How did you get your start?
I have always made art. Its in my blood. I don’t think I could live if I stopped making art. It would like if I stopped breathing.
Do you have any formal training?
I attended Mt Wachusett community college for two years and studied fine arts. The I went on to get my Bachelors of illustration from the Savannah collage of art and design.
When and why did you create your business?
I started my shop A rabbit girl in February 2008. I wanted to see if I could do well selling online. I would love to be able to make it my full time work.
Has it changed at all since you began? How?
It has only been a few months. So its hard to say. Though its been a little slower this month than last month.
What is the best part of running your own business?
The best part of running my own business is that I have control over my work. I set the prices and I collect the money. I decide what my work should look like. etc.
and the worst?
The worst to date is when things break I am the one who has to fix them. My large printer broke recently
You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?
I have been inspired by other artists as well as books and movies and television shows. My mind is very impressionable. Things I see leave there imprint on it. These things get translated to my works.
Who is your favorite indie designer?
I have several favorites.
VintagebyCrystal.etsy.com, magicjelly.etsy.com, aminytray.etsy.com, theblackaple.etsy.com. Thats just a few of them.
What was your most recent indie buy?
Lets see, I ordered 3 wonderful huge delicious candy apples from DoubleDippedSweets.etsy.com for my husbands farther’s day gift. They were so large we have been cutting one up each evening after dinner to share between 3 of us.
What one thing couldnt you live without?
A heart. In so many ways.
What will you be wearing come summer?
powdered wigs, hoop skirts, white gloves, petticoats, lace up boots, parasols, the usual
What music/books/magazines are you into right now?
Music- Gram Rabbit, The Ramone’s. Tom Waits, Tapes n tapes, Rasputina, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and so many more. Books- Hannible rising, anything by Neil Gaimen, anything by Chuck Phalaniuk, Glass castles, Fabels (graphic novels by Bill Wellingham), Perfume, Wicked again there are too many to list Magazines Wired, National geographic, Juxtapose, Family fun (the articles in Family fun make me tear up. I am unsure why.)
You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?
Have patience with yourself and others, Good communication is a must in any life endeavor, be professional (know what not to say and when not to say it. Online this is equal to knowing when to not post an opinion) think about what you say and how you say it to others. Don’t jump to conclusions, work hard to get what you want (the world owes you nothing), don’t waste time, take pride in your work, take pride in yourself, being positive and polite goes a long way.
Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?
I hope to be selling at least ten items daily. I hope to be able to sustain myself and my family on my shop business. I hope to be happy doing this.
Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
I have a book out and I was just asked to do a collaboration with a fellow etsian babybisou.etsy.com. It will be for the Bubble NYC trade show Aug 2,3,4. The Bubble is an upscale baby and children’s trade show in Manhattan.
What’s the best piece of advice youve ever received regarding your business?
Keep doing what your doing.
