Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

my favourite Etsians: Q&A with Sarah of Rock Cakes

Ages ago in one of my favourite things posts I featured the most adorable bird ring by Brighton-based jeweller Sarah Meredith aka Rock Cakes.


Since everything in Sarah's etsy store is utterly adorable, whether it's her incredible silverwork (my personal favourite!), her cute wooden pieces or cool laser cut acrylic, I thought I'd find out a bit more about her, her work and her processes.

Here goes:

Would you like to introduce yourself to Matin Lapin readers?

I'm Sarah Meredith aka rock cake. I design and make jewellery from precious and non-precious materials. I live and work by the sea in Brighton, UK.

How long have you been making jewellery, and did you always know it was what you wanted to do?

I have been making jewellery since I was about 15 or sixteen, I always loved to make things, for as long as I can remember and discovered that I loved metal work at college so went with it! 

hand-painted wooden brooches: // fox // squirrel // hare // hedgehog //

I adore your silver and gold pieces, but lately you've added lots of different styles into your shop - how has your work changed since you started?

My work has totally changed since I first started making jewellery, my degree was fantastic and really taught a way of thinking that just made something click in my head - if that makes sense. I was then lucky enough to land a great job for a jewellery designer in London which gave me the confidence to run a business where I make whatever I think/want and follow my heart. 


Where do you get your inspiration from/what or who inspires you?

I am inspired by everyday life from the ice creams that we eat on the beach to the quirky little phrases that we say every day, such as every cloud has a silver lining and in one ear put the other.

OK, now onto non-businessy stuff... what do you like to do when you're not making jewellery?

When I am not rock caking I am usually playing with my two year old or making cakes (ones that you can eat) or checking my etsy stats.

What three things can you not leave the house without?

I never leave the house without a camera, a note/sketch book and my keys (so that I can get back in!) 


If you could be any animal, which would it be?

Hmmmmmm, animal, I really do like being a human... I like pigs, so I will be a pig please. 

Sure thing! Would you like to finish by sharing an interesting fact about yourself?

An interesting fact, I'm not very good at sharing, can't lend books, it keeps me awake at night!!...

~~~
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Sarah!
~~~

if you'd like to read more about Sarah, or see more of her work, you can find her here:

// website // etsy shop // blog // flickr // twitter //
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my favourite Etsians - Q&A with Lucy Farfort

It's been a while I know, but I am very excited to have another interview from one of my favourite Etsians: Lucy Farfort of Lucy's Happy Place...


What better place to start than at the beginning... would you like to introduce yourself to Matin Lapin readers?

Hello my name is Lucy Farfort and I’m a freelance illustrator based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I create everything from logos and web graphics to greetings cards and prints which I sell from shops and online.


How long have you been drawing and crafting, and how did you first get into it?

I think I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil, but I started selling my work and working freelance for about the last 5 years. Crafting is something that I got into more recently and it's something I really mainly do for fun these days & concentrate on the illustration.

I was about 14 when I decided I wanted to get into illustration following an introduction by my cousin to anime and in particular Akira. I was hooked and knew that I wanted to get into this. Unfortunately I’ve not quite made it as a manga artist but being a freelance illustrator is good enough for me.


That's super neat, I'd love to see some of your manga-style work, if you still do any of it! Did you decide at that age that you wanted to get formal training or did you teach yourself?

I went to Uni and got a degree in illustration and animation. Although to be fair I didn’t really learn that much. Since coming out of Uni I pretty much started again. I taught myself how to use Photoshop and Illustrator and began from there.


I'm so glad there is someone else out there who is of the same opinion - I don't feel my degree taught me all that much, though I'm still glad I did it, despite my work being completely different to the stuff I did then. How has your work changed since you started, if at all?

It's changed a lot I would say. When I was at Uni and before, I was a complete traditionalist and refused to use a computer in anyway to aid my work. I painted and was a big mono print fan. However since learning Photoshop I use this a lot in my work and it's become more mixed media. However, I still start each piece of work as a pencil drawing and this won’t ever change as I love drawing.


Me too! Give me a sunny day, some paper and pencils and I'll be a happy girl!

Your work is full of animals - is that your main inspiration?

My biggest constant inspiration is nature and everyday stuff. I normally take inspiration from things rather than other people’s work as I think this can be dangerous. The last thing I want to do is emulate a popular style or produce a piece of work around a particular theme because its in vogue. However I do love looking at new work.


It's hard to choose a favourite, but I just love your fox illustration - what is your favourite project and why?

