Artist Interview: minus

Around a year ago I was perusing through an etsy search for "messenger bags." The search was all in vain (even though I was unaware of its vanity) because my lovely boyfriend had already ordered me a moop bag that would arrive a few days later for my birthday. 
The search yielded many lovely finds, including the moop bag I adored, but then I saw this:

 And entered a state of near instant covet. I didn't impulsively buy, I always take the time, sometimes days and weeks to think my "want(s)" over but this time it didn't help because a couple days later I had a brand new bag and a minor case of the , "aw shoots!" 

I then decided that this bag would be my next bag, but would have to patiently wait until my new bag accrued some age.

I added minus to my favorites and checked his store frequently to daydream. Finally I mustered up the courage to ask him to do an interview and he said, "yes!" Without further ado, meet Julian of minus:
 
1. Who are you/tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Julian and I live and work in the Black Country, Great Britain. I have been married to my wife Steph for over 12 years and recently I've become a dad to my twin daughters Kayleigh and Danielle; they're 8 months old now.

I graduated with a Fashion design degree from London and worked within the fashion industry for a number of years before jumping in at the deep end and start working for myself.

minus fold top in cedarwood

2. What are some of your favorite things to do?
Besides spending time with my family and running the business, I have very little time for anything. I do enjoy getting out into nature and growing my own fruit and vegetables (organic of course!), but I must admit I don't have the time to get the results that I ought to.

3. What three words best describe your personality?
Creative, sincere, determined

4. How would you describe your artistic style?
Minimal, clean, modern and pragmatic.

minus sushi purse

5. What kinds of things do you make and sell?
High quality handmade bags, purses and accessories for everyone, made from high quality materials sourced entirely from local shops and British and Italian manufacturers.

6. If you had to be trapped in a book, which one would it be and why?
I would say any of the Harry Potter books, but that may be too predictable, so I will say Le Petit Prince. I just love sunsets and it is the only book to have made me cry everytime I have ever read it.

minus toblerone pouch

7. Where did the inspiration for your shop name, minus, come from?
Well, I've always been a believer of less is more, and that by stripping away the unnecessary you are left with a more versatile design. Also, I feel strongly about the throwaway culture of recent times. I hope to help consumers change to stop buying cheap poor quality products that need to be replaced frequently, by creating quality products that will last much longer and easy to use everyday.
 
8. What drew you to creating?
Tailoring has been in my family for a number of generations, but I simply saw a fashion show of John Galliano in the late 80s and immediately knew I was meant to be doing something in fashion.
 
9. Do you have any other job aside from your awesome shop?
No, I work full-time on running my business only.

minus saddle pouch

10. What words of wisdom could would you give to aspiring create-tees?
Never stand still. You must keep pushing yourself creatively and not grow comfortable with what you are doing otherwise you'll get left behind. Even though I run a small handmade brand, I still evolve my designs further and keep introducing new styles, fabrics, colours, etc..

Here are some of minus' discontinued styles that I also adore

minus carrylight

minus tote

 The honeycomb is also discontinued but minus welcome's custom orders! Thank goodness!

You can see more of minus' line at the shop and learn more about minus at the minus blog. Much thanks to Julian for your time and interest!!

minus shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/minus
minus blog - http://minuslifestyle.blogspot.com/

Have a great day, lovelies!!

<3 Jonnie

Artist Interview: Miguel Duran

Now, this is an interview near and dear to my heart. Miguel is a personal friend that I met about 3 years in art class at Palomar College. The friendship started out as a fun acquaintance-ship...admirers of each others work from a distance. By the end of the semester we were pretty comfortable with one another but not to the point of hang-out status. As the next semesters came, specifically in drawing 2, our professor (Doug Durant) commented on Miguel's last name. He said something along the lines of Duran being a good last name...meaning firm and enduring...him knowing this because if you add a "T" to Duran you get Durant...similar roots. I thought that was really neat. Anyhow, the acquaintance-ship continued until I figured out who Miguel was dating, Yeni, this adorable, amazing, talented, and incredible woman who also was in our art classes and was also someone I was better friends with. After Palomar we all seemed to click into sync and we went out for a fun night filled with dumplings, tea station, and bowling...and now here we are! Without further anticipation, friends, meet Miguel Duran:

 

1. Who are you/tell us a bit about yourself?
Who am I? I’m a risk taker with explorative tendencies. However, I believe I have a split personality. There’s my everyday normal self and then there’s the third grader inside of me who is a big time joker, but who I attribute 70% of my creativity too, although he can be very immature.

