Big shout out to Cherrytime for so generously paying this feature forward to
MischievousCreations!
~ My Interview with Heather of MischievousCreations ~
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?
I am an artist, soul searcher, heart partner, mother, daughter, and sister. Determined to find my path. Determined to inspire, love, and create. I am ME. My Etsy shop is a place for me to put all of those parts of myself out into the world.
What inspired you to open your shop?
More than selling my art, Etsy was a place for me to get over being insecure about my work. It was WAY out of my comfort zone to throw my art out there as it is always so personal. I knew I had to find a way to get over my insecurities and Etsy has been a perfect way for me to accomplish that.
Besides designing & creating things, what do you do?
Taking care of my family is my top priority always. I spend a lot of time just doing normal stuff. Laundry, dishes, playing Mom's Taxi, and so on. I also teach art two days a week to the youth in our area at our local community center.
Where, who or what does your influence come from?
Simply put...within myself. I work very hard to make sure whatever I'm creating is influenced by my soul and not by an outside source. I want my work to be authentic to me.
What inspires you to be creative?
Everything! I feel very blessed to have being creative be a part of my entire make-up. It comes naturally for me and since figuring that out I've been able to nurture that part of myself and watch it grow. Seems like I'm always in creative mode.
How do you get out of a creative rut?
On the occasion I'm feeling a bit stuck I will do something a simple as mixing paint. I started a paint journal to log all the colors I have, and the combinations they create together. This really helps to get things rolling. I have found that since making art a part of my daily routine, I have fewer "ruts". Experimenting helps a bunch too. Playing and experimenting with mixing different mediums is so much fun and seems to really open that creative door.
When did you first discover that you were or wanted to be an artist?
In the words of Lady Gaga, "Baby, I was born this way." I've always wanted to be and have been an artist. The hardest part was accepting that simple truth. Getting over the "good enough" hurdle and just letting me be me was a difficult process. But once I was able to build my confidence enough to accept that, my growth and abilities have really accelerated. I get better every single day. And I practice every single day.
Can you describe your creative process for us?
I just sit down and start. Usually I have no idea what I'm making or how it will turn out. I just go. Applying layers and colors, until it all just feels right. I create from my gut. Sometimes I will have a thought or a dream about a piece that will nag me like crazy until I create it. Those projects usually go pretty quickly as I have to get them out of my head to be able to move on. And more often than not I'm working on several pieces at once. I get impatient waiting for paint to dry so multiple projects keeps the flow at a steady pace. The biggest part of my creative process is to just let go and let whatever comes out be whatever it is.
What is your most cherished handmade possession?
I have a few things my grandmother embroidered on, a ceramic music box from my mother, and anything my children have made me. Of my own work, I have two canvases I just can't seem to part with. They still yank at my heart strings years after creating them.
Where do you see or want your shop to be this time next year?
I have so many ideas for my shop. Almost too many. LOL! I'd like to offer my work in ways that will be less expensive and still visually appealing. Which will mean a lot more reproduction type items. Right now my biggest goal for my shop is just to be able to share my work and my message with the world in a way that is inspiring to all. I want to have items that will make great inexpensive gifts, with positive heart jerking messages of motivation, inspiration, and love.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
Honestly, I don't think about that a whole lot. I will be wherever I am and that will be the perfect place for me. I'm excited to see where I end up as it has only been the last few months I made the decision to become a full time artist. 10 years is a long time to be doing full time art and I'm certain wherever I end up it will still involve art and be amazing.
Who are your favourite shops to browse on Etsy?
Any and all mixed media shops. Some of my fav's from the EAWT Team are...
Mandarin Moon ~ www.etsy.com/shop/MandarinMoon
Oddball Art Co ~ www.etsy.com/shop/OddballArtCo
Cherrytime ~ www.etsy.com/shop/cherrytime
Girl Burke Studios ~ www.etsy.com/shop/GirlBurkeStudios
I always seem to end up browsing these shops. And there are so many more wonderful shops to mention it's hard to choose.
What is your best advice to newbie Etsian's just opening their shops?
Do it because you love it. My shop hasn't seen much monetary success, however on a spiritual level it is one of the very best choices I have ever made. It's opened doors to contacts, different avenues to show my art, and loads of other amazing artists.
Where else other then Etsy can you be found on the net?
Do you have any coupon codes that you would like to share with our readers?
EAWT1211 for 10% off anything in my shop.
I enjoyed reading your interview. Your art is amazing and your interview was delightful to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Mojca. The whole experience has been very enjoyable! I thank you again! :)
ReplyDelete