Balancing Act

Balancing Act: Jennifer Mullin’s Tiny Art

Hello readers!? Today’s Balancing Act features a lovely collage artist I recently discovered.? Jennifer Mullin is the talent behind? tinyartbyjmullin.etsy.com, an amazing collection of small original collages, prints, and notecards.? I’ll admit to thinking I was familiar with most of the cool collage artists on Etsy — stumbling across her shop was like finding a secret hideaway of tons of fun little things.? I adore her “Comfy Chair” series of eclectic chairs in rooms created of cut patterned paper.? When I asked to interview her, I had no idea she was a high school teacher, but this gives me one more reason to love her!? Speaking from experience, finding the time to create after 150 teens have drained your energy is a feat in itself — I can completely relate to her love of working alone, and the difficulty juggling being a “good teacher” vs. a “good artist”.? Enjoy~!

1. Tell a little about your business — what do you make/ sell, how long have you been in business, and what do you love most about it?

I make original mixed media collage and fine art prints, and I have been selling my work on Etsy since January of 2008. I?ve been creating mixed media collage since 2006 and I love the spontaneity of it all. All I need is paper, scissors and glue! Its portable media ? I often bring my art to work and make things while my students are busy making things of their own. (I?m an art teacher.)? Before I got into collage I was a painter, and I got tired of the time it took to set up and take down/clean up to actually paint. I really love to oil paint, and with the smell and chemicals it takes, I find it hard to paint at home. Collage is quick. I have a table in my studio that is constantly covered in papers and pens. When the mood to create hits me I just have to sit down and go to it!

JMullin2
2. How does it differ from your day job (creativity, skill, autonomy)?

In my day job as a high school art teacher, I am around art and art making all the time, which is great! What I don?t enjoy about my job is the non-art business that I must keep up with ? grading, organizing, planning, discipline?. This may sound crazy, being that I am a teacher, but I really like being/working alone. Artmaking is a pretty solitary pursuit and I like that. I can fashion my own little world in my collages.

3. What has been the most challenging part of juggling a business, day job, and family? How have you gotten through the difficult parts?

I often feel like I have to neglect my art to really be the best teacher I can be and I have to neglect my teaching to really concentrate on my own artmaking. I really haven?t found a good way to balance the two. I often fantasize about being just a part time teacher and part time artist, so I could have more time to do both things better. But, I don?t see that happening anytime soon. So, art often times gets pushed to the wayside until I?ve got a break from school. During the summer when I am not teaching, I try to do art on a full time basis and really stock up for the rest of the year.

4. Identity is often closely linked to what we do professionally. How do you identify yourself, and does it relate more to your business/ artisan side, or your day job??

I am an artist, and I have an almost constant yearning to make something. That is why being an art teacher works so well for me. I love that I can use my passion for art to inspire and assist my students. I am an art teacher today because of my high school art teachers. I hope that I can keep the inspiration train going and inspire some of my students to take up a career as an art teacher!

5. Give one organizational or business tip (or product) that has been invaluable.

Keeping up an online presence and regularly creating new work for my shop really seems to help me. I find that when I am regularly tweeting, writing on my blog, and reading and commenting on others blogs, I seem to get more action in my own shop.

6. Some people use a side business as a way to slowly change gears from employee to business owner. In the future, do you ever see yourself transitioning to full-time entrepreneur? If so, what would ultimately help you ultimately make that leap? If not, what benefits do you enjoy with your current situation?

Yes! I would love to be a full time artist! I?m still working out how I could make this happen. I dream about finding a wealthy patron like the Medici family was to Michelangelo. (Ha!) In the mean time, while I search for this patron, I am trying to branch out and find other places besides Etsy to sell my work. I participated in two shows at a hip local gallery this past year and am hoping to do a big outdoor art fair this summer. If it doesn?t work out that I can make a go of being an artist full time, at least it can give me a little extra spending money.