Wave Current

2. What are some of your favorite things to do?
Going fast is my thing which I make possible with anything that has wheels. On this next one I get a lot of hate, because I’m a self thought Martial artist and I’m very serious about it. When I tell this to people nobody takes me seriously probably because I’m not very tall and kind of skinny. But the number one thing I love doing is watching the movies, baby. For me movies tend to be a big source of inspiration and motivation. I try not to remember actor’s names because as soon as I start recognizing actors it lessens the movie experience for me. I’m just trying to show you how devoted I am to my movie watching experience. O and I also like to make art mainly paintings.

Tormented

Ocean Spill

3. What three words best describe your personality?
Awkward, Joker, Sensitive

4. How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style is more of a blend of the women figure and online substances. I’m interested in the net, because for me it brings interesting and relatively new subject matter that I can use in my work. I strive to do something new within painting, although I never really feel like I accomplish this . I’m an explorer baby! 

5. If you had to be trapped in a movie, which one would it be and why?
O my god, Yes! Trapped that means being stuck in there for a while. Definitely not a Horror or thriller that’s only good short term. It would have to be the movie Basquiat, because both Andy Warhol and Basquiat would be there. Based on the portrayal of Andy’s goofy personality I would love to have an endless conversation with him.

6. Who or what inspires you the most?
I stand proud by the person who inspires me the most, because he provided a lot of needed motivation that fueled me throughout my life. And the fact that he is a fictional character does not matter because his philosophy is real. My hero and person who inspired me the most in life is Naruto a cartoon character.

7. What drew you to creating?
The absence of a good father figure….sorry to get all heavy on everyone.

Orange-V (2)

8. Who is your role model?
I probably have about 3 major role models. First Audrey Kawasaki a contemporary artist who after 2 years at Pratt institute quit and moved back to LA because with her strong figurative style she found herself at odds in NY conceptual art world. Her art is amazing and her career as well. Then Jeff Koons who I like for his way of thinking, because he became a broker after art school and with the money he made he was able to launch his career to the point of not just having a studio but a factory in which people basically make his art for him. And Takashi Murakami whose art and way of thinking I like. He has a factory, created his own movement called Superflat, and I love the way he went all out in the way he introduced Manga and Anime into the fine art world.

9. What words of wisdom could would you give to aspiring create-tees?
When bad things happen take it easy, and figure out what’s going to make you happy in life then go all out in pursuing that happiness. 

Wave Current in Room

 
10. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
A ninja/detective/film maker/writer/Kung Fu master…..well it’s not really what I want to be when I grow up, but where I want to live when I grow up. I would definitely love to live in Japans country side and make art all day without any worries.

 You can see more of Miguel Duran's work here:
Miguel's Art and here miguelduran.webs.com

Much thanks to Miguel for his continued friendship. Thank you also for your interest in being interviewed. You are amazing, Miguel. Truly.

<3 Jonnie

Artist Interview: Eden Creative Studio

 Living on the East Coast but from the West Coast, is a graphic designer pumping out the finest fine art prints and stationery...just like a waterfall in spring. Her style is attractive, clever, and modern and her color choice (and typography!!!!!) is irresistible but also customizable. 

Customizable you say? Why, yes! Completely! Have an up'n'coming party with nothing out there (invitation-wise) that fits your theme? Getting married? Having a baby? Want stationery? Need thank you cards for all those crazy gifts you got? Eden Creative Studio may be just the lady you need to talk to.


Without any further rambling, meet Eden of Eden Creative Studio:
 
1. Who are you/tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m the Eden behind Eden Creative Studio, Eden Wedding Studio and Little Eden Studio! I live in Olney, Maryland but I hail from Santa Monica, California and am a California girl at heart.

