Because there is such vast talent on etsy, I've decided to feature my favs here.
My first etsy artist feature spotlights Nicole of
Lillyella. Her etsy shop has boomed shortly after her opening it and it's no wonder! Her jewelry is outstanding and she is also one of the sweetest people you'll meet on etsy. Her success has been so amazing that she's been able to quit her day job and design jewelry full time. How awesome is that!
So being a psychologist and all, I decided to pick her brain a little. ;)
........ the interview ........
A random fun fact about yourself:
I had a 40lb cyst. Although, it wasn't very fun - but definitely weird.
The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
cantaloupe
jackal
hydrangea
How would you describe your work?
eclectic, pretty, unique, totally kick ass haha
How long have you been at it?
as long as I can remember, but seriously as a business, about a year
So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
innate, for sure.
From where/how do you find inspiration?
typical answer probably, but things I love or am drawn to for whatever particular reason - be it something in nature like my favorite flowers waterlilies and lily of the valley, or just a particular bead or stamping I find.
What was your most memorable creative experience?
Totally aside from this area of my creative life, jumping into my past career, I'd have to say working on world series designs for the Cleveland Indians.
What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?Gosh, this is something Ive dealt with for a long time. Having worked as a graphic designer for 10 years, the hardest part was being creative all day every day. I'm sure it doesn't compare to brian surgery, but it does wear on you. If I am feeling drained, I do one of two things - I work on something more mindless like paperwork, book keeping, etc or I go shopping for supplies and hope that something new will regenerate me. Luckily though, I havent had that problem too much with my jewelry designs. I have such a passion for it that I'm not sure I will ever run out of ideas. The hardest part for me is usually having too many ideas for one particular piece!
Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
Hmmm... I guess maybe the summer months on Etsy - learning just how slow they can be and understanding how to be prepared for that next year.
What is your formula for success?
4 hours of sleep per night + peanut butter + curly fries + green tea = success!
And for those who don't like peanut butter and like their sheets, a more serious answer...
There are a lot of things that go into it - a good product, energy, determination, motivation, a good head on your shoulders, an ability to be intuitive and learn quickly, kindness, appreciation and passion.
Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
When I saw my "quit your day job" story on Etsy.
Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
I wish I had something really ingenious to say here, but Im not sure I do! This is something I have been dreaming of for a long time, but I truly believe you have to be completely prepared and ready if you want to make a go at your craft full time. Have some money in savings, have a back up plan, a bit of stability, and a plan on how you are going to make it happen.
I had been working my little behind off for 5 years balancing a full time job, a part time job and my craft , in the hopes that I could get where I am today. You just can't give up. If what you are doing isnt working - try something else. But if you want it bad enough - you'll make it happen.
When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Eatings, working on some sort of project around the house or yard that requires power tools, eating, shooting, bowling, eating, playing putt putt, eating or teaching dance.
In a parallel universe where you are not a fabulous jewelry designer, what would you be?
Definitely an archaeologist.... or a genetic engineer.
What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
wow, this could take awhile...
in no particular order:
What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
wow that is so hard, but currently...
Any suggestions for my next featured artist?
wow - even harder!
westernartglass
resurface
ralphnuara
cottageinthesun
sugarsusan
ok.. Ill stop now, I could go on forever - there are so many amazing artists on etsy!
............ end ............
Thanks for letting me fire questions at you, Nicole!