7. Any additional words of wisdom you?d like to share?

Developing a successful online business and following takes time. I have to constantly remind myself of that and try not to get down when things are not selling. The longer I am at this the more I realize that if I make a good product that I am proud of, it will eventually find a good home with someone!

Beautiful work, Jennifer — best of luck in both your art and your teaching!

Balancing Act: Susan Saltzman of SToNZ

Hello everyone, here is the interview that I’ve been meaning to post for WEEKS, that keeps getting interrupted by work and school and work and shows and life and whatnot — with many apologies to Susan for putting her on hold, here she is at last!

Susan W. Saltzman is the amazing artist/ designer behind SToNZ, where she makes beach stone and glass jewelry. Her jewelry a gorgeous blend of natural beauty and technical skill, and thanks to her graphic design background, there is a wonderful precision to her branding and a stunning crispness to her photography. Her work has been a favorite of mine since I met her.? I am proud to own one of her necklaces, and even luckier to call her a friend. You can find her work at http://www.stonz.etsy.com

1. Tell a little about your business – what do you make, how long have you been in business, and what do you love most about it?

SToNZ is my line of handmade sterling silver jewelry, featuring beach stones, sea glass and freshwater pearls. Being an artist all of my life, I have studied a wide variety of artistic media (including metalsmithing, many moons ago). While earning my graphic design degree from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, I was hired as an in-house illustrator at a major greeting card company. Upon the birth of my kids, I decided to begin a home-based freelance design studio. After spending more than a decade as an illustrator and graphic designer for a diverse range of corporate clients, non-profits and community organizations, my longstanding love for wearing and working with natural materials and silver drew me back to the jeweler’s bench.

Living near beautiful Lake Erie is a huge inspiration to me. I love to walk the beach and gather stone and glass specimens washed smooth by years of natural tumbling. In August of 2007, I discovered Etsy and realized that it would be a great venue for me to market my new creations and SToNZ was born!

It?s difficult to say what I love the MOST about my SToNZ business. I revel in the beachcombing, of course, but I also love sorting through my finds and designing a new piece of wearable art that best features the unique beauty of that particular piece of glass or stone. I love finishing a piece, and marveling at how it can end up entirely different than the way I originally envisioned. It’s such a thrill to see SToNZ being worn and hearing about how it “speaks” to the wearer. Something about this organic jewelry draws the most amazingly wonderful people. So, I have to say, I also have loved meeting many of the special people who appreciate SToNZ this jewelry really does draw interesting people into my life. Sometimes it is difficult to part with a piece of SToNZ once completed, but when it finally goes to a person who truly loves it, it?s clear ?that it wasn?t meant to stay with me. The feedback I get is truly gratifying and reaffirming.

2. How does it differ from your day job?

SToNZ actually IS half of my “day job”. I alternate my time between the jewelry stuff and the freelance graphics stuff, from my studio, which is set up for both! I guess I get bored doing one thing for too long, so sometimes I work at the jewelry bench, and sometimes at the computer each one giving me a break from the other. Both endeavors are creative, but they seem to use different parts of my brain.

3. Identity is often closely linked to what we do professionally. How do you identify yourself, and does it relate more to your business/ artisan side, or your day job?

I used to say I was an illustrator, then, a freelance graphic designer, then, a jewelry designer. I think I’ll go with artist. Happy artist. I love to make things and always will. How fortunate I am to be able to do these things that give me fulfillment. And many of these things make others happy too, so that’s even better!

4. Give one tip that has been invaluable for your work.

One thing I really valued in art school and in the workplace was being surrounded by inspiring creative people with whom I could share ideas and feedback. As an artist, it’s very easy to get caught up in my work and cut off from the world. I won’t say it’s lonely, because I really don’t mind working on my own for long periods of time, (most of the time I actually prefer it) but it’s easy to isolate oneself. Etsy, as one example, is a great way to connect with like-minded artists. I take classes. I seek advice and feedback from a variety of sources. It’s rejuvenating and educational.

stonz 4

My advice? Seek out people with whom you can share ideas and learn from. Chances are they have something to learn from you as well, and you’ll both come out ahead! I suppose that’s good advice for everyone, not just “artists”.