After college, I spent 15 years working in corporate marketing where I gravitated toward anything graphic design-related in my role. I grew up taking art classes so I had somewhat of a foundation in art. I took courses in Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark to acquire technical know-how.

In addition to my Etsy shop, I provide graphic design and marketing services for local and national corporate clients.

2. What are some of your favorite things to do?
Outside of Eden Creative Studio, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four cats acquired through my volunteer work at a local animal shelter. For the past two years I have been enrolled in a program to become a sign language interpreter. I am a vegetarian, I regularly practice yoga, and I love to read. My guilty pleasures are watching daytime TV while I’m working and I love the reality shows on Bravo.

3. What three words best describe your personality?
Determined, anxious, creative.

4. How would you describe your artistic style?
Bipolar – I tend toward really clean and modern or overly ornate and vintage.

5. What kinds of things do you make and sell?
I design and sell stationery and art prints.

6. If you had to be trapped in a book, which one would it be and why?
That’s tough! All the books I’ve read recently have included such angst-ridden characters. I think I’d like to stick with my own life.

7. Who or what inspires you the most?
I think artists find inspiration all over. You almost can’t hide from it, nor can you turn it off. When I see something beautiful, something just clicks inside of me. I might see a logo on a grocery bag or a local farm landscape and find inspiration from that. I’m also a pop culture junkie and am often inspired by trends in fashion and advertising.

I love forks....no joke...I prefer them over spoons and knives.

8. What drew you to graphic design?
I like graphic design because it’s a tool that can allow me to be very precise in my art. When I work in other mediums, there is no undo, or delete. I’m too much of a perfectionist and too critical of my own work not to be able to quickly change it if I don’t like it.

9. Was it scary to start your own design firm?
Heck yeah! That’s why it took me eight years of thinking about it to pull the trigger. And that was only after I was laid off and realized, if not now, when? And to be honest, it’s still scary!

10. What words of wisdom could you give to people in a similar position to yours in that time or with dreams of beginning their own design firm?
Keep your day job but start making overtures toward what you want to do. You need the money of the full time gig which means you only have so much time to focus on your dream, but you can always start small. Make a website, order business cards, get the word out. Build your business until you’re so busy you don’t have any choice but to quit and do it full time.

11. What do you want to be when you grow up?
For once in my life I feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be – hey, does that make me a grown up?

Shop from or Contact Eden by clicking---------> HERE

(Much thanks to Eden for you willingness to be interviewed!! It was a pleasure!)
Have a great one, folks. Thanks for tuning in. Until next time...

love, Jonnie

Artist Interview: Skinny laMinx

You know that warm feeling of contentedness that overcomes you subconsciously when looking or being around something? That fuzzy sensation where you just melt into this knowledge that it all works out no matter what...it kinds of goes hand in hand with the statement, "Woah! I really like this!" or "Uh, yeah! I really like that!"

Those feelings slap deliciously across my forehead when I look at Heather Moore's (of Skinny laMinx) lovely art. She has a style that tickles my senses but also makes me feel connected to something. I can't really describe what but it is an interesting feeling.

Without further personal ramblings, meet the brain behind Skinny la Minx!!

1. Who are you/tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a self-taught surface designer with a company called Skinny laMinx. I live in Cape Town, South Africa, where I produce screenprinted textile products that can be found for sale in stores all over the world. I love living in Cape Town, which is a beautiful city with lovely beaches, a mountain in the middle of the city and wonderful cloud formations. 

2. What words of wisdom could would you give to aspiring create-tees?

I've always been careful to have other, regular-paying work going on alongside my creative work. Of course, this puts pressure on your time, but the importance of having a separate income at the same time as getting started on your creative business is that it enables you to make things you like rather than trying to make things that will sell. 

You can learn more about Skinny laMinx here:

http://skinnylaminx.com/

and shop Skinny laMinx here:

Shop

(Much thanks to Heather for her willingness to be interviewed!! Best wishes!!)