Not always, but most of the time its the latest piece of work I’ve created that is my favourite so given that my favourite changes. At the moment my fave is ’In Flight’ (the owl piece). This is the newest piece I’ve created for sale as a print.

I'm very pleased with the way the details in the feathers worked out and the colours. It was an idea I had in my head for ages so I was relieved when it was complete and I was finally satisfied with the outcome - it was hard work to do.


It must have taken ages - but it was worth it, it's gorgeous! When you're not painting or drawing, what else do you like to do?

I love making clothing and other textile items and if I had time I would certainly do more of this. I also enjoy reading, climbing, kayaking and walking amongst the trees through woodland.


That sounds like a splendid way to spend your time! Finally, would you like to share an interesting fact about yourself?

I once rode from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Glastonbury (for the festival) on the back of a motorbike for 12 hours. By the end I had a numb bum!

Thank you so much for answering my questions, Lucy!

If you would like to see or read about more of Lucy's work, check her out here:

// website // shop // blog // facebook // twitter //
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my favourite Etsians - Q&A with Nicola Rowlands

.

...it can only be Nicola Rowlands!

Hooray!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Nicola! Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions - would you like to introduce yourself and let Matin Lapin readers know what you do?

I'm a creative person living in Manchester. I have a small studio in the flat I share with my better half in Didsbury, South Manchester. I work as an illustrator and graphic designer and sell my own products on Etsy.

Cool beans. How long have you been drawing/painting/crafting, and how did you first get into it?

I have been creative and bossy my whole life. I didn't realize that I could combine the two until I picked up a copy of Frankie magazine whilst backpacking in Australia and my boyfriend suggested I enroll on a graphic design degree upon our return to England.

Oooh, I love Frankie! And that's such an inspiring story! So presumably you did go on to study for an art degree?

Yep, I studied Design & Art Direction at Manchester Metropolitan. Bought a Mac, taught myself how to use it to my advantage and crammed in loads of work experience at ad agencies, design agencies, and with a skateboarding magazine in London. I've always been able to draw - but formal drawing classes that I took during my American education years really helped hone my skillz.


You have a bunch of different stuff in your shop at the moment - how do you think your work changed since you started?

I think over the past year I've become more confident in not only what I'm good at but recognising what I'm bad at.

That's pretty neat. I'm intrigued to know where you get your inspiration from and who inspires you?

This is always a difficult question because I always end up sounding really cliche... I don't necessarily carry a sketchbook everywhere - I have a page a day Moleskine diary which is made up of lists and notes to myself - I also have a book/folder which I stuff random things/paper that I think could be useful for when I'm stuck. Mostly though something will enter my brain and sit there until I draw it. Right now, it's noses. That's because a very drunk friend of mine over new years said to me, "why do you have to draw animals? Why don't you draw something different... like noses?" (shortly after, she fell off a chair)


That's a pretty original answer! And what is your favourite project or item in your shop, and why?

My cards - because I feel they're most representative of my thoughts and ideas.

Other than painting/drawing/sewing/crafting what else do you like to do?

Read, run, and look at dogs.

Nice. Finally, let's finish off with an interesting fact about yourself...

I was born in Wales, spent nine years (from age 9-18) in the USA, and now I live with a Yorkshire man. My accent is a total mixed bag.

Thank you so much for all that, Nicola!

If you would like to see more of Nicola's work, check her out here...

// website // blog // etsy shop // twitter //
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my favourite Etsians - Meg of Red & Main

My first ever 'my favourite things this week' post included a teeny tiny Yeti sculpture made by Meg of Red & Main...


...today, months later, I'm sharing an interview with Meg about all her awesome pretties, including yetis of course!


Hey Meg! Thanks for agreeing to do this! First off, would you like to introduce yourself to Matin Lapin readers?

Hi! My name is Meg and I’m a ceramic artist and monster wrangler from Washington, DC.

Blimey, monster wrangler?? That sounds pretty neat! How did you first get into making tiny clay monsters?

I took my first ceramics class in high school. I was lucky to have an incredibly awesome teacher (holler, Mrs. Messina) who inspired me to push my boundaries and experiment with new techniques and ideas. After that class, I knew that ceramic art would always be a part of my life.



Good ol' Mrs. Messina! Other than classes with her, do you have any other formal training or did you pretty much teach yourself?

I’ve taken random ceramic art courses throughout my adult life in an attempt to bring clay into my everyday experience. When I was working a fancy corporate job, I’d work all day and take a class at night for stress relief. I don’t, however, have a degree in art.

