Magic Jelly ... Australia

Artist: Karena Colquhoun
Business: Magic Jelly
Web site: www.magicjelly.com.au and magicjelly.etsy.com
Location: Adelaide, South Australia

What do you create?
Pictures. Mainly digital imaging and printmaking. I concentrated on digital art for about six years and often incorporated natural textures and traditional media into my pictures to break up the uniformity and perfection of digitally created work. Then I moved back into traditional art – screenprinting, relief printing, collage, stencilling, painting. I love making small-format artwork on paper and I'm fascinated by the way ink and paper interact. I love making Gocco prints... they're so low-tech and idiosyncratic, they're the perfect antidote to the perfectionism of digitally created pieces. But really, I'm prepared to dabble in whatever medium works for me. Since I like to make affordable, accessible artwork as well as the larger one-off pieces, I put my pictures on all kinds of little knick-knacks like buttons, pocket mirrors, magnets – I love playing with my button presses, they're so much fun! I also do illustration and design commissions for various clients.




Where and when do you do your creative work?
I work from a home studio on average about six days a week. Working in my living space means it's hard for me to switch off and define my down time... I find myself fiddling with artsy things in my idle moments too.

Do you have another "day job"?
I used to be a public servant, then I left to go to art college, then went back to working in another office, saved money, went part-time and finally gave up my day job for good to concentrate on my own business.




Where and what did you study?
I am the Drop-Out Queen. For years I just didn't know what to do with myself so ended up enrolling in – and dropping out of – more courses than you could shake a stick at, from Philosophy and Professional Writing to Interior Decoration and Ceramics. Finally I found myself plonked in front of a computer at art college and had a little epiphany where I discovered the wonders and mysteries of Photoshop. I didn't know how the hell to use it at that stage, but I recognised its potential... it's a magical paintbox of infinite possibility. I'd say I'm mainly self-taught though, as the college course was hopelessly impractical (example: first lesson was to "draw two rectangles representing conflict") and down the track I also taught myself Illustrator.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
I'd say I'm mainly inspired by the past and memory – not just my own past, but other people's too – it's like a magical unchartered land. I'm interested in souvenirs of the past... especially things that have been discarded – ephemera, popular culture. I collect mid-20th century magazines, old photos and vintage plastic, and my work is definitely influenced by this kind of imagery. I love portraiture. I never get tired of drawing faces.




My main motivation is my love of what I'm doing. Sometimes I can't sleep because I'm so excited about a project I'm working on. I spring out of bed in the morning so I can make things. I feel like I can spend my life playing and learning, and love all my tools and materials like I loved my toys as a kid. I'm so lucky!

When did you start doing this?
I've been making things since I was a kid; it just took me a while to finally find my Thing. I started working digitally in 2000 and that's when I really started to open up creatively and feel really free and inspired.

Do you remember getting into art as a kid?
I used to make paper dolls and little letters, including the envelopes and stamps and postcodes that I'd make and draw myself. For some reason, forms and bureaucracy fascinated me and I'd make library cards for the back of all my books, and stamp everything in sight. Ironic considering how uninspiring I found office work as an adult. I have revisited my early obsessions by making collages with vintage papers and ephemera, handmade stamps and screenprints.




When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I dreamed about it a long time before I actually found the courage to do it. I think the reason why I finally started my own business was because it's all I'm good at and no one else wanted to employ me!

How did you choose the name for your business?
I had this idea that the best way to choose a unique name was to team an adjective with a noun. "Jelly" was an immediate choice because I love jellies (or jello as you US-based people call them), there's something very nostalgic about them and they're just so pretty and wibbly! Thinking of an adjective was more tricky... finally I thought "Magic" because that's how I regard digital art. It wasn't until I went to register my domain name that I found I share my bizz name with a brand of Asian sex toys!




What do you love most about creating your work?
The excitement and sense of fulfillment. I feel that I'm most myself when I'm making things, that the universe is in alignment and all's well with the world. I also love interacting with the people who buy my work.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
The murky recesses of my memory.