Have a great night everyone,

<3 Jonnie

Artist Interview: Hook Line Sinker

Oklahoma City, kids, shall now be known as a hub of creativity. Within those city limits lives a lady full of passion and great ideas.

This lady not only makes stunning jewelry for her shop Hook Line Sinker, she co-owns No Regrets Tattoo in addition to running her own art gallery!!!!

Just like a fish in the sea, my eyes were drawn to to the lures used in her jewelry. Compositionally, her pieces are fantastic and I absolutely love the reuse of the lures in combo with chains and beads. Her work has that true vintage feel but it is painted in that modern edge which makes her work irresistible.

Without further ado, my friends,  meet Ashely of Hook Line Sinker.

1. Who are you/tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Ashley Smith. I just turned 30...not scared. I dropped out of design college to start tattooing. I've been tattooing for about 4 years now. I love my job but I always want more and don't want to feel "stuck" in one place. I took most of last year off to travel, camp, fish and learned a lot about life. Fishing is what inspired my jewelry. I also love to do graphic design and paint. Tattooing takes up most of my time but I recently opened up my art studio space to show other artists work monthly and opened it up for bands to play. Within my art studio (Brass Bell Studios) me and my boyfriend do bicycle builds and repairs. I never have a day off and would work 8 days a week if possible.

2. What are some of your favorite things to do?

Riding my bike, thrifting, doodling, watercolor and hanging out with my dogs and a good beer.

3. What three words best describe your personality?

OCD, ADD, NBA (Go THUNDER!)

4. How would you describe your artistic style?

I am very inspired by the simplicity of "old school" tattoos. I love artists going all the way from Sailor Jerry Collins to the more modern style of Mike Giant.

5. What kinds of things do you make and sell?

I am currently selling my HOOK LINE SINKER jewelry on Etsy and a few local shops in Oklahoma City. The line includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets and key chains. I am always looking for new ideas to expand my line and make it more "unisex." Just recently I took on a partner on my Etsy, Shift7Collective. Shift7 is ran by a great friend, Andrea Duncan. She is an amazing seamstress and is currently making shopping bag, bike totes. Her inspiration came from the bike side of my art studio. We are hoping to do more bike related products with her in the future.

6. If you had to be trapped in a book, which one would it be and why?

Where's Waldo. I just want to hide out sometimes...

7. What is your favorite color and why?

Any form of turquoise or seafoam green. It reminds me of an area I wish I grew up in.

8. Who or what inspires you the most?

Unfortunately my exboyfriend ended up being crazy...which is why he is now an EX...but he was a great deal of inspiration to me. I could go on and on on how he inspired me but I can tell you that he took me fishing for the first time. I also was inspired by his style of artwork and learned a lot about how to improve my style. Now I am inspired by everything around me. I want to take something from everyone I talk to.

9. Where did the inspiration for your shop name, Hook Line Sinker, come from?

I was married for years and me and my exhusband had anchors tattooed on our ring finger. When I got a divorce I wanted to add to my finger tattoos so that the anchor wasn't just by itself. So I added a fishing hook to my pointer finger, a dash line to my middle and so it would represent HOOK LINE SINKER. I have always loved that phrase and knew I wanted to do something with it. I just happened to have a name before I had a use for it.

10. What drew you to creating?

I have always been into drawing and art and making things. There's not a day that goes by that I do not produce something. I have that personality type that feels like there's too much to do and not enough time. I don't want to feel like I didn't live my life to the fullest.

11. Do you have any other job aside from your awesome shop?

I co-own a tattoo shop (No Regrets Tattoo) and have my art gallery/studio (Brass Bell Studios)

12. Do you have a favorite design?

Simple and bright

13. Who is your role model?

Mike Giant

14. What words of wisdom could would you give to aspiring create-tees?

Just do it and network your butt off!

15. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Better at what I'm doing now.

Thanks for tuning in, folks!! I hope you are having as much fun with these interviews as I am. Much thanks to Ashley for your willingness to be featured, you rock, girl!!


