Monday, October 13, 2008

Jangie

Today we have Angie Johnson from Orland Park, IL of Jangie. She sells functional ceramics, crocheted items like hats and scarves and cards. Her items have a stand out signature style that exude a very quality feel. Angie is also featuring me on her blog today so have a look at that also so check that out...

What is your real life like?
Right now I am taking art classes finishing up my bachelors degree.
I'm on the go between school, attending art museums and other cultural events around town, organizing meetings for my crochet/knitting Meetup group and of course creating more things for my Etsy shop. My boyfriend and I are also involved in a German culture organization that his family is part of and we'll be celebrating Oktoberfest this weekend. He also flies gyroplanes and I photograph his flights. I try to keep a running commentary going on my daily-life blog.

What is your process?
I love working with my hands. I've been crocheting for about 6-7 years now and I like experimenting with new yarns and techniques. I've also been doing ceramics for about that long as well and I really enjoy working on the wheel. Unfortunately I don't have access to a ceramic studio right now or I'd be making more functional items. I've also been working a lot with digital media like Illustrator and Photoshop and have been working on letterform design, playing with typography as you can see with the cards I sell. Basically my process boils down to practicality and function. I love designing and making things that people will love and use.

Business Goals and Vision...
I guess the adage that if you do what you love it doesn't feel like work is really true with my Etsy shop. I don't even really consider it an independent business because it's something I just love to do. I have only been selling on Etsy just over 2 months and I love interacting with the community, finding new artists that blow me away with their talent and creativity, and of course selling my items.
Short term I would love to make it to 10 sales, as I told myself I would throw a party to celebrate that goal. Long term I would love to find a market for my cards as I expand into more typography designs.

How do you market your business?
I have a page on WeLoveEtsy, pass out business cards everywhere I go (and of course work on crocheting wherever I go), swap cards with sellers who go to craft shows/send out promotional bags. I'm also in the Etsy forums a lot and part of the Artsy Danger Ladies Team on Etsy. One of the group things we do is have a 20% off on the 20th of the month sale.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
I don't really subscribe to any business related blogs or anything, but I do spend time in the forums, learn from other sellers in Etsy Chat, and read Storque articles.

What inspires you?
I love intricate and beautiful design. I love bold colors, swirls, repetition, Islamic tile layouts, interesting typography, lovely paper, well done graphic design ads, and of course, beautifully crafted and glazed ceramics.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Hands down, Loreena McKennitt. You can visit her website http://www.quinlanroad.com for details and videos.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
My 5-pack of all occasion cards (pictured below)
Organic White Cotton Scarflette with Light Buttons
(pictured above)

Am a fan of these places...
Etsy, of course.
http://www.etsy.com
Any time I need inspiration, I visit this site (and wish I had a ton of money!) http://www.paper-source.com
Webcomics:
http://www.yhtcomic.com - You'll Have That by Wes Molebash http://www.daniellecorsetto.com/gws.html - Girls with Slingshots by Danielle Corsetto
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com

Find seller at...
http://www.angiejohnsonart.com
- my personal fine art website. I need to update it... someday.
http://jangiesetsyshop.blogspot.com - I feature Etsy sellers I love Monday-Friday with a special Friday post featuring a seller who commented on a previous post picked at random. :)
http://adam-angie.blogspot.com - my personal blog where you can keep up with my everyday life beyond Etsy.
Flickr!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jangievarnsen/

16 comments:

Angie said...

Looks lovely! Thanks again for featuring me. I posted about it on my blog. :)

Piggy said...

Great blog! I love the baby blue theme!

Anonymous said...

angie has a really clean and calm shop ^^ we like it and your blog?? oh.. this baby blue is cute ^^

*

Ann said...

Fantastic interview!

April said...

great interview...I love her cards!

Jessica Schilling said...

Great profile! I love Angie's stuff and it's nice to get a glimpse into her creative process!

Anonymous said...

Great article - I love Angies creations! Great to hear a little more about her.
Paper Source is one of my favorite stores too!

ndnchick said...

Love the little bowl!

Anonymous said...

awesome little shop, I just so happen to have lived in Orland Park, Il a while back! small world!

MaryMarsh said...

What a great feature! And how wonderful to be featured on hers today! :) Love her work! Simply beautiful!

Treasures by Tina said...

Wonderful interview. Thanks so much for sharing! :)

ThreadBeaur said...

Great find! I was just out in Orland Park this morning! Thanks for showing me a local artist!

TinkerWare said...

Great article, love the cards.

Tara said...

ooh i love the bowl with raspberries! great picture too!

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Beautiful work ... great shop!

Uneekdolldesigns said...

Inreresting as always to read about other artisans!

 

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