monkeysalwayslook: January 2010

I'm so happy to be kicking off a regular feature here on the little old blog - in da house! A good old Q & A with some very talented people. First up is Brandi Powel of Sweet Harvey Letterpress.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, you know, the boring stuff. Where you live, married, single, spinster, polygamist, kids, pets, three thumbs, etc.
I am a full time artist from the Midwest. I am married - no kids. I worked for many years in the corporate world before returning to art school to earn my BA in Graphic Design & Fine Arts.

How long have you been making your craft?
I have been a full-time illustrator for almost two years now. I started letterpress printing nearly a year ago which is the work I have available on Etsy.

Can you elaborate on how you got to this point in your art/craft?
The bulk of my work is created as digital illustration and as much as I love working on the computer I also enjoy traditional art mediums. Letterpress printing has given me the opportunity to express my digital artwork as a more traditional/tangible hands on medium.

What are some of the struggles you face trying to get sales and how have you overcome that or how do you plan to over come it?
Getting yourself noticed is a difficult task. While the world of online sales has opened up many doors it also makes for a huge amount of competition. I have confidence in my work so the challenge for me is getting my work noticed by buyers. Advertising and online participation are my goals for this year to really get my name out.

What is your favorite part about your business?
I love everything about my business. If I didn't enjoy it, I would not be doing it!

What is the hardest part about your business?
The most difficult aspect of working for yourself is that you work 24/7 and you wear every hat. I am customer service, the printer, the artist, the accountant, the packager, the production artist, the salesman, the web designer - I am it but at least it is all fun!

What is your greatest weakness/dirtiest pleasures?
I am a super sugar freak. I crave it all the time. Ice cream, chocolate - anything sweet!

Who are your favorite artists/craft persons/etsy shops?
I have a long list of favorite Etsy shops so I will just list a few - Mental Embellisher, jill2day, californiablue, Creative with Clay, Dingbat Press, bagladee and Sharma Designs.

What are your favorite blogs?
I have a long list of favorite blogs so I will just list a few - Oh So Beautiful Paper, Poppytalk, Pikaland, Mixed Plate, Modish, Design Sponge and Indie Icing.