A book you love:
Hard to pick one! The 'Lucia' books by E. F. Benson...merciless satire. The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley... heartbreakingly bittersweet. And I love glossy art and design books and mags and have a massive collection.




What is the most interesting thing about you?
Facing a question like this makes me suddenly feel very ordinary! Umm...

What achievement are you most proud of?
Being someone with a history of procrastination and lack of focus and commitment, stubbornly persevering with my artwork and business has been a pleasant surprise and I'm very proud of myself!

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
I've never really felt the need to make a point of being female – I've never really felt defined by my gender or witnessed any kind of prejudice – until I went into business and started attending seminars, etc. I was shocked by the way I was treated compared to male friends. There's a lot of male bravado and lame intimidation techniques out there. I think being a female in business is definitely a different experience, so my suggestion is to join a women in business group or have a support network of female friends around you. Also being self-employed as an artist is a situation where having the support of friends and peers is really valuable.




What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Picking up on what I was just saying, the biggest challenge for me is staying focused and motivated in an environment where I don't have other people around to bounce ideas around with. I'm one of those people who gets their energy from external sources and too much time alone saps me a bit. Most of the time I'm in The Zone and quite happy to work on my own – and I definitely love the freedom and autonomy – but I do miss a bustling office environment. I'm thinking working part-time for someone else might be a good solution.

What do you love to do in your free time?
Get out of the house! Even just sitting out in the garden catching some sun at lunchtime is a welcome relief. I love to engage in a bit of chit-chat, and since my work day is so solitary, I like to spend my free time socialising... spending time with my friends and sisters over coffee, going out to dinner or to a movie... the usual stuff. I also love rummaging at markets, drives in the country...this is starting to sound like a Singles ad, so I'll stop now before I get to the walks on the beach and sipping champers by an open fire.




What are you working on right now?
I'm doing a range of hand-printed greeting cards. And getting my blog organised with my sister Jo (she of Tackorama fame) and friend Alex's help.

What do you hope to achieve next?
I'm hoping to save for a trip to England to see my sister Cas in a few months (hi Cas! x). I'm also quite taken by the idea of owning a digital diecutter... another toy to play with. Ultimately I want a larger studio space and hopefully a shopfront and get myself large-format screenprinting equipment, a letterpress and a giclée printer. I'm also hoping for a solo exhibition in the next couple of years if I can produce enough work. I'd love to travel to the US and check out the art scene there.

Kathleen Bostick Studio ... Vermont, USA

Artist: Kathleen Bostick
Business: Kathleen Bostick Studio
Web site: http://studiometalsmith.etsy.com and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katkrafty/
Location: Wilder, VT (but soon moving back to Southern California)


What do you create?
I make jewelry and small metal sculpture and objects.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
I make my work on my days off and I stay after work and use the studio. I try to fit it in whenever possible.

Do you have another "day job"?
I do have a day job right now. I am the assistant jewelry studio manager at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. I teach people how to make jewelry. It’s a temporary position for me, one school year. I will be leaving here in June to go back to my home and husband in California. In September I will be going back to school. I will be a grad student at San Diego State University in the Jewelry/Metals program.




Where and what did you study?
I have a BFA in jewelry/metalsmithing from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
Lots of things! I just really like making things. I like problem solving, thinking of an object and the figuring out how to make it. I like to make people laugh, and think, so I will use humor and sarcasm in my sculpture pieces. I also like to make narrative sculpture. Vintage ads, cookbooks, and magazines from the 1940s to the 1970s amuse me, some of them are so ridiculously funny and I intend on working with images from these in the future. I love graphic designs especially Japanese crests and op art.

When did you start doing this?
I started working with metal in 2000, right before college, so I’m still pretty new at it. I have a lot to learn.




Do you remember getting into art as a kid?
I have always loved to draw. I was a horse girl when I was really young and would draw them for hours in my room! I used to paint fantasy landscapes in high school. Art and craft have always been a big part of my life.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I started selling jewelry on EBay in 1999, I think. Nothing like what I make now, but wire wrapped, beaded things. It was fun, but I wasn’t really making a profit. I took a long time off from trying to sell my work. It’s hard to make art when you are thinking about a customer. I just starting selling on Etsy and I hope to sell enough to keep from having to get a job while going to school.




