Here's our short and sweet interview with Judy from Graffiti2. Ready? Let's pick her brain!
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#1. Describe yourself in 5 words.
homeschooling advocate, avid recycler, resourceful
#2. What goodies do you offer in your shop?
Buttons/Badges/Pins Hand drawn, Custom Made, and Vintage Rock and Nostalgia buttons, mirrors, also.
#3. How was your shop started?
Started in 1979 in Lodi, NY. Inspired by a woman selling hand painted buttons as souvenirs on a corner near The Cannery in San Francisco. I bought one she painted of the Golden Gate Bridge. When I got back to NY, I searched the Thomas Register at the Library to find out where one can buy a button machine. I went to the bank and borrowed $1,000 to buy my first button machine which was $800 back then, and reams of papers and art markers.
I applied to arts and crafts show by mailing in slides of the button booth and samples of the buttons. That's the way it was done back then. I got into big art shows like The Cornhill Festival and The Clothesline Show. And continued doing shows until 1991 after my kids arrived, 2 adopted, and 1 biological.
In September of 2008 I dragged the business out of the cobwebs and opened a shop on Etsy.
#4. What are some unique things about your shop?
Wide Variety, something for everyone. Buttons for little children, parents, teens, seniors. Every subject: Sayings, animals, peace, professions, humor, serious, rock and roll, famous people, sports, hobbies. I try to have every subject imaginable. And if I don't have it, I'll make it.
#5. What or who inspires you?
My kids inspire me. As a single parent in a recessing economy I am inspired to keep working, work fast, every minute of the day and evening counts. So, I respond quickly to potential customers, I mail orders out same day or next day, I give feedback as soon as items are paid for. I list new items every day. I operate my shop as if my life and my kids' lives depend on it for the food on our table, because it does.
#6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I enjoy making the individual custom made buttons the best. Like this one made in photoshop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24830033 and these I make by hand: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16126633
#7. What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
1. User Name is the shop name. I messed up there. 2. Accept all forms of payment. Why turn down a sale if someone does not want to have a pay pal account? I accept personal checks, money orders and have even received cash in envelopes. I also barter. 3. Don't make people of other countries have to email you for a cost to ship. If possible find out the cost or estimate the cost to ship. Some you might under estimate but some you over estimate and it all works out in the end.
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Beside her wonderful shop , Judy also has a blog (http:// www.portablegraffiti.blogspot.com) where you can get to know her and her work better. So, don't hesitate to drop by and say "Hi"!
That's all for today's Featured Artist. Since this is a new category, I'll definitely appreciate your Comment and Feedback! Next week's Saturday, we'll meet Cat of Uncorked, where you can find incredible cork jewelry like this one and lots of other cool things. Make sure you don't miss it!
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For more information on "Saturday's Featured Artist" and "Wednesday's Hidden Gem", click here!
Love the badges!
ReplyDeleteAren't they so cool? :)
ReplyDelete