Here's an interview of a fellow Etsy artist dharmadesigns.Please go check out her shop :)
Tell us some things about yourself.
My name is Wendy Baylis. I'm 33 and live in Portland, OR with my wonderful husband of 4 years - where I'm a regular haunt at the Classical Chinese Garden and the Saturday Market (Kathmandu Cafe's momos and chai are AMAZING). I have Fibromyalgia, but I don't let it get in the way of having a full and wonderful life. I love experiencing other cultures through food, art, and music.
How long have you been crafting?
Ever since I can remember. My real loves are art (painting and pencil portraits) and writing. I'm working on a novel about an evacuation helicopter crew in the Vietnam War (fictional based on fact). I didn't start making jewelry until a few years ago - for myself. I couldn't find anything that fit my style, so I figured - what the heck - why not try it myself? Lots of people have commented on it over the years and a few months ago someone told me about Etsy. That was the first time I seriously thought about selling it. :-)
When did you first start on Etsy and what was your first impression?
Only a few months ago - Oct '07. I LOVE Etsy! It's such a great, supportive community of talented artists who are also wonderful souls. And there's so much wonderful stuff there - I could go broke buying it all - and probably will. :-) I really enjoy being able to connect with like-minded people all over the world.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your jewelry? I have a profound respect and appreciation of Asian cultures, art, and Buddhism - and it really comes across in my designs. I'm also inspired by the Chinese Garden and tea house. It's my sanctuary. I go there every week to recharge my soul.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your jewelry? I have a profound respect and appreciation of Asian cultures, art, and Buddhism - and it really comes across in my designs. I'm also inspired by the Chinese Garden and tea house. It's my sanctuary. I go there every week to recharge my soul.
What's the hardest part of being an artist?
Working in a high tech job. I'm a laidback hippie at heart and constantly want to create, but my day job is so technical it drives me insane. Thankfully I work with some wonderful people who are more like my friends/family - and we have a lot of fun together. We try to laugh all day long. Without them I'd probably go postal. :-)
What do you see in your future for your jewelry? I'd really like to get into metalsmithing, so I could make my own Buddha pendants and rings. It's really hard to find what I'm looking for.
Can you give some advice for other artists? Follow your passion. If it makes you happy, do it - and don't ever give up.
What do you see in your future for your jewelry? I'd really like to get into metalsmithing, so I could make my own Buddha pendants and rings. It's really hard to find what I'm looking for.
Can you give some advice for other artists? Follow your passion. If it makes you happy, do it - and don't ever give up.
What's the best selling advice someone has given you from Etsy?
DesignedByLucinda gave me the sagest advice I've ever received. When I first started selling my pictures were absolutely dreadful. I used lots of props and the backgrounds were so busy they really took away from the pieces. Cindy helped me overcome my fear of focusing on my work. It's like I'm afraid to let it stand on it's own. I still struggle with it, but I'm getting better. :-)
