Tonight I get to share with you Julia of Red Bird Ink who lives in the Atlanta area and we both sell at Homegrown in Decatur, GA.
Julia is just one of the most pleasant people to be around and the first time I met her, I babbled on for about 30 minutes straight because she is so nice and enjoyable (and a good listener)!
Her goods are extremely well made and she is just so passionate about her product. I loved reading her responses to my questions and I hope you will too!
PS....Click on any of the photos in the blog to be taken to that item in her etsy store.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started
I took a dip into art school at the Corcoran and MICA then meandered into a Landscape Architecture degree at Virginia Tech before starting my own business. At first I just did illustration and design then I got my hands on a letterpress… after the first time I was hooked!
My business is called Red Bird Ink. We are an art, design and letterpress purveyor in Decatur, GA. At Red Bird Ink we design and make letterpress printed objects such as coasters, stationery, wedding invitations and art prints from our own original art, illustration and handset type. Our goal is to inspire curiosity and delight through the objects we create!
Apart from creating things, what do you do?!
I play ultimate frisbee with my husband Collin, hang out with our two year old daughter Oriana, dabble with gardening, painting, home projects and lots of cooking/eating with friends and family!
Where does your inspiration come from?
I feel like I find inspiration almost anywhere. The top things that seem to consistently influence my work are plants, landscapes and cultural elements. Before I wash my clothes I have to be sure to check all the pockets for hiding foliage. I'm often most inspired by learning something new.
What does handmade mean to you?
To me handmade is all about getting that twitch. A feeling that inspires action to follow a train of thought from seed to stem.
How would you describe your creative process?
My process uses a combination of research, sketching, photography and digital work layered and refined to reveal a unique perspective. My hope is that the resulting object sings my personal song.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
Our wedding rings! They were made by an amazing Jeweler from my hometown, they are amazing.
How do you get out of your creative ruts?
I like to go outside, look at plants, learn something new or exercise. Yoga is always good for getting into a better state of mind.
Where do you see yourself and your business in a few years?
I'm happy where I am now, but I would also be happy with a slightly bigger business, more people to collaborate with and some other in house production methods.
What is the best and worst thing about being an artisan?
I guess the best thing is I would be doing it anyway, even if it was not my job. I just cannot separate the artist, designer part of me from the rest of me. The worst thing is caring so much about it means I have a hard time turning it off at the end of the day. Sometimes I daydream about working a 9 to 5 and not have to think about work after I leave…. then I remember almost no one has that type of job and if they do it probably is not too fulfilling.
What advice would you give to other artisans trying to sell their wares?
Do what you love and what inspires you.
What is the most popular item you sell?
The numbers coasters and cable knit stationery have been the most popular items.
What are your top five books, movies, musicians and websites?
whoa! Hard to choose.
Adore Prodigal Summer by Barbra Kingsolver
Enjoy stand up comedy, cheesy/funny/sweet movies and suspenseful mysteries
Can get lost for hours browsing Etsy, design sponge & pinterest
I feel like I could melt into Zoë Keating's music
Where can we find you online and off?
http://www.redbirdink.etsy.com
http://www.redbirdink.com
http://www.redbirdink.tumblr.
http://www.facebook.com/
http://www.twitter.com/
http://www.flickr.com/
http://www.supermarkethq.com/
http://thebeehiveatl.com/
In Real Life…
- Atlanta, GA -
Steve McKenzie
Le Petite Marchet
The Beehive Atlanta
- Decatur, GA -
Homegrown
- Dunwoody, GA -
Spruill Gallery
- Charlottesville, VA -
Rock Paper Scissors
- Richmond, VA -
Paper Plus
Quirk Gallery
- Portland, ME -
K. Colette
- Chicago, IL -
Greer Chicago
Thank you so much to Julia for being a part of this post today and I hope you all enjoyed getting to know this designer. Check out her etsy store or if you are near any of the stores she sells at, swing on by!
~ With Love, Ashlee ~
Ok I am in love with all of these I will have to look her up. Love your blog cutie! I cant wait to read more. Following you on GFC and facebook I would love it if you followed me back :)
ReplyDeleteNightchayde
Thanks for stopping by! Definitely following you!
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