Q&A: Shop Talk

As promised I am finally getting started on a series of Q&A posts on several specific topics. I decided to start with Shop Talk. Around this time last year I did a huge post with several friends about independent business. It's a subject that is near and dear to my heart, especially considering that my boyfriend I both haven't worked at a traditional job in over 5 years! 

Q: I love your blog; it never fails to inspire me. :) I was curious, what would you consider the most important things to have/do when one is beginning something like your endeavor with Red Velvet Art? What have you learned to do or not do? I'd love to hear what you think on the subject!

Q: Have u ever had a normal job? 

A: Sure. I worked a a couple retails stores and a flower shop when I was younger. I also owned a local photography business for about three years. I started working independently as a designer when I was 22 and I was writing my first book. It's been an amazing five years since then. 

Q: How do you stay motivated? Like I know this is your career, and I can tell you love your job, but do you ever have days when you are in a slump and if so, how do you recommend getting out of it?

A: This is a great question. One of the major factors that makes working independently so challenging is that you have to keep yourself constantly motivated and inspired. People often say to me "I'd love to stay home and make stuff all day". I know what they mean, but it's a different reality than people imagine. If you work at a retail store and you have a day where you feel uninspired and you mentally and emotionally 'check out' there is a chance that it won't affect your income at all! That simply isn't an option when you work independently. If you want to take an afternoon off, you have to make up for it somehow and this creates a constant tension and balance that must be maintained! 

My personal tips are.... when you feel really inspired, drop everything and work! jeremy and i both do this often because a good idea is often gone the next morning. make inspiration a priority. this means that if you have a favorite band, a favorite magazine or a favorite blog you make time for it, guilt free! small breaks for inspiration are always worth it when followed by a good creative workday! surround yourself with positive people. find the people in your life who love you AND your work and make you feel really good about what you are doing. avoid negative people during busy work times! make friends with other artists you admire. this is a must! friends in your industry will keep your inspired and challenged. find a new obsession as often as you need to. obsessions keep me so inspired. find little things that you can fancy that make your day and cause you to think in a new direction. 

Q: I was wondering what RVA was like in th beginning. Did you start selling things straight away, of just gradually? And, also, what do you think made it the success it is today?

A: It was super gradual. At first it was a hobby for Rachel, Emma and I (for years), then it became a side job (like extra money from summertime music festivals where we sold our handmade goods), then it became a serious dream (although it was 'on hold' for a while) and then we found the perfect time and opportunity to make it a reality! 

I honestly believe that the Red Velvet  is a success because we are honored to have the most amazing customers who totally 'get' the value of independent and handmade goods! Also we work a LOT of crazy hours and we really really love this dream. ;)

Q: Yay!! I always wanted to know how you guys came up with and decided to use the name 'red velvet art'.

A: People ask me this all the time and i wish I had more of a story to tell. Rachel and I chose the name when we were 20 and newly long-distance-best-friends. I always thought it was cute because it's both a fabric and a cake flavor. 

Q: Do you have times when you need to rest, retreat and be still for a while?

A: Definitely. Right now I need a mini vacation badly. When I am really exhausted I usually hang out with Jeremy or do some shopping with my mom. Everyone needs times like that, even if you are a crazy workaholic.

 

Q: Do you find it difficult to obtain health insurance as a single independent artist?

A: Nope. I have an amazingly sweet and affordable personal plan. If you want my insurance agent's number, send me an e-mail. She's great. 

OK. that's all I have time for in this post. My next Q&A post will be Photography questions. I already have a pretty good list saved, but if you have a questions I might still be able to squeeze it in! 

PS. if i had a coffee shop, i would SO want cups like these....

[source]

XOXO. elsie

Comments

[kaylah]

Glad to see your tips on staying motivated!
:)

[Heidi Harlequin]

Thanks for sharing this, Elsie. No one asked you to be sweet and cute, but it's that little free gift with purchase we all get from you.

And that's why you rock.

[AJ]

Thank you.

[eunicena]

love this post. i learned lots of things here.. soo inspired..
i really love your blog elsie..
great works!

[Sandy]

Thank you for sharing! It's always great to hear from independent artists I admire and hear of the ups and downs.. especially when I feel like .. what's all the hard work leading to.. and can this really be a reality? Love to hear about people who made it work.

Thanks again! Looking fwd to more of your Q&A posts.
sandy

[Sara]

Oh, I have a photog question! My husband's band wants me to take photos. I'm fine with outdoor photos in natural light, but they've also asked for photos in their studio where there is little to no light. What do I do? Any tips?

[Roxanna]

I loved this post. I start everyday with a little goal that if I complete some project I can treat myself to a visit to your blog.

Your work and your continual joy keeps me motivated.
Thanks!

[Nikki Davis]

great tips! i cant wait to come to springfield and check out the store!!!

[Tiffany]

Thanks for sharing! The tips on staying motivated are great! And i would totally come to your coffee shop everyday twice a day just to collect the cups ;]

<3

[robin]

thanks elsie! this is good motivation and i needed some of that this week!

[tracey]

thanks for your honesty, you are a constant inspiration!

[amy lapi]

it's cool reading more about you and your dream! i'm happy for you, you deserve it so much! :)

[audi]

thanks, elsie. did you ever go to college? just wondering if you ever had to deal with those silly student loans while starting your business.

[elsie flannigan]

Audi, I went to school for 2 years, but my parent's helped me out. I sorta wish I would have gone to Design school sometimes, but people say it can really change your style... so I guess I'm proud to be 'self taught'. :)

Thanks everyone!

[RachelM]

Thanks I loved reading your Q&A.

[Angela F.]

I would like to know what camera and lens you would recommend for someone who is a beginner (kinda) in photography. I want another new camera:)

[Jaqueline]

This is a very inspiring post. Just the kind of information I've been needing recently. Thank you, Elsie!!

[Dee Wilcox]

I really love the line, "Find a new obsession as often as you need to." I do that, but sometimes the left side of my brain kicks in (for example, when I see a new Polaroid camera or another typewriters) and says, "Really? Another one?" Or, "So is it ALL instant photography now?"

It's easy to self-criticize, but I say, embrace the creative spark! As you said, a productive workday hinges on creativity. :)

[elise]

"People often say to me "I'd love to stay home and make stuff all day". I know what they mean, but it's a different reality than people imagine. If you work at a retail store and you have a day where you feel uninspired and you mentally and emotionally 'check out' there is a chance that it won't affect your income at all! That simply isn't an option when you work independently."

yep. you nailed it perfectly.
thanks for this post.

[anne]

Great post! Love all of your tips.