I get so many emails, particularly ones asking for advice or pointers, and unfortunately I just can't answer them all personally any more. I'm hoping that this might help out a little bit!
So, here is the beginning of my FQQ (in the form of a big post), and I imagine it will grow a bit more over time.
Where did you get that neat shipping/sewing/drawing/knitting/baking supply or thingamajig?
I have a small list in the sidebar of the blog with links to fabric stores online, art supply stores, etc. I get all of my packing/shipping supplies for my shop from Uline.com. Other than that, random google searches have been the way I've sleuthed out most things, unless I find them locally. Google is great! It might seem daunting, but I just try searching for whatever I seek,however random, and have had good luck!
Can you give me some advice? How did you get started with your Etsy business? What's your "secret"?
I'm going to direct you to a few links that you hopefully will find helpful. The first is my interview with the Storque at Etsy, and it answers lots of questions you might have about me/the beginnings of my shop:
My interview with The Storque
There is also my Craftsanity podcast here from Spring 2008, which might give some insight into the start of my business and the way I work. (be forewarned, it's quite long!)
Another is my friend Sarah's good advice about how she started her shop, "The Small Object":
How Sarah Got Started
Businesses begin differently for everyone, just keep that in mind...mine began very organically, and grew til' I could quit my day job. I am in no way qualified to give out real nitty-gritty business advice, I simply followed my intuition, and still do.
And, sadly, there is no secret. This is the question I probably get asked the most, and I always disappoint people with my answer. There is just the power of positive thinking (while mantaining a healthy grip on reality), the help of like-minded people to spread the word about you, hard work, single-mindedness, and always striving to improve what you do.
Did you go to school for art?
I went to the University of Georgia and completed a BFA, with a major in Art (photography + painting) and a minor in English literature. I think that everyone does a whole lot of self-teaching, though!
How can I get my mitts on an original painting or doll?
Thank you for inquiring! I sell them in the updates I have in my shop every few months or so. Sometimes more frequently! I always post well in advance here, on my blog the exact date and time it will be, so they best way to find out when new work is available is to pop into the blog every week or so. Work tends to sell rather quickly once it is posted, so it's best to try to hop quick like a bunny and nab whatever it is you fancy.
Do you do any custom work? Can I commission a doll/painting?
I can't take on any custom artwork at the moment. Maybe in the future, but not right now. Thank you for your interest!
I just started a blog, can you help me figure it out?
I am not a technically minded lass, and cannot offer good advice on PDF's, blogs, links, code, anything to do with the internet. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but trust me. You do not want my help.
I can't get the doll pattern from Martha Stewart's site to open, can you help with that?
See above.
Is it okay if I make a doll from the pattern you created for personal use, like my daughter's birthday gift?
Of course!
Is it okay to make dolls to sell from the pattern you created?
Please don't. Let's just keep it in the not-for-profit world!
I'd like to link to you, is this okay?
Sure thing.
I'd like to use one of your photographs or an image of your artwork on my own blog/website. Is this okay?
It certainly is, please just link back to the source (me) and give proper credit.
What color is the paint I saw in a photo of your home?
I am horrible at keeping up with paint names...so I can't be too much help on that one. I'm sorry about that.
I'm visiting Portland, OR in a few months, what do you recommend doing while I'm there?
Here are a few of my favorites: Powell's (of course), Farm (my favorite restaurant), and my favorite store, Flutter. Also, just drive around...it is a beautiful city (well, most of it). Otherwise, I highly recommend nabbing a copy of Eat, Shop, Portland. Those guides are amazing...pick them up for any city you're headed to!
I like your photos, what camera do you use?
I use an Olympus point-and-shoot that's about 3 years old. It's nothing fancy...but it does the job decently. I really want a nice SLR, but that will have to wait a bit. :)
What sort of printer do you use?
I use an HP, and my last few printers have been HP's. I've been very satisfied.
What sort of sewing machine do you use?
A Janome, and I love it. I'm not very knowledgeable about sewing machines, but there is a great section in Amy's book, Bend the Rules about choosing a machine.
I emailed you, and you never wrote back (you deadbeat). What's that about?
As I mentioned in the beginning of this faux Q&A, I just can't respond to every single email personally at this point. I do hope you understand. I try my very best to answer particular questions, but I can't always get to them. Checking here would be a good place to start if you have a query for me, though!
Thanks for skimming through, and I hope this was (at least a little) helpful!
Best Wishes!
