Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location,
affiliations, personal stuff).
My name is Holly, I currently live in South Jordan, Utah. I started Vinyl Wall Art with the help of my husband as a way to work at home & be with my two kids. Before working at home, I worked for 6 years as a designer & illustrator at a major Scrapbook company. Although I'm only 31, I have had over 30 jobs from a live in Nanny, to a waitress, to shoe sales. I enjoy trying new things, except when it comes to food, I'm very particular.
I love Candy, it makes me happy.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I love to read, play with my kids, & draw. I love attending & planning parties. I like to shop online for unique gifts.
What first made you want to become an artist?
When I was little my dad had a print shop. I loved to play with all the paper he would throw away. I think my sisters and I played in his garbage more than we played with our toys. I've always loved to create things.
Please describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc).
I don't have much of a process. When I sit down at my computer to draw, I usually have no idea what I want to do. Sometimes I'll start one drawing and it will turn into something completely different by the time I'm finished. Sometimes it's my 3 year old daughter telling me to draw a giraffe repeatedly until I finally just draw one for her.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I have lots. I come from a family who loves to make things. One of my favorites though, is a book my grandparents made of their life history. It includes stories of interesting events in their lives, along with many fabulous pictures. (My grandpa is a Photographer.)
This book actually belongs to my mom, but I borrowed it a few years ago to make a copy of it and haven't returned it yet. Sorry mom! I'm having a hard time parting with it.
Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and websites (besides Etsy).
Books:
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Instructional Craft books from the Library
Business books (Especially by Donald Trump.)
Stand a Little Taller (Gordon B. Hinkley)
The Secret Life of Bees
If you give a Pig a Pancake
Do I have to stop? I love books!
Movies:
SpidermanClueless
Legally Blonde
Life is Beautiful
The Office (I know this isn't a movie, but I just LOVE this show.)
Songs/Musical Groups
I like all kinds of music. Everything but oldies. (I'm not too fond of Circus music either.)
Websites:
www.flickr.com
www.printandpatter.blogspot.com
http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/
www.marthastewart.com
www.hostessblog.com
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
I know everyone always says to keep trying, but it's true. I joined Etsy the first week of existence. I've tried selling all sorts of crafts, jewelry, cards, custom designs, knitted hats, scarfs, & hair clips. Every time I tried something new, I'd do a little better, and sell a little more.
Also, make sure you love what you do.
What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see?
My favorite features are the Treasury & Time Machine. I would love a feature that would allow the buyer to select a size or color before they add an item to their cart.
How do you promote your work?
I have a blog (http://creatingcupcakes.blogspot.com) Where I blog about others, and they blog about my company. I've contributed to the Sampler. I also use myspace, facebook, flickr, and other social networking sites. (I'm not sure how effective they are.)
In ten years I'd like to be...
Creating fun new products, weather it's still Vinyl Artwork or other, fun & new products. (Sometimes I think I'd like to move to NYC and work for Martha Stewart.)
|