How did you choose the name for your business?
I opened my original Etsy shop under the name KatKrafty. I still have it and will be selling supplies and crafty things I make in that one. I chose the studiometalsmith.etsy name because that’s what I am! I lucked out and was able to purchase the domain name, so I wanted them to match. I don’t have the web site up yet, but I’m working on it.

What do you love most about creating your work?
I love working with my hands and becoming one with my tools. It’s a great thing when they become an extension of your hand and mind. It takes years for this to happen, to really hone your craft. I feel like I’m getting there. I’m becoming more knowledgeable of my materials and what their limits are and this is going to make me freer to create what I envision.




What's the most fascinating place you've been?
Kazakhstan. I actually went there to work on a Rocket Launch in the 1990s.

A book you love:
One book? Gosh I’m a book junkie! I love “how to” books. Right now, I’m building up my knitting book collection. Yeah, I knit!

What is the most interesting thing about you?
Hmmm… I used to play bass guitar in a Goth band in the late 1980s and I have the tattoos to prove it. That usually gets some laughs.




What achievement are you most proud of?
I had my (metal) artwork shown at SOFA Chicago and SOFA New York a couple of years ago and I will be in a show later this year at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco.

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
Network; meet as many people in your field as possible. Those connections can really pay off.




What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
I find it challenging to feel confident. I am always worried what others think and that can be paralyzing at times.

What do you love to do in your free time?
I love to knit. I have four projects in progress, two sweaters, a hat, and some mittens.




What are you working on right now?
I am making samples for an upcoming class I’m teaching on Damascene, the process of inlaying fine silver and gold into steel.

What do you hope to achieve next?
I hope I can get that MFA! After that, I want to be a University Professor.

Mythological Goddess Art ... USA

Artist: Emily Balivet
Business: Mythological Goddess Art
Web site: www.emilybalivet.com and http://EmilyBalivet.etsy.com
Location: Rochester (the heart of Vermont)

What do you create?
Mainly two-dimensional paintings, but I'm prone to get creative with any material placed before me.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
I paint with every spare moment I have. I have a little studio at my house where I'll sneak off to ...On Fridays I typically go in, not to be seen until Sunday.

Do you have another "day job"?
Other than my art, I am a stay-at-home mother of two young daughters, so I swing back and forth between those two careers. Before I became a mother I was waitressing to support my art addiction.




Where and what did you study?
No. Not I. The idea of "school" never agreed with me and I've always had the self-motivation to expand my knowledge in subjects that interest me, especially without being compelled to study by an outside force.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
Studying other artists’ work (particularly, the pre-Raphaelites) always turns my crank. The natural world, just the way a tree limb will twist will get me all excited...Then there is music and literature. They often provide the undercurrent to my paintings.




When did you start doing this?
I seriously turned to art in my late teens, though I always enjoyed it. I was one of four kids raised to be musicians. I played the piano and sang. I still enjoy singing, but my parents had to twist my arm to get me to practice the piano. Art was something that came naturally to me...and it was my own.

Do you remember getting into art as a kid?
My father is an architect and he used to bring home giant rolls of blueprints. I remember studying those and being fascinated by that bird's eye perspective. I used to flip them over and draw the floor plans to all of my doll's houses...finally I made an entire town. It was a seriously intense work of creativity, matching my imaginary characters to these homes, whether they lived in a modern mansion or a chicken shack.




When and why did you decide to start your own business?
Becoming a single mother in 2004 really prompted me to use every resource I had. Within a year I had my website up and running and found out that there certainly was a market for my work. I began by selling originals only and have only been selling prints for a little over a year now.

How did you choose the name for your business?
The name, "Mythological Goddess Art", sort of evolved and I'm not sure I've settled with it. I had to try and imagine how "others" might describe it and it was the best I could come up with before I went and had business cards made.




