faves list for a long time!!! Great article!
3 years ago
awcomix says:
Yep, already a favourite. I love the vintage look of his prints
3 years ago
TheTinyTragedies says:
I've hearted John W. Golden for a long time now! He's super nice and very helpful. Everyone should check out his awesome Resin tutorial on YouTube! Congrats John!
3 years ago
johnwgolden says:
Thanks so much to everyone that has taken the time to comment. It's so nice to hear from those I've met along the way and from those who have made my Etsy experience so positive and from some I don't know yet. I wish you all the success that I have enjoyed here.
3 years ago
Lunatiger says:
very cool johnwgolden!
3 years ago
hans1247 says:
I have bought from John, even had a special order done. Loved the pieces and working with him. It is so great to see him highlighted!
3 years ago
sunshinecitylassie says:
Maybe he should be in a new "Etsy Hunks" calendar or something.
3 years ago
Mwilson says:
Super heart John~ fabulous creator and completely inspiring!
3 years ago
picklesart says:
i am big fan of your robot and animal prints. congratualtions!
3 years ago
emcee says:
beautiful work!
3 years ago
BululuStudio says:
I heart John long time ago, love his shop.
3 years ago
milemarker says:
John, I thought you were cool a really long time ago, and now it is confirmed - you have a wire-haired fox terrier! (Aren't they the best?!)
3 years ago
beachyrustica says:
Just added one more heart! Congratulations!
3 years ago
OrganicPanic says:
Great story.
3 years ago
maryellengolden says:
Just got a chance to read all these..you all really know how to make a mother smile! Congratulations John!
3 years ago
Artsy says:
Love you longtime.. Isn't it time to make him Featured Seller now?
3 years ago
tadaboutique says:
Wonderful article. Love your mom's comment. That made me smile.
3 years ago
CherryRunWay says:
That was great! You really are so talented!
3 years ago
miladyproductions says:
Congratulations! Im still waiting for the Blue Heeler art! You are still one of my favorites! sincerely, MP
3 years ago