I honestly don't think a degree in art is necessary to be a creative, I think some of my favourite artists/crafters are self-taught. Since you've been using clay since high school, how do you think your work changed since you started, if at all?

I think I’ve skewed more… bright and imaginary since I’ve started. I really love making little monsters – they can be made any way I want them. I’m really excited for 2012 because I’m going to be branching out and incorporating ceramic pieces with mixed media. I recently went on a craft store supplies binge for my new pieces – I can’t wait to get started!



I love your yetis and little monsters, I can't wait to see your mixed media pieces too! Where did you get your inspiration for them from?

Right now I’m really loving dia de los muertos dioramas – the bright colors and the fantastic figures are right up my alley. Hopefully this gives everyone a clue as to where my new work is headed. I’m also inspired by my husband; he’s been so incredibly supportive of both me and my business. On days when I’m feeling frustrated, a good word from him can do wonders.

I super love Día de los Muertos stuff too - I went to a Halloween party last year in calavera make-up, it was such fun to research! Other than your newest project, what's your favourite item in your shop, and why?

It’s so hard to pick just one thing – it’s like asking a mother to choose her favorite child. I do love chubby animals, so I’m quite partial to my Fat Unicorn, as well as my Emoti-Monster, Over-Stuffed. More of them to love, right?


Yes, I guess so! I've never really thought about it like that! So when you're not playing with clay or designing new monsters, what else do you like to do?

When I’m not sculpting or painting, I’m probably at the gym, with a friend, eating good food or drinking wine. I also love curling up with my cat and a good book.

That sounds like a perfect day off to me! Finally, would you like to share an interesting fact about yourself with us?

Hmmm… interesting thing about me? I used to be a national-level synchronized swimmer. I think that’s pretty interesting.

Woah, that's super interesting! I'm crazy jealous - I love watching synchronised swimming on TV! Thank you again so much for answering my questions, and good luck with all your new projects!


If you would like to read more about Meg, you can find her here:

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my favourite Etsians - Michelle of My Zoetrope


I don't think I could ever tire of cute and quirky illustrations, and one of my absolute favouritest illustrators is Michelle Cavigliano of My Zoetrope who creates the happiest little paintings that just make me smile every time I see them!


I recently had a little chance to ask Michelle about her work...

Hi Michelle! I'm so happy to have the chance to chat with you, and I love your illustrations! How long have you been creating stuff, and how did you first get into it?

When I was in Kindergarden, my little friends and I decided to start a band together. I became the "fashion designer" of the group and drew out all their rock star outfits for them that they would wear on stage when they were touring around the world. Fast forward 17 years and I was graduating with an Illustration degree from RIT, in Rochester NY. My first real job out of college was designing cute patterns and designs for a risque lingerie brand, so I guess you could say that I came full circle in a fashion designer sense. I worked there for six years and I was able to quit my day job a little over a year ago to work on my freelance illustration and shop full time!


That sounds pretty much the best fun ever! Apart from your fashion background, where else do you get your inspiration from?

Cute stuff! Animals, dorky things, NYC, escaping NYC, the internet, and my cat.

Other than drawing and making stuff, what else do you like to do?

Traveling! Going on adventures! I am also really into vegan cooking and baking. I've been vegan for about 4-ish years and was vegetarian for 9 years before that. I am a recipe tester for a few different vegan cookbook authors as a hobby!


That sounds nyommy! Considering that most of your pictures are of super cute animals, I wonder, if you could be any animal at all, what kind of animal you would be?

I'm sometimes envious of my cat's lifestyle of sleeping, eating, sleeping some more, being cute, and then going back to sleep. It'd be pretty neat to be a bird also...flying everywhere and anywhere.


Both of those would be awesome! Finally, please tell us an interesting fact about yourself!

I am deathly afraid of squirrels. Seriously, they are out to get me. (This is also why you'll never find a squirrel illustration in my store or portfolio...)

Aw, that's a shame, I'm rather fond of them myself!

Thanks so much for answering my questions, and sharing your pretty work with us!

check out more from Michelle here::

And look at this - Michelle is having a sale this weekend! Go check it out!


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my favourite Etsians - Q&A with Lauren of AQuartzyLife


Time for another Q&A with one of my favourite Etsians - today is the turn of the wonderful Lauren Younis of AQuartzyLife.



Let's get started: firstly, how long have you been creating, and how did you get into it?