What do you love most about creating your work?
The ZONE. That is this space that transcends all worldly needs or desires. There is no more time, no need for food or drink, no worries...only what I am painting before me. Even more than that, it happens when the creation is OH so good. I call that an artistic orgasm. I try and have them as often as possible.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
I've been fortunate enough to visit a number of countries in Europe and stay in New Zealand and Australia for a bit of time. Some of the most astounding landscapes I've ever seen were where I grew up in Alaska. Though, by far, the most fascinating place I've been is behind my eyes.




A book you love:
Well, I love mythology and folklore, especially Arthurian legends and the Brothers Grimm. My favorite book that I am able to draw endless inspiration from is The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I think I read that book three times in a row, I loved it so much.

What is the most interesting thing about you?
Probably the aforementioned ability to be alone and entrenched on a project for hours upon hours. I know of very few people who can do this and even fewer that understand that kind of drive or can be comfortable without social contact. I crave that space like a drug... and it's not that I'm a loner or depressed or antisocial. It's just what has to happen to fulfill my creative desires. I love it. Those close to me...maybe not so much.

What achievement are you most proud of?
Being able to support myself and my daughters while doing what I love. It's a very good thing.




What advice would you give women starting their own business?
That it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Start slow, dip your feet in. See what's marketable. It was initially very difficult for me to imagine putting myself and my work "out there". I thought I would have to be a raving success story in the first few weeks or that I would be a complete failure. It doesn't work like that. I did do very well during my first year, however, the second year took a lot more effort to keep afloat...

Now I feel a bit more established and my income has become increasingly steady. It takes time and it's best to use as many resources as you can muster until you get up and running.

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Marketing. I detest that aspect of my work and it certainly doesn't come naturally. I've had to pull my own teeth out to get myself to promote my art work. It has become easier with time. I have to think of it like a mask I wear for the occasion...and then put it away so I can get back to the space where the work originates from. I'd really rather have an agent.




What do you love to do in your free time?
Explore nature, play with my kids, and art of course.

What are you working on right now?
I'm working through the major Arcana cards of my own Tarot deck, much in the same style as my Medieval Alphabet.

What do you hope to achieve next?
To have my Tarot published!!

Fringe ... California, USA

Artist: Dennice Mankarious
Business: Fringe
Location: San Diego, California
Web site: http://www.fringe.etsy.com

What do you make?
I hand-knit and crochet (with a bit of sewing and embroidery thrown in) accessories such as scarves, cowls, lariats, capelets, shawls, bags and purses, belts, and other little surprises.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
I do most of my work at home.




Where and what did you study?
I studied electrical engineering in southern California

What inspires you and what motivates you?
Music inspires me. I guess the act of creating motivates me. I will be lying in bed at night and have this idea pop onto my head. I have to get up and write it down, or get started creating it. I am always thinking about new designs. The feeling of accomplishment when it is complete is a great motivator. Once I complete an item, I already have another one planned to start on so it seems to be a continuous cycle of creating. I’m always motivated to finish what I’m working on so that I can start the next creation. The self-gratification that comes from clients who love my work can be a bit addictive as well.

When did you start doing this?
I learned to knit and then crochet at age four. But I have only been creating in this capacity for about four years.




What memories to you have of getting into art as a kid?
The one memory that stands out (probably because of the size of it) is when I was in 4th grade; my art teacher gave us an assignment to create anything we wanted. Don’t ask my why, but I chose to make a life-size big bird from Sesame Street. Some of the kids in class said I couldn’t manage that, but the teacher said go for it. So I did. He was really big and really yellow. I remember being quite proud of him. It’s the same when you grow up. You may have an idea that seems impractical to some or most, but if you are passionate about it you should go full steam ahead. There are always going to be people to discourage you. You have to learn to ignore that element completely.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
It just kind of evolved. I started making scarves about four or five years ago for myself. Then I made them as Christmas gifts for the gals in my family. They went crazy for them. Then the following year, a girlfriend suggested I try selling some at her Christmas boutique. I really thought it would be a waste of time, who would want to pay for my scarves? I sold forty scarves in two days. That is where it all began.




