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!
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!