I briefly introduced you to Azie Designs when I received my print of Charlie the Pup. If you missed that post be sure to check it out
here. I was super excited when my hubby pulled her name from the hat as the winner of the ad space giveaway and featured artisan interview. Now it's time to learn more about this
fabulous artist!
What would you like people to know about you as a person?
Who I think I am, who I'd like to be, and who people see me as, are three different people. So for me to tell you something about myself may be misleading. I want to think that I'm an open, caring, creative person, but sometimes I produce lousy photos and paintings and am really mean to people. I'm told that I have an incredible drive, personality, and perseverance, but sometimes, I just don't feel it and would rather skip class or produce mediocre work. I am constantly discovering myself, and I have no problem with that. In the past I've been really uncomfortable with myself, whoever that may be. But today, I am trying to let that go, and just let what is, be.
Oh, and as you'll see, I tend to babble.
Tell me a bit about your art and your products? What inspires you?
I like to create a lot of different things, so my shop is started to look a little cluttered... I love photography and art, and I have several photographs and acrylic paintings listed. I also sell art prints. I've also turned some of my photos into ACEOs (trading cards) and photo cards. Lastly, I'm also interested in graphic design, and have created a second shop to store those creations.
For me, inspiration is everywhere -- I just have to be open to it! Celestial Dreams was created solely out of the hope that one day my living may be green instead of slate blue grey; I set out to make a piece that would look good in my "future" space - I was inspired by something that didn't even exist yet. When I was done with it, I felt that I truly had something that other people would enjoy -- it is the first thing that I've ever truly wanted to share - It was the first thing I ever listed on Etsy. Right now, it's hanging in my green living room waiting for its "forever home." Follow The Sun was obviously inspired by some great music - "I'll Follow the Sun" by The Beatles. A lot of my photos are ones that were taken years or months ago and left alone because I didn't see anything in them; when I go back and look at them, I'm inspired, and I can see the beauty in them. The best inspiration presents itself when you're not looking for it -- I don't like to get online and search for ideas/inspiration. It feels more natural and I have an easier time producing something that came from a true "light bulb moment." All you have to do is take a walk, go to the store, chat with friends, doodle, read a book, and play with materials -- you'll have that epiphany, and something truly great will be the result.
How do you share your creations? Where can we find you?
My Etsy shop is my first and original store; however, I am now offering prints at my website/blog as well. Of course, you can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook. I also try to upload photos to my Flickr account.
Take your pick!
Etsy shop - http://aziedesigns.etsy.com
Website - http://aziedesigns.com/buy
Twitter - http://twitter.com/aziedesigns
Facebook - http://facebook.com/aziedesigns
What is your most important lesson since starting your craft/ business?
PATIENCE! Sadly, that's not something that comes easily to me.... but with the second most important lesson - RESEARCH - I've come to have faith in the old adage "Good things come to those who wait." Third, is to MARKET... your work isn't going to go out and find buyers on its own; help it out! It's very easy to get discouraged early on, especially when another old adage, "It takes money to make money" really starts to prove itself. In my first month, I spent $60 to make $20. But whatever you put into your craft is what you're going to get out of it in return.
Some fun tidbits:
-Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?
Yes, please! In that order.
-Your favourite candy?
Andes mints. But honestly, there aren't many types of candy I won't eat!
-Your favourite colour?
It's taken me years to come to terms with this, but PINK! Second place is red.
-Your favourite movie?
Moulin Rouge ^.^ The core concept - Freedom, Beauty, Truth, and Love - is something everyone should believe in. "Come what may" has become my secret personal motto (and a possible future tattoo). Plus, Ewan McGregor is so cute in it ;)
-If I were to catch you grooving it would be to this song….
Lately, I've been into a K-Pop group called 2NE1... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISEoXdHb4W4) No matter what kind of mood I'm in, their music always seems to fit...
We are a mother/daughter team who share the love of beads! My mom has been creating something my entire life and I am glad to have inherited her fever! Together we scour the world in search of fun and affordable beads and findings to inspire both our own and our customers creativity. Mom is a phenomenal cook and baker and you can see her return to her quilting roots in the patience she demonstrates in her beaded creations. I (April) am the proud mommy to a beautiful toddler (my how time flies) and am addicted to both beads and the internet (guess that means I'm in the right business). This adventure has taught us both many things but overall it has given us extra time to spend together to share something we are both passionate about.