How did you choose the name for your business?
A dear friend of mine (the gal that asked me to sell at her Christmas boutique that first year) came up with it. I knew it was perfect the moment she said it.

What do you love most about doing this work?
I am the boss of everything! The creative outlet is so satisfying too.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
I find something fascinating about every place I visit. One of the most poignant and emotional places I have been is The Wall monument in Washington, DC. It was so very moving, and I really didn’t expect it. If you have never been there, it’s like this. You don’t see the monument until you are upon it because it is cut into the ground. When you walk down to it the air is still, it’s quiet and you just feel the pain of loss all around you. Incredible artist impact was created by the designer of that monument.




A book you love:
Anything by Hemingway.

What's the most interesting thing about you?
Three years ago I found out I had a brother. Just when you think you know where your life is taking you, you get a curve ball. It was a dream come true for me. We are just alike and he has a degree specializing in textiles. Isn’t that wild? We are like two peas in a pod now and it’s the most wonderful relationship.

What achievement are you most proud of?
My marriage and my children.




What advice would you give women starting their own business?
I know it is the worst cliché, but you must believe in yourself and be patient. Anyone who gives you negative input doesn’t belong in your life. Most importantly, in the words of Winston Churchill, “nevah, nevah give up”.

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Shipping and dealing with the post office! I’m only half-joking about that. Challenges are good. They make life interesting and satisfying when you overcome them. What do you love to do in your free time? Free time is a fantasy. A figment of my imagination. Theoretically speaking, in my free time I would love to get a little cooler of drinks and goodies, a good fat book and go to the beach all by myself for the day, without a cell phone.



What are you working on right now?
Designs and color story for fall 2007

What do you hope to achieve next?
I would like to expand into more boutiques. That would be so grand! I have a very long wish list but in the immediate future, more boutiques.

BrooklynButterfly ... New York, USA

Artist: Angie Randolph
Business: BrooklynButterfly
Webite: http://brooklynbutterfly.etsy.com
Location: Brooklyn, New York

What do you make?
I make beaded and wire jewelry. I also crochet hats, bags, and scarves. Occasionally I'll dig out the sewing machine and make a bag or two.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
Usually evenings and weekends. Right now my workshop is my couch. I can never have overnight guests because they have no place to sleep!

Do you have another "day job"?
I work in product development at a jewelry company. I do enjoy it, but sometimes I find myself sidetracked, daydreaming about things I want to make when I get home.




Where and what did you study?
I studied Business Management/Finance, but realized I was more into the creative side of business.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
I'm inspired by simple shapes and bold colors. I love buying new beads and dreaming up jewelry to make out of them. My friends and family always support me and keep me motivated.

When did you start doing this?
I've always done little projects here and there since I was little. I started becoming more serious about jewelry making in college. A friend of mine made jewelry, and she refused to make me any more pieces since she knew I could create them myself. She encouraged me to start up again, and the rest is history!




What memories to you have of getting into art as a kid?
The earliest project I remember is this macaroni frame I made in kindergarten. I think my mom still has it! I remember this huge tin of seed beads I had. I also made lots of friendship bracelets.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
At first I would just make jewelry for myself. Everyone kept telling me I should sell my stuff. I started off slowly with friends and family and eventually progressed to selling online as well.

How did you choose the name for your business?
When I was younger I was really shy. When I went to college, I got involved in more things which allowed me to express myself through my creativity. I feel like I transformed into a whole new person, like a butterfly. And I always represent where I'm from... Brooklyn of course!




What do you love most about doing this work?
It's very relaxing and therapeutic. I can come home from a crazy day at work, sit down with all my beads around me and just unwind. I love creating things that make people feel beautiful.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
So far, the Grand Canyon. Seeing it was such a surreal experience.

A book you love:
Wow, this is a hard question. I read everything! Can I pick an author? Octavia Butler. All of her books have strong women as the lead character.

What's the most interesting thing about you?
I have over 100 pairs of earrings. And it's not just because I make them, I seriously have an earring fetish! I started asking my family to bring me back earrings when they travel, so I 'm slowly building an international collection.