5. Any additional words of wisdom you’d like to share?

Do what you love, love what you do. Create something new every day. And thanks Chris, for your interest in SToNZ and for the inspiration and creative energy you have shared with me!

Balancing Act: Huey of NottyPooch

Tonight’s Balancing Act features Huey of the NottyPooch duet!? Not only does she & her boyfriend make incredibly cool recycled wallets and laptop covers (and the famous “muffin shirt”), but they are already halfway to full-time status.

1. Tell a little about your business — what do you make/ sell, how long have you been in business, and what do you love most about it?

notty 1 — Eco Recycled Billboard Banner Clutch Wallet No. 5

I work with my boyfriend, Wah. We recycle used billboard banners into one-of-a-kind accessories like iPhone cases, laptop sleeves, wallets, bags, and totes. We also design and silkscreen our own t-shirts (although not so much lately, since we are too busy sewing…). We’ve been doing this on and off for about 1-2 years now. We love the fact that each and every one of our item is unique – just like our tagline: The Reason to be Unique. :)

2. How does it differ from your day job (creativity, skill, autonomy)?

In my day job I am the designer and I control the image and communication part of a local company – but still, I need to abide to the image of the company and you know, get approvals on many things, of course. I think the most important part that I love about our business is that we get to be our own boss. We get to control the pace, we don’t have to answer to anyone on our decision. And of course, I get to make all the cool stuffs with my own hands, not with a computer. :)

Eco Recycled Billboard Banner Long Wallet No. 14

3. What has been the most challenging part of juggling a business, day job,, and family? How have you gotten through the difficult parts?

I haven’t gotten through the difficult parts, honestly. Very often I find myself working from 9AM until 1AM, with perhaps 1-2 hour total of break time in between. As most of our customers are from the U.S, and we are in Asia, I have to promote when I should be sleeping. I am lucky to have very supportive family members and boyfriend, who have helped me taken care of some aspects in daily life.

4. Identity is often closely linked to what we do professionally. How do you identify yourself, and does it relate more to your business/ artisan side, or your day job?

Both. Like I introduce myself depending on who I’m meeting. If I meet a supplier or customer at my day job, I identify myself as the Image Consultant of the company I work with. If I meet a friend, I introduce myself as an independent artist.

5. Give one organizational or business tip (or product) that has been invaluable.

I have personally received a tip that I appreciate a lot on Etsy’s forum, from a buyer who turned into our customer. He made me rethink about tagging and item description. Tagging is so important not only on Etsy, it’s everywhere on the internet world!

6. Some people use a side business as a way to slowly change gears from employee to business owner. In the future, do you ever see yourself transitioning to full-time entrepreneur? If so, what would ultimately help you ultimately make that leap? If not, what benefits do you enjoy with your current situation?

Yes. After my boyfriend resigning and working full time on our business, my plan is to resign by early next year – in fact, I’ve mentioned to my employer about my plan! I’ve never really been an office-kinda people, and this is my first full time job. Not that I don’t love this job, it’s just that I love my own business better. :)

7. Any additional words of wisdom you?d like to share?
Well, perhaps not much that I can share except to promote, promote, and promote. The internet world is moving really fast. I’m still learning to promote our business better and hopefully will meet our own target before I quit my day job!

Thanks much, and best of luck with your business!!

Balancing Act: Lisa Kirkpatrick of Estasketch

In today’s Balancing Act, a new twist: Lisa Kirkpatrick is a full-time student, in addition to running Estasketch. Her work is incredible — if you’ve seen her things on popular blogs like Decor8 or VenusZine, you would never suspect that she wasn’t a full-time professional with a million years experience behind her. Her work is clean and polished, with personality. If you want an artist to watch, check her out!

1. Tell a little about your business — what do you make/ sell, how long have you been in business, and what do you love most about it?

