Tips for First Time Pet Owners

You’ve hit the sweet spot when you find a way to merge your passion and your job. Minneapolis graphic designer, Kelsey Dusenka, has found a way to do just that. Kelsey has three cats of her own, but after finding an abandoned, malnourished kitten beside a dumpster in the dead of winter, she found herself on a mission. She cared for the kitten until she found a good home for it. Kelsey realized how difficult it is to part with an animal and how much more difficult it is to take any pets to the shelter, which may be why so many are abandoned. With all of that weighing heavy on her heart, Kelsey wanted to create an educational resource for first time pet owners to learn what it takes to raise a cat or a dog before they adopt so the animal wouldn’t be returned to a shelter or abandoned. Kelsey is now working on starting a Kickstarter to fund My Pet 101. Ultimately, she’d like to combine forces with shelters and have a presence at their adoption events. Keep an eye out for updates on Kelsey’s website.

Tips for first time pet owners from Kelsey Dusenka: 
“Do your research. You’re not buying an animal, you’re adopting one. The biggest reason newly adopted animals are returned to shelters is because of owners’ lack of knowledge, which is also the easiest problem to fix. Know how much it’s going to cost, how to set up your home, and how to raise it. As simple as it sounds, the more you know going into owning an animal, the less surprises there’ll be, and the easier it’ll be on you and your new pet.”

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.

Minneapolis Ceramic Artist Ginny

Ginny specializes in functional domestic pottery, essentially pieces meant for the home with a specific purpose. The idea that memories and home can stir up an interesting conversation for everyone drives her work. No matter what thoughts or recollections you bring into your home and kitchen, there is something about using items that are made by hand. It’s another connection, another conversation to be had. There is such a story to be told in a piece of handmade pottery. You can feel the grooves, the intent, and the beauty in such a way that inspires you. See more of Ginny’s work here.

check out this great throwing outfit: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Mock-Neck Sherpa Lined Vest, Linwood Chambray Shirt, & Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree

Carhartt in Minneapolis

If you’re in Minneapolis, the odds are you know how important it is to bundle up when it’s this cold out. You’re probably also extremely aware of Mall of America. Put those two together, and you’re ready for winter! Pictured above is the MOA Carhartt store. The staff is so helpful and friendly. The next time you’re in the area, stop by and check it out. Carhartt will keep you warm in the most frigid of temperatures.

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