What achievement are you most proud of?
Finally starting to sell my jewelry online. It's been in the works for a long time.

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
Make sure it's something you have a real passion for, so when it gets a little tough, you can think back and remember why you started in the first place.

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Keeping my creative ADD in check! I always want to try something new, so I have to keep myself focused. Otherwise, I would have a room full of half-finished projects.

What do you love to do in your free time?
Make jewelry and read. My two loves!





What are you working on right now?
I'm working on some new designs with this huge amount of beads I just bought.

What do you hope to achieve next?
I would like to delve into metalsmithing. I took a beginning workshop and loved it.

inaluxe ... Australia

Artist: Kristina Sostarko
Business: inaluxe
Web site: http://inaluxe.blogspot.com and http://inaluxe.etsy.com
Location: Melbourne, Australia

What do you make?
I started inaluxe with dresses primarily, but I've recently incorporated pillows and art work into the range. This is a natural progression for me, as I found I could not seperate my painting and graphic design background from the production process. I wanted to explore working with paper, paint, screenprints and rare fabrics. I'm currently exploring cushion/pillow covers, small art works, and clothing.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
I work most days of the week in my studio. I love the history of the studio. It's an old shop front that used to be a ice cream soda shop for many years. It became abandoned and empty for a good ten years before it came up for lease again and I now share it with my mother, who lives in the lovely residence in the back of the studio. It's close to home and situated in a quiet residential street. Very pretty, and peacefully quiet.




Do you have another "day job" separate to your art?
I used to teach part time, and before that I was a recruitment consultant full time. I made a decision about eight months ago to dedicate my time solely to inaluxe, so at the moment this is my full-time job, although that may change with going back to study part time.

Where and what did you study?
I've had four years of full-time study in art and design. I'm multi-disciplined in terms of the subjects that were covered – including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, graphic design, fashion design, ceramics, art history, life drawing, print making. My major study was in painting, which is my first love really, but I find all the knowledge acquired throughout the years has been invaulable to me – particularly today.




What inspires you and what motivates you?
What motivates me? That's a hard one. It isn't tangible, it's an inner maddening desire and need to create. When I'm making something, I feel like I'm at home, or I've come home. It's a deeply personal space to be in, and that's where I'm happiest. I guess you could say it's a need, rather than a want.

In terms of what inspires me… I see things every day that inspire me: small buttons, surface textures on graffiti, city streets and lanes, people, books, music, fabrics. Life in general. My partner Jason, who is a writer and artist, inspires me in all manner of ways and I'm constantly inspired by other artists and designers. I have a great respect for artists.




When did you start doing this?
I started inaluxe in October of 2006.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I've been wanting to do it for years, but everyone is always so quick to tell you why you won't make it as an artist that you finally get to the point where you're too afraid to. It took my a good ten years to finally start believing and thinking 'maybe' it could work. Maybe I could make a living doing this. It really started to take shape in 2006 when I was teaching a sewing class for two days a week. I started to (naturally) work with the students and create, and in so doing, started to believe in myself once again.




What do you love most about creating?
I love the excitement of an "idea". It's that early stage. It's the limitless potential that exists in the planning process. I also love seeing things come to life. Sometimes I am quite amazed at the final product because I get so wrapped up in the "making it" part that I seriously don't think about how it will turn out. I love that the final product surprises me – it's such a wonderful experience, and amazing really.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
I think for me Croatia was the most amazing. I've been there three times – when I was six, twelve, and again when I was thirteen. My fondest memories are possibly of my first visit, and experiencing the contrast of the wide open fields, farms, animals and architecture. It was so different to living in the city. A fascinating place that I would love to see again is the Passau River, in Germany. Magical.




A book you love:
I've always been rather partial to anything written by Milan Kundera, and I adore Dorothy Hewitt's work. I love her poetry in particularly. They have a deeply sensual quality and sharpness to it that I find quite alluring and breath taking. I don't really have a favourite book as such, although I guess books like Alice In Wonderland and The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe did something for me as a child. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak affected me deeply – I fell in love with his monsters instantly, and wanted one of my own! Such gorgeous illustrations – truly a legend!

