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/
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