Want more?
You can find and like Ashely's work here:
www.facebook.com/HOOKLINESINKER405
www.facebook.com/BrassBellStudios
www.facebook.com/NoRegretsTattoo
www.hooklinesinker.etsy.com
 to be directed to the Hook Line Sinker store, click HERE


Have a great night everyone!
<3 Jonnie

Artist Interview: beepart

Hailing from London, Canada, beepart is an artist owned business offering the neatest vinyl wall art and decorative laptop decals around. I was browsing through etsy stores one day and came across this small thumbnail image of a vibrant tree (I love woody looking things) and another of seahorses. I clicked to enter the store and was blown away with not only the designs of the decals but also the fact that they were DECALS!

Modernist tree

beepart has come up with a fantastic idea and alternative to the white walls of the renting world (or even the homeowners)! I don't know about you, but that is what drives me crazy about not owning...customization desires are limited.
Anyhow, on to the GOOOOOD stuff. I contacted beepart in high hopes I could snag an interview with the genius behind the storefront and was not let down. With out further ado, meet Neil of beepart!!

Neil and his lovely daughter :)

1. Who are you/tell us a bit about yourself?

i'm neil jeffery and i'm the owner and operator of the beepart shop on etsy.com. i'm a freelance illustrator based in London, Canada and i spend a fair amount of my time drawing and creating vinyl wall and laptop decals.
i live in a house with a wife, daughter, dog and cat.

2. What are some of your favorite things to do?

like a typical canadian, i'm a big fan of watching and playing hockey. i also am involved as a volunteer in our local women's roller derby league as my wife has been a player for the past 5 years.
i also like to spend time sampling fine craft beers which so basically i'm a bit of a beer snob.

Tea Tree

Friendly Narwhal

 3. What three words best describe your personality?

i asked my wife to help me with this one and she said funny, passionate and personable....but for some reason i get the impression those are not the only 3 words she can come up with when describing me...

4. How would you describe your artistic style?

i would say somewhat eclectic...i've always had diverse influences and didn't ever try to stick to or develop one particular style.

5. What kinds of things do you make and sell?

i mostly sell vinyl wall and laptop decals but i also include other art pieces in my etsy shop. i used to work with resin a lot and created resin wall art but it's such a finicky and time-consuming medium that i decided to stop working with it.

WOODGRAIN!!

Peacock Feathers

 6. If you had to be trapped in a book, which one would it be and why?

hmmm...most of the compelling books i have read i don't think i'd like to actual be living them. maybe something by paul auster because his characters are always so off the wall but likeable...they'd be fun to hang out with.

7. Who or what inspires you the most?

i dont' think there's just one person or thing that inspires me more than anything else...i find inspiration from other artists, from stuff i see, just from the sheer joy of creating something, it's something i've always enjoyed.

Friendly Seahorses

8. Where did your get the inspiration for your shop name, Beep Art?

when i started my illustration business i had to register a business name, my daughter was just learning to walk at the time and she would walk around the house pushing a little toy grocery cart and if something was in her way she would say 'beep beep'.  so i registered the business name beep beep and used it as my studio name.
when i wanted to open an etsy shop this name was taken so i just changed it to beep art...although it seems a lot of people read it as 'bee part'

9. What drew you to illustration?

i've always been a drawer and painter so illustration seemed like a natural fit for me. i went to school for both visual art and graphic design so i kind of had a foot in both worlds of commercial and fine art. i started doing some illustration for local design companies and it was a way to make a few extra bucks on the side while working a day job.

10. What did you do before going into full-time illustration?

i ran a printing press...a dying art form if ever there was.


11. What do you want to be when you grow up?

even though i'm still as immature as ever, when considering my rapidly advancing age i probably should have made up my mind my now. i would have to consider myself full grown and luckily doing something i really enjoy!

Clever, eh?

 Need to know more? See and explore for yourself :)

click here for the

beepart store

and here for the
beepart website

Hope you enjoyed the interview and got some neat ideas for your abode! Note that decals can be ordered in specific colors and custom sizes! Imagine the world!!
Much thanks to Neil for your willingness and genuineness, best wishes in all you continue to do, you rock!

love,
Jonnie