Happy Friday everyone!
I'd like you all to welcome this week's artist, Katie Adams of Kaydi-did.
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Q & A
1. Please introduce yourself and your blog/ shop.
My name is Katie Adams, and I am the person behind Kaydi-did. I am an artist and illustrator in St. Louis, MO.
2. What got you started making illustrations and other creations?
I have always had an interest in art making. I would draw random things as a kid, but my favorite thing to do was color. I loved coloring books. I also loved Disney movies. Pretty much have all of them on VHS (yeah..old school!). For awhile, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I just knew it was something creative. So I got my Associates in Fine Arts since I was still figuring things out. However, Fine Arts just wasn't for me. I really wanted to draw and create stories with unique characters that I created. That is why I ended up going for my Bachelors in Illustration. I learned a lot during my time in college, and I didn't actually have my break through until my last year and last semester there. Kind of sucks thinking about it now, how much I struggled. But I don't regret any of it. I struggled off and on for several years with my art. It wasn't until just a few years ago when things started to click for me. That was when I started creating my characters which you can find on my website.
3. What made you decide to sell them?
I started selling them because I wanted to share my character creations with others. I figured what better way to do that then put them on products and make prints of them. I want to start my own creative business. I would love to have my own cute little boutique shop of products that feature my art and prints.
4. Where did you come up with your blog/shop name from?
Well, this is an interesting story. Kaydi-did comes from two different things. Kaydi actually comes from one day where I had to call a tow-truck company to tow my car off the campus lot and he misspelled my name (Katie) to Kaydi. I liked the unique spelling of it, I decided to start using it. The 'Did' part comes from my childhood, where I would get blamed for many things. Anything bad happened, Katie did it. So I decided to put them together to make a cute short name. Kaydi-did. Because I actually did all the artwork and am proud. :)
5. Where do you find your inspiration?
Oh, gosh. From everywhere! The internet is amazing for this, and also bad at the same time. So many artists I love and admire. Much of my inspiration comes from movies I watched, books I have read, or images I have seen on the web. A lot of my characters just come from who knows where. Usually I am doing something mundane when all of a sudden I have a strange idea about a character I want to do.
6. So I know you started selling your stuff on Etsy, how is that going for you?
Etsy is going okay. Since certain holidays have come and gone it is a bit slow. Also the fact that I am unable to afford new products in my store have slowed things down too. I do have a Cafepress site though, in case someone is unable to find what they are looking for on my Etsy site. I did have a decent amount of sales thanks to an awesome person who helped me and made me realize what I was doing wrong. Thanks, Melanie. :)
(Isn't she sweet? You're very welcome Katie!) :D
7. Do you sell anything besides illustrations?
I sell my illustrations on products if that is what you mean. I sell prints of my work, but I also do have infant, kids, and adult clothing. Most of those are on my Cafepress site. I do also have other products as well on that site, such as buttons, magnets, iPhone cases, etc.
8. Any words of advise for people who want to start illustrating?
Don't give up. I graduated in a year where job competition was very rough. Sadly, I didn't have a job lined up for after college. It is tough out there in the world, and those who keep at it are sure to find something. Whether it be at an actual company or your own freelance business. If you are wanting to do freelance, I recommend finding out as much information as possible. Listen to podcast of other artist who have done what you are trying to do. Freelance is tough to do, but if you have the time and the determination you can do it. Just remember, everyone makes mistakes in the beginning. You just have to remember to learn from them.
9. Can you name 3 of your favorite bloggers or creators?
Picking favorites is always hard for me, because I don't want to leave anyone out. I don't really follow many blogs, too hard to keep up with. Plus, I don't have Blogger. Much of my following is on Facebook & Twitter. I will have to say artist Greenbeanbaby is one. Her cut paper illustrations were a huge inspiration to me, and when I decided to start freelancing she was a great help. An awesome artist and person. Another artist I follow is Megan Lara. The way she is able to keep making so much awesome artwork is inspiring. I would love to be that fast with my art some day. Not sure if this is allowed, but my last artist I pick is Curious Little Bird. :) A great crafter of little monsters, which I would love to own one eventually. Plus, the blog and FB page usually have great business tips. Another awesome artist who has helped me along the way.
(Awww, shucks! Thanks for the mention Katie!)
10. I have to ask one last question. If you won a million dollars, what would you do with your little business?
Oh gosh! I have actually thought about this a lot, hoping maybe one day it will happen. I would be able to focus on my business fully. Right now I am trying to juggle working on my art, trying to have a business, and working retail. I'm also trying to have a social life in there as well. Having a million dollars would allow me to not have to work retail to pay student loans and bills. I would be able to fully focus on making art and making my business what I want it to be. All my debts would be paid off, and it would be amazing. I would probably buy a little boutique type shop and have my studio in there as well as sell my work. Probably hire a person or two to help run the shop part. Owning a small boutique shop/studio would be a dream come true.
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Thanks so much Katie! It was wonderful getting to know you! I wish you all the successes, and send you tons of positive vibes!
Don't forget to visit her links, and share the love!
ah fun :-)
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