Advice on Passion Projects

This is Annie Yiling Wang, graphic designer by day and jewelry designer on the side. Jewelry making is a fun hobby that lets her use her hands as she unwinds. Getting crafty can be relaxing, while still putting visual skills into play. Annie approaches her designs as if they were a three dimensional pattern or collage. The different color combinations and materials form a wearable canvas. She even makes a lot of her own beads. Annie has found a way to make her side project profitable. A lot of artistic and crafty people spend much of their downtime making things that could be turned into a lucrative passion project.

Advice from Annie about selling your work:

• Find stores in your area. Don’t be shy about showing them your work.
• Have a type of client in mind and seek out places who may have a similar client base.
• Get creative with places your could sell your wares. Think outside of your market.

Carissa and Claire of Franconia Sculpture Park

Franconia Sculpture Park in Minnesota is 25 acres of large scale installations and machinery. I visited last week and it was like a winter wonderland of creativity and fun. Carissa and Claire live and work at this unique community arts organization. Each year, new artists apply to Franconia for fellowships. Artists work, create, eat, and live together. It’s not often that you can find an open and innovative environment that provides work, residence, and exhibition space to emerging and established artists. The girls showed me around their workspaces and the scenic art that covers the land. The pink forklift, affectionately referred  to as mother, helps get the job done. Who said forklifts are a man’s tool?!

Check out the girls’ outfits: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Berkley Jacket, Women’s Hamilton Flannel Shirt II, Women’s Series 1889 Slim Double Front Dungaree, & Quincy Hat / IFD Women’s Detroit Jacket, Women’s Clermont Sweater, Annapolis Long-Sleeve Shirt, Carhartt Pants, & Maysville Hat