I have been creating since my sophomore year of college, so for almost four years! It was basically curiosity that started me painting - I first began with watercolors, and then started using acrylics and oils, then collaging, and then started making all sorts of things.

How about any specific art training or are you self-taught?

As of now, I have no formal training, but I always thought it would be cool to take art classes. Maybe one day I will - I would love to learn graphic design.

{you're the one} {all your life} {I get you}

And where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspiration from lots of places! Being inspired is a really organic, free-flowing process that happens all the time. I have always been very observant - of my surroundings, of patterns, of people and their emotions and feelings - and all this can be channelled into creative energy for sure. I have a general sensitivity about the world, I think, that helps me be creative: I like to inspect things and dissect things and look at things in different ways.


What else do you like to do other than creating?

I spend a lot of time creating, but I also really love decorating - I frequently re-arrange my living space, and think of other living spaces in my head and then decorate those! I also spend a lot of time at Anthropologie, where I work, which is never a bad thing! I have always loved to read - now I'm on a kick of mostly magazines but I certainly love novels as well. And I love writing. Love it. Before anything else, I consider myself a writer.


Changing the subject completely, I'm always fascinated to hear the answer to this question: if you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?

Probably something weird and playful, but with an attitude and an intense survival instinct, like a honey badger.


Honey badger pretty much rocks my socks. Perhaps you could incorporate a honey badger into one of your pieces! As it is, what is your favourite project or item in your shop, and why?

This is a great question! I like everything for different reasons - sometimes I like the result, sometimes I like process of what I make. But I'd have to say my ultimate favorite thing to make is that which takes the most time, my little hand-sewn books. They are a combination of words, visuals, patterns, ideas - all the things I really like to create with.


I would love to see more mini books in your shop, if they're not too time-consuming to make - the What Is It book is adorable! Finally, would you like to share an interesting fact about yourself?

When I first began painting and drawing, one of the very first illustrations I made was an image of these wooden chairs with colorful rugs beneath them, and the owner of a small cafe in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, saw them on my website and wanted me to tweak them for his logo/brand identity. Being young, and new at the whole 'selling my work' thing, I sold him the rights to the image for some absurdly low price, something like $25. It's called the Settle Down Cafe - it's this really adorable coffee cafe and art and record space, and you can see it today if you visit!


Next time I'm up north I'll definitely go and check it out! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Lauren!

Don't forget to check out Lauren's {flickr} {blog} {shop}
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my favourite Etsians - Q&A with murmurfremo

I have a real treat for you today - this week's interview is from one of my absolute favourite Etsians - the wonderful Tere from MurmurFremo. I'm so excited that I'm just going to get on with the questions!


Hello! I'm so excited to be interviewing you - I absolutely adore your work. For anyone who hasn't seen your shop, please introduce yourself and let us know a little about what you do.

Hi! My name is Terecita Hurst, but I go by Tere. I'm currently living in Brick, New Jersey, USA . I own two Etsy shops: MURMURFREMO (little anthropomorphic animals pins, brooches, and art) and the other TEREHURST (where I sell Steampunk OOAK artdolls).

How long have you been creating, and how did you first get into it?

I've been creating for a LONG time, since I was a little kid. About 15 years ago I did try to do my art full-time but, because of a lack of confidence, I had an extremely hard time marketing myself. So when Etsy and the internet came along it was the best thing that could ever happen for me! In January 2011, with the urging of my husband, I quit my part-time job and started working as an artist full time.


That's fantastic! So did you teach yourself the techniques you use in your pieces, or do you have any formal art training?

Both! I have a degree in Zoology but quickly realized I liked DRAWING animals more than STUDYING them. I also studied Illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, have taken classes in ceramics, and completed a certificate program through the University of Washington for Children's Illustration.


That's a lot of skills you have there! How do you think your work has changed since you started, if at all?

The style and look of my work hasn't changed that much over the years. People say I look like my art (don't quite know what that means, but I think that's funny AND true...). I actually think a person's style is unique to them and not easily changed. Believe me. I went through a period where I wanted to create art that was 'dark and evil', not 'cute and happy'. Didn't matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it! I finally gave up. I had to accept the fact that I'm just a happy person who makes happy things. Oh well. :)


That's not necessarily a bad thing! I love nice, happy things too! What kinds of things (happy or otherwise) inspire you?

I'm really into Steampunk and the Victorian era right now. I love the clothing and architecture the most. Outside of that I'm inspired by artists who speak with their own voice and make original artwork; no celebrities or Disney characters, please! And yes, I have an affinity for the dark creepy weird stuff because I can't do it. I find it pretty ironic.


