An interview with Emily of whichgoose

Bio:

I'm a 27-year-old graphic designer who works nights at a newspaper. I've got a boyfriend, and a bird, and great parents, one sister and one niece!




1. How did you get your start on etsy? What prompted you to bring your work to this marketplace? Were you selling your products before etsy?

A friend sent me a link to Etsy pretty randomly --- and I was just amazed. I remember I stayed up super late that night just looking around and thinking of all these ideas of what I could make. I knew it was the start of something really great.

I had never sold anything I'd made before, but I've always loved creating. I paint, crochet, do collages and even do a little sewing. I'm the type of person who has about 10 different art/craft projects going at any given time.



2. Do you have a studio space in your home, or a little nook where you create? Can you describe it? What is your favorite thing about it?

I used to live in a one-room apartment, and I recently "moved on up" to my 2-roomer this year with the idea that I would have a real-life studio.

I love being organized, so I spend a lot of time going through all my supplies and thinking about my next move. I guess the best part is being surrounded by inspiration everywhere you look. It's like a concentrated little area where I am able to really visualize ideas.



3. How do you stay organized and on top of things in your busy business? Any tips for newbie etsians?

Well, really, I don't. It's a day-to-day struggle since I have a full-time job on top of Etsy. Pretty much, I make sure orders go out each day and convos are answered promptly. Everything else is pretty much a free for all of photos, descriptions and receipts.

I would suggest starting out with an "work flow" when you are just starting out. That way, you can continue in that routine as your business gradually picks up!



4. What kind of music inspires you to create?

I love Sigur Ros and Dead Can Dance --- even Enya. Just really soothing, but dramatic music. I also really love listening to books on tape while working. Something about that really helps ... I think it helps quiet the intellectual side of my brain and lets the artistic side have full control.



5. Do you have any goals related to improving your craft in the future? Or any other craft related skills you'd like to learn?

I'd really love to take a millinery class of some sort. I don't know if anything like that is really offered around me ... but it would be quite fascinating. Otherwise, maybe learning some new techniques for photography.



6. What is your most commonly used material and where do you source it? A lot of your products are made from natural elements - are you finding them outdoors on your own?

I guess the natural vines that I use as the base of my crowns are the most common material in my work. And yes! I go on little walks in a couple woods around where I live and harvest them. They are the sort of vines that grow up and around trees and tend to strangle and overtake them. I like to think I'm doing the trees a service :)

Things like the acorns and smaller sticks I collect as well. Just about everything else I collect from vintage shops, craft stores or even natural food shops.