I’m doing something new today for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx interview, I’m sharing an interview I did not with one person, but a whole bunch of people. Not just any random bunch of people either, but the members of the Charm City (Baltimore) Craft Mafia. Since the Charm City Craft Mafia’s Pile of Craft is going to be next Saturday in Baltimore and since I just love everyone in the group, I thought it would be timely and fun.
Read more about the Charm City Craft Mafia in my interview with them below.
Plus, if you live in the Baltimore/DC area or close enough, then make sure to attend the 2nd annual Pile of Craft indie craft show to be held next Saturday, June 21st, 2008. The event, featuring 40+ crafty vendors, will be held indoors at St. John’s Church located at 2640 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Click here for directions. I’m going to be there selling my wares from the Indie Fixx Shop.
Here’s a link to pictures from last year’s Pile of Craft on flickr.
The Charm City Craft Mafia members
MIKEY of Spaghetti Kiss
1. How do you explain to people what you do? Do your family, friends and coworkers know what you do or are you a “closet indie crafter”?
I find myself constantly trying to find new ways to explain what I do because simply saying that I print on T-shirts doesn’t seem to cut it. Ask any crafter what they do and expect more than a three-word answer. We all do this for the love of the art/craft of it (god knows it’s not about the money) and it’s a huge part of our everyday thought process, so all of that goes into how we ‘refer’ to our work.
I can’t imagine keeping what I do hidden; making art is who I am, as cheesy as that may sound. I rely on my friends, family and coworkers for their feedback (both positive and critical) and support. Getting into crafting is time consuming and risky and the people you love are a crucial element. Besides, who else would have bought my stuff when I was just starting out?!?!?
Skullopus tee from Spaghetti Kiss
RACHEL from Red Prairie Press
2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business. What made you decide to take the plunge?
I started printing tshirts and posters for rock bands in college, and continued as a part time thing in the years after graduating while working a series of inspirationless jobs during the day. I woke up one morning two years ago and realized that I loathed everything about my day job and I couldn’t wait to get home every night to do what I liked doing. It was a relatively easy transition to say “That’s IT. This is what I like doing (designing, printing, working with my hands, being creative, working in my own time…), and this is what I DON’T like doing (being under appreciated & underpaid, dressing in “business casual”, having a cranky boss, saying the phrase “lunch n learn”).” Turns out, if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen. I think the desperation to never work for anyone else ever again helped…but loving what you do really is what keeps you motivated. Also, Mikey is right to mention the importance of family & friends in the beginning. I remember celebrating my “first web sale” and then celebrating even MORE—my “first web sale to a complete stranger!” Without encouragement, I’d have gone nowhere…and taken no risks.
Cat Cloud Tote from Red Prairie Press
ANNIE of Imogene
3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?
My inspirations come from my surroundings—maybe a clipping from a magazine, a pattern seen outside, a person, or a conversation, a piece of music or a film. In life, I often look to the women in history who have worked so hard so that I may enjoy the liberties that I have today—I never want to forget that I too have a responsibility to the next generation of women.
4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?
My advice is always this: you must KNOW that your biggest dream can become your reality. Work hard and surround yourself with like-minded people.
Necklaces from Imogene
More…