What is the most interesting thing about you?
A hard question to be sure. I could say my loud laugh, or the fact that I make more mess working than anyone else I know yet can do the most detailed intricate work while making this mess, but I think maybe the most interesting thing (for me) is growing up in a Croatian household in Australia, reconciling the two (vastly different) cultures and enjoying that mix of both worlds as an adult. There were some teething problems as an adolescent, but these things all add to an interesting life, and self-awareness as a grown up – not that I've necessarily grown up yet!




What achievement are you most proud of?
For me, it is having the guts to follow my dreams, no matter how silly or futile others may have thought them to be. I did exceptionally well in school and aced it all over the place, so there was always this pressure to 'succeed' or live up to that honestly freaked me out. what if I fail, what if this, what if that, etc. As a woman I was also confronted with the pressure to get married, have children, get a mortgage, grow up and be responsible. Cook well, seven days a week! Ha ha. I think the struggle to succeed as an artist can be too confronting for many. So I think for me, my greatest achievement is in being true to my nature, and finally going for it – after many years of denial. Life is too short for the "what ifs".

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
Just do it! If you have a burning desire or idea that just keeps niggling away at you, start doing it. Don't do what I did and place invisible obstacles in your path. There is no such thing as "can't do" and you will make good decisions and bad decisions along the way, but this is life, and why not just try something rather than thinking about it. Ultimately, believe in your ability to succeed and grow. Be kind to yourself, be proud of your achievements, no matter how small you think they might be – every achievement in the right direction is a GREAT one!




What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Ohhhh.... lots of things, but nothing too ominous. It is far more pleasing to work for myself than a boss, but with that comes learning to reconcile the business side, admin work, paper work, creative process, marketing, etc. I'm all things and it's just me. Time management has been a big learning curve, although not altogether an unpleasant one. Managing the inconsistent cash flow has been another. Each challenge is another opportunity to learn something – this has been a really big year for me, and I have learnt a lot – through the good, and more so, difficult times. so, even the challenges and bad days prove positive.

What do you love to do in your free time?
I love to paint. I love movies, lying around in bed reading magazines, going to the beach, dreaming of what sort of dog I'd like to buy, spending time with loved ones, and friends, going on holidays (for sure, anytime!) sitting in the backyard in the evening drinking wine with my partner, the little things make me happy.




What are you working on right now?
I'm buying some screen-printing materials, and starting work on a new range of fabric designs exclusive to inaluxe. I'm excited about the screen printing as it can be applied to art work, clothing, dress fabrics, silks, and pillow covers... so much to look forward to. I'm hoping to have the new range in my Etsy shop by mid May.

What do you hope to achieve next?
World domination! ha ha ha. No... well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad with an artist and woman, rather than the politicians we are stuck with? Slightly more realistic aspirations include the screen-printing range in the not too distant future. Beyond this.... who knows. I am sure this will open up a whole new series of work, which is a lot to look forward to. I'm also looking into wholesale. I currently only sell inaluxe online at Etsy, which is such a great site, but I need to get my range out there in a physical form so that people can walk into shops and touch it and see it in the flesh. There's a lot of work to do.

Kelly Rae Roberts ... California, USA

Artist: Kelly Rae Roberts
Business: Kelly Rae Roberts
Location: Oakland, California
Web site: www.KellyRaeRoberts.com

What do you make?
I make mixed media paintings. Most of them are quite colorful and almost all of them have girly imagery mixed in with words. I sell originals, prints, and cards.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
I have an in-house studio, so I create at all hours. Mornings, afternoons, late night. Maintaining balance can be difficult.

Do you have another "day job"?
Right now, I have a part-time medical social work job while I transition my way to full time artist. In some ways, it’s a good balance. The art can be very healing and the social work provides a sort of practicality that my mind craves sometimes.