I make 2D original artwork like printmaking and collage. I love working with paper and recycling materials so I also play around a bit with paper goods and small artworks made from recycled prints. I opened my etsy store mid 2006, shortly after I’d begun studying Fine Art at university and was looking to sell maybe a few extra prints I’d been making in the studio (the nature of many printmaking methods allows you to create multiple copies, often we’re required to make larger quantities to work on editioning and consistency.. and as lovely as they all are, I don’t need all of those prints sitting around my house forever!) Anyway, to my surprise things sold surprisingly well, especially considering the total lack of promotion I was doing at the beginning. I decided to take advantage of this potential for a side-income and work on other products for this handmade community, as well as my own artwork.

2. How does it differ from your day job (creativity, skill, autonomy)?

I’m a full time student currently so most of my day is spent in the studio or the library, which flows into my home-studio time very nicely. The two do differ surprisingly quite a bit but I think having the two running side by side has helped my business and my studies – looking at historical, academic and professional art practices informs my business, and using my online store to look at business practices, marketing, the DIY movement and the expanse of ideas coming out of the online creative community, and just in general what people are interested in helps my art theory and practice

3. What has been the most challenging part of juggling a business and school? How have you gotten through the difficult parts?

I think the most challenging part is managing your time, and learning how to say no. Unfortunately I’m not too good at that part yet and often commit to more than I can handle. That, or things will come up unexpectedly that you’ll suddenly have to find time for – when that happens I just put my head down, get up earlier, get to bed later, eat cereal for dinner and turn off the television until everything finally gets done. I think I get through it by making a mental list of all the wonderful things I’ll be able to do again after this deadline has passed – cook a proper meal, sleep in, read that book I bought a month ago, try out some new ideas for products, etc…

2010 Silkscreened, poster style calendar

4. Identity is often closely linked to what we do professionally. How do you identify yourself?

I suppose I identify with my artistic side, since it does take up the majority of my life currently. I am always looking at things from an artistic perspective these days, seeing what I can do myself, make myself, trying to find harmonious solutions to things. I’ve been reading a lot of art theory for school currently too, including interviews of artists, and some of the things written or said resonate with me so deeply that momentarily I feel as though I’ve definitely made the right decision pursuing this career path. (Though most other times I am not so convinced).

5. Give one organizational or business tip (or product) that has been invaluable.

My tip is to keep in touch with your customers, make sure they have all the information they need, it *really* helped me cut down on the amount of emails I receive and have to take time to answer. Give as much detail as you can on your shopfront, every detail about the item as well as your business practices – shipping cost and estimated time, whether you do custom orders and a rough timeframe, where you’re located, how often you ship, whether or not you gift wrap or can include a note if the item is for a gift, etc, etc. And once somebody has bought something, let them know you’ve received their order, payment and when you intend to ship it. I know personally when I hand over my money to a stranger online and don’t hear a word back I get a bit concerned. Most of the time there is no problem but as a customer I think good communication is really important. (And as a seller I think it’s incredibly time-saving.)

6. Some people use a side business as a way to slowly change gears. In the future, do you ever see yourself as a full-time entrepreneur? If so, what would ultimately help you ultimately make that leap? If not, what benefits do you enjoy with your current situation?

I still have a whole lot to learn about this business, I haven’t had a chance to research the viability of it at all yet, but even if it wasn’t to be, being a part-time artist or crafter would be just as rewarding. You might have less time for it but you might have more freedom too, when you aren’t relying on your passion to provide your income, you can turn down jobs, not have to make the same thing over and over just because it’s selling well, and just have a bit more fun with it. At the moment I’m just really enjoying making things, trying new things and meeting people from the etsy and online arts community, I’ll have to see where it takes me.

7. Any additional words of wisdom you?d like to share?

I think it’s important to be passionate about what you do… people will pick up on that. And really get involved in your area as much as you can, everything you do doesn’t need to be profitable or teach you something you can translate to your business. Admiring the work of others, learning the history of your craft, new techniques, experimenting with or teaching your own techniques, and connecting with like-minded people you can share your passion with. I think just generally immersing yourself in what you love to do will affect your own work positively.

