Team Spotlight! Interview with fatbasset

MsAnomaly's interview with fatbasset

1. When did you open your Etsy store and begin selling?

I opened my shop on December 27, 2008.

2. How did you select your shop’s name?

I picked the shop name because of my big-boned basset hound, Francisco.

3. What do you create and sell in your Etsy shop?

I sell a wide variety of items. Right now, I focus on drawing ACEOs (art cards), making paper bead jewelry, and decorative envelopes for Weight Watcher Pocket Guides. My interests are varied, while I figure out what makes me happy as an artist.

4. How did you become involved in your craft?

I have always enjoyed creating art. Unfortunately, I spent many years struggling to be perfect or create in ways that I thought other people expected me to. (especially when I let my soul get kicked around in art school). This past winter, though, I had a moment when I was teaching children's art classes after school. I was making all kinds of mistakes when drawing in front of the kids, and we were still having a blast. And I thought, BLEEP it! I'm going to create how I want to create. And I have been much happier and more prolific as an artist since.

5. Explain your favorite part of the creative process.

I love dreaming of ideas. I carry a tiny sketchbook in my purse at all times, and I jot down anything interesting when it occurs to me.

6. Do you sell in another Etsy store or anywhere outside of Etsy? If so, where?

I also sell on eBay. When I am on eBay, though, I miss the community and feedback of Etsy.

7. So far, what project are you most proud of?

Right now, I am most proud of my penguin art card set:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21461509.

I like the colors, and how each ACEO can also stand alone on its own merits. I also love how my penguins look; realistic, but drawn from my own point of view.

8. What advice can you give to someone who would like to learn your craft?

Don't be afraid to make mistakes! If you have an idea, sketch it 20 times, 20 different ways. I have an enormous sketchbook for this purpose, where I lay something out all over the page, then compare which direction I like best.

9. What motivated you to join the Etsy Beagle Street Team?
When I joined Etsy, I looked at teams to join. When I saw a group devoted to beagles and other dogs, I had to join! I have a 5 year old beagle mix named Buckley from the APL. I also have Francisco, a 4 1/2 year old basset hound who was rescued from a family who didn't want him anymore. My husband and I can't imagine our lives without them. I was never allowed to have dogs growing up, and I am grateful everyday for the enormous happiness we give each other (even when Francisco eats a hole out of the bathroom rug or Buckley runs off with one of my socks). There is a image of my dogs at the top of this interview.

10. Any other places we might find you (Flickr, blog, MySpace, etc.)?

I am on Flickr. I am also on Facebook, under Cathy Secaur. No blog yet; if only there were more hours in the day!