Where and what did you study?
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University in 1998. Like so many others, it didn’t occur to me to pursue a creative career. I had attended a high school that was pretty intense academically, so when I went to college, I focused on choosing a path that was both practical and socially inspiring: social work. I wanted to join the Peace Corps and help people. I’m realizing now that my art and my social work are intertwined. The message, the inspiration of my art comes from all that I’ve learned by being a social worker. It’s all connected.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
I am inspired by people, their stories – especially the stories of women. I feel a kindred connection to these stories as I walk my own journey in life. It fills me with a powerful sense of community. Music inspires me. Walks on the beach & my newfound obsession with searching for sea glass inspire me. Conversations, the moment you connect with another person, are deeply inspiring to me. And the feeling of providence, relishing every step of an incredible journey, one that has been unexpected and life-changing, have been huge inspirations and motivators for me.




When did you start doing this?
I started to explore my general creativity in late fall 2005. I had discovered the works of Sabrina Ward Harrison, and felt a powerful shift when I saw her words mixed in with her messy, colorful art. I wanted to see what I could do. By early 2006, I began experimenting with painting. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.

What memories to you have of getting into art as a kid?
Very few. I don’t remember creating, painting, or drawing very much as a child. I did take an art class in junior high, but other than that, I have few memories of being artistic. I will say, however, that I’ve always felt creative, whether that meant hand-making various gifts, or decorating the house. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I began to feel the compulsion to really explore my creativity, though.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I started my own business last summer. I started selling my work on Etsy, then eventually made my own website. I was smitten with painting and was hopeful other people would want to buy my creations!

How did you choose the name for your business?
I thought choosing my name was the easiest way to do it, though I used to write down idea names for my future business all of the time. In the end, I went with my name.




What do you love most about doing this work?
I love the process of painting, of getting in the studio, hands in the paint, music on, windows open, and just being in the moment with whatever it is I’m creating. Time seems to stand still and before I know it, I have created another painting, another step in my journey. I feel quite connected to the process. I also love the community that all of this has brought me. Meeting like-minded people, being exposed to their work, their friendships, it all means the world to me.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
Italy. I could live there. The people, the spirit, the food, the gelato, the art, all of it.

A book you love:
Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was fascinated with her transformation in this book. It was inspiring to read.




What's the most interesting thing about you?
Oh, this is a hard question! I really don’t kow. I’ve moved a million times. I feel most connected with the Northwest, specifically Portland. I have a hemophilliac dog. I moved out West with someone I had just started dating 12 weeks before. We have been married for 5.5 years now. I lost a parent to a car accident when I was 8.5 years old. I always come out even on the various personality tests, never strongly indentified with one type or another. I could talk to elderly people all day long and love it. I’m not very fond of vegetables. I ran a half-marathon once. I can be quite absent-minded and professional all at once. My husband and I bought a house once, then sold it one year later when we put everything in storage and traveled for several months.

What achievement are you most proud of?
Oh this is another hard one. I guess I would have to say that I’m most proud of changing my life around from someone who was working at a job that they weren’t totally in love with to someone who decided to make a living doing what they love – making art. It is possible. And what is so wonderful is how everything shifts in your life when you make this sort of decision, in a good way.

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
Do the research. Take your time. But do it. Follow the whispers in your life telling you to go for it.

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Finding balance. If I’m not careful, I find myself always working, whether it’s actually creating, or online researching, or planning, or getting orders together. Even though I’m living my dream, I still think it’s important to rest.




What do you love to do in your free time?
Walk the streets of San Francisco, travel, walk on the beach, search for sea glass, read creative magazines, talk on the phone with my friends and family, daydream, snuggle with my husband, rest, plan, eat Italian food, shop, dinner and lunch dates, and the occasional nap.

What are you working on right now?
I am working on a book that I’m writing for North Light Books titled Taking Flight: Projects and Inspiration that will make your Spirit Soar. The book will be in stores Aug/Sept 2008 and will showcase a variety of mixed media art which all relate to the “finding your wings” theme.

What do you hope to achieve next?
I hope to just continue along this path of making an artful living. I hope
to remain open to the possibilities and just see where all of this leads.