I utterly love your one of a kind art dolls - as well as your adorable moveable pins - what is your own favourite project/item, and why?

Declan, the avatar for my terehurst shop, is a little Victorian style rabbit and is my favorite doll right now, so he's not for sale! I really love rabbits for some strange reason, so I'm having a great deal of fun creating them.

{Declan the Victorian rabbit}

Other than creating, what else do you like to do?

I really don't do anything other than creating! I do like to sew for myself. I've made16 A-line skirts to go with the12 cardigan sweaters, 10 camisoles, and 6 pairs of mary-jane style shoes that I mix and match and wear like Garanimals (google it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garanimals).

That's pretty cool! Would you like to share with us any other interesting facts about yourself?!

My husband and I are about to begin housesitting in Europe so we've been busy getting rid of our possessions, organizing paperwork, and setting up our site (www.simplehousesitter.com) where people will be able to follow our up-coming adventures!


Finger puppets are part of the new items that will be replacing the prints and dolls I will be removing from my Etsy shop. :( I will be sad to see those items go but, as mentioned, I will no longer have the necessary equipment and/or space to produce them when we move. Also as a result of the move I will be reducing the price of all art dolls. I would much rather see them go to new homes than packed away in some storage crate.

So check out terehurst and murmurfremo to see the new Art Doll Moving Sale prices! I'm also a sucker for a good story and I know I'm on a major budget, so bring your best offer and we will talk. Contact me via Etsy!


Thank you again, Tere, for taking the time to answer my questions, and I can't wait to read all about your new adventures!

Don't forget to check out the sales in both of Tere's shops!

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my favourite Etsians - Q&A with Littlebighead

If you have been reading this blog for a while you might have noticed today's favourite Etsian's illustrations before - I love them so much, I've used them to illustrate all sorts of posts!



Just in case you don't immediately recognise her beautiful style, I had better introduce the fabulous Andrea Gutierrez of Littlebighead.

Let's start, shall we? How long have you been creating, and how did you get into it? Do you have formal training or did you teach yourself? 

I've been drawing and crafting little things here and there since I have been a child. For years I had the encouragement of friends to actually do something more with it than just keep it all to myself. I did take art classes in both high school and jr. college but mostly I am self-taught (with my father being my first teacher and critic). After I had my first child (I'm expecting my second next spring), we decided for me to stay home so that I could be with her. After awhile of being home and newly inspired by our family's addition, I started to think maybe I could do this. Littlebighead was started (a tribute to our full head of hair daughter with her little toddler head) and the ball got rolling.



That's such a lovely story - and congratulations! Other than the wonderful encouragement from friends and family, where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration comes from everywhere, really. Simple things can catch the eye and become something great. Mostly I am inspired by childlike imagination and the beautiful world so aptly created for our enjoyment. Fauna, flora, the night sky, all those things that speak of the Creator's wonders. Folktales and stories too because imagination can truly be endless and almost everything has a story to tell in some way or other.


On the off chance that you ever have any free time - what else do you like to do other than creating?

I enjoying reading, spending time with close friends with tea and treats, being with my family, watching as we all grow together in love and grace.



You mentioned that nature plays a big role in inspiring your work, so this question will be interesting - if you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?

Oh dear, that's a tough one! I think most people would naturally think I would pick an owl since I am not so subtle about my affection towards them. Sometimes I think it would be easier to be a blackbird because no one really would bother me (I wouldn't be hunted, tracked down or anything like that) and I would be free to roam the skies.



That's such a romantic idea!

Obviously your family play a huge part in your life - other than your husband, daughter and baby bump, what 3 things could you not live without?

1. Faith and belief in God
2. Loved ones (close friends and family)
3. Tea and lip balm (okay, I cheated)!



Ooh, sneaky answer! How about this one - if you could only eat one thing for the rest of time, what would it be?

That's an especially tricky question to ask a pregnant woman! Ha ha! Well, for today, let's just say tiramisu! You can't go wrong with that ;)

That is very true! And finally, would you like to share an interesting fact about yourself with Matin Lapin readers?

I'm afraid of actual silhouettes of people (someone standing beyond a curtained window) but I love silhouette art :)



Thank you so much for your time, Andrea! It was a pleasure :)

Andrea's wonderful illustrations and cards are available in her etsy shop, you can read more about her on her blog, see her favourite things on pinterest and read her musings here on twitter.
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