Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Naomi and I live in Israel. I studied fashion design, graphic design and illustration. I love paper crafts, namely papercutting and old school printing methods like etching and letterpress. I'd like to work in the post office one day.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
If my day isn't filled with creating and art, then there's no reason to get out of bed.
What first made you want to become an artist?
I'm fascinated by the creative process. When I was younger I was amazed by the animation process, and I still love seeing an image emerge from the page. Sometimes I'm tempted to leave my papercut illustrations half done.
Please describe your creative process.
I'm inspired by folk tales and fashion. My process starts with words. After I write down everything I want in the piece, I get an image in my head that I sketch. I use a lot of drafting paper and I rely heavily on pictorial references. My trusty tools which I cannot do without are my number A2 pencil and my scalpel knife. My favorite paper to use is Fabriano, which is a dream to work with.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I love practical things, useful things. My prized handmade possession is a letterpress correspondence set from simplesongdesigns that I think is just too beautiful to use. But the one handmade item I own and use constantly is the hoodie I bought from angeldamico, one of my first Etsy purchases. It's my work uniform when in the Print Workshop.
Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
BOOKS:
Illustration Play published by Victionary
Wonderland published by Die Gestatlen
Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
MOVIES:
Lord of the Rings trilogy
Sense & Sensibility directed by Ang Lee
Pride & Prejudice directed by Joe Wright
Love Actually
Armageddon
MUSIC:
Damien Rice
Regina Spektor
WEBSITES:
Livejournal
Flickr
Not Always Right
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS. Selling online can be overwhelming, but it is a learning process. Do your research first. See how successful sellers present themselves and their work online, how they price their work, and always always try something new. Above all, take a break when you need to, Etsy will always be here.
What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see?
The Favorites is my favorite feature on Etsy. I would like to have a way to organize my favorites for easier browsing.
How do you promote your work?
I have to admit that I sin and don't promote myself. I list and relist every few days and I write a blog (sporadically, shame on me).
In ten years, where would you like to be?
In 10 years I'd like to be fulfilled, independent and happy. |