Thank you for the wonderful insights! Best of luck to you in the future!

Balancing Act: Tricia McKellar of Eyeful

“Balancing Act” is a series focusing on the amazing people who run a successful business while working full-time, and somehow still manage to eat and sleep occasionally.

Tricia McKellar is an accomplished photographer and collage artist with two amazing shops, and a stunning website. Her images range from gorgeous, soft scenes of birds and nature to richly layered compositions that are a wonderful blend of mechanical and natural. If you look closely enough, you can sense the technical side of her brain in her digital collage. On top of that she is just a darn nice person, and I learned that she also has a teenage daughter (as do I). So when I say she is one amazing balancing act, I mean it, and then some! Without further ado:

1.Tell a little about your business – what do you make/ sell, how long have you been in business, and what do you love most about it?

I’m a mixed media artist & photographer. For the past couple of years, I’ve focused mainly on my photography. I love trying to open my mind to new ideas. After a day of shooting, I look at possibly 100’s of my new shots on my computer.? I winnow them down and delete many of the images. Sometimes my first impression is that an image is junk, but then something causes me to look again, and sometimes that image turns into one of my favorites. After all this time, I don’t have a formula for an interesting photograph– I think that’s what I love most– the
daily discovery.

2. How does it differ from your day job (creativity, skill, autonomy)?

My day job is as a database administrator. So I sit in front of a computer a lot. Getting out with the camera, driving around? looking for birds on telephone lines and lovely landscapes, is heaven.

3. What has been the most challenging part of juggling a business, day job, and family? How have you gotten through the difficult parts?

It is tough to juggle it all. My only child is 19 and in college, so I
have a lot more time and freedom now to devote to my art making and business. My advice for those with younger children is to do what you can with the art, but cherish the time with your children– they grow up so fast!

4. Identity is often closely linked to what we do professionally. How do you identify yourself, and does it relate more to your business/ artisan side, or your day job?

I don’t really feel the divide. I love the art, the IT work, the
business of being an artist. I think we need a variety of interests
and skills to keep our brains fresh and curious. I just wish I had
more time or enjoyed napping on the couch a little less :)

5. Give one organizational or business tip (or product) that has been invaluable.

Hmmm. This is a tough one– I have so many ideas and questions about indie businesses.? I think there are two key ideas for success with a creative business: make what you love and know where you want to go.

Make what you love and people will respond. Maybe a million people won’t like it, but do you need a million buyers? Maybe you only need a few hundred or thousand fanatical buyers for success.

What do you want in your future? Where do you want to be in two years, five years, ten years? Knowing your heart-felt desires will make decisions along the way much easier (for example, should you wholesale? should you make pendants of your art? should you start screenprinting tea towels? should you start photographing weddings?).

With a daughter in college and a fabulous day job, I think it may be
several years before I take the leap. In the meantime, I’m working on developing my craft and becoming the best photographer I can be. Also, as an artist, it’s very nice to have the day job income and not worry too much if my photography is selling. I can develop my work without the stress of needing to sell my art to pay bills.

I’m also using this time to develop the skills I need as an entrepreneur. I’m currently focusing on indie business marketing and plan to make a study of copywriting soon.

I’m also thinking about developing multiple streams of income. What kinds of businesses would dovetail with my photography business? What kinds of businesses could I maintain while touring the country in a big RV, photographing lovely landscapes? :)

I have a *very* new project that I am really excited to tell you about. I’ve started a blog dedicated to living the creative life and building an indie business: http://www.wonderthinking.com It’s *very* new, but I’m excited to get started– this is an idea that has been bumping around in my brain for a couple of years. I’d love for folks to visit and leave me comments, tell me what to write about :)

Thank you for your amazing work, and your insights Tricia!? Best of luck to you!