Frequently Asked Questions
Artist
What's your medium?
I mostly work on mixed-medium paper, using pen and pencils for lining. I use inks and acrylic wash to create colors. I use graphite to texture and shade.
Is it watercolor?
Nope, the color is done with acrylic inks and acrylic wash. Acrylic wash is when the acrylics are waterdown to become transparent replicating watercolors. The main difference is, that watercolors will become workable when wet. Acrylics will stay dry when wet, allowing for layering.
Do you have an online shop?
Yes, my shop is on Etsy. If there's something you've seen at my shows, that's not there, please feel free to contact me. I might have more in the bins that I haven't posted yet.
I have partner with Printify to provide usable items like blankets, desk mats, and shirts. Most of these items will only be available on my Etsy shop. If you're running out of wall space or looking for a special gift.
If someone is international, they can use my Redbubble store. My Etsy currently doesn't ship internationally.
What's your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from many different places. For my fantasy section, I love myths and legends of mythical creatures and bringing them back to life. When it comes to the ragdoll series it's about self-healing and self-strength. Wanting to create a series that could help others feel good about themselves. While my black-and-white section can be creepy, being creepy doesn't make it bad. When it comes to the boos, I love drawing boos, they're cute and full of spirit.
How long have you been drawing?
I've been drawing since I was a kid, and knew I wanted an artistic career as a teen. I went to college to become a 2D animator, and then 3D killed the 2D industry in my final year, destroying that dream. For the past 10yrs I've been illustrating professionals and expanding my skills. Changing my course to want my own independent illustration studio.
What's happening with the next issue of Emo State comic?
Emo State is a personal project, that I'm hoping to complete in 2025. Since I've gone full-time being an independent artist and freelance, that has eaten up most of my spare time. You can't learn to run without stumbling, and right now I'm in the stumbling stage learning how to properly run this business and make it a dream come true.
You have a comic? What's your comic about?
Emo State is about a reality where mental issues have monster forms that follow you around. We follow a teenager named Alex who's learning to deal with each new monster that shows up in their life.
Events
What's your next event? Where are you going to be at?
On the home page, I list all of the planned events. Each event is linked to their event's site. I also post updates on social media about upcoming events a few days ahead of time. I don't create Facebook Events anymore due to the scammers posting in them now. If someone wants to participate in an event, go to the event's real website, don't send anything to people claiming to be the coordinator in a event's comment.
Are events indoor or outdoor?
I do both indoor and outdoor events. Most "festivals" are usually outdoors and are on the street in a downtown area. Cons, expos, and PRFM are usually indoors. Please check the event before leaving so you can be dressed comfortably for the event.
Does it cost anything to attend an event?
It depends on the event. If it's a street event those are usually free to attend. If they're in a close of space outside, or in a building they usually have an entrance fee. Entrance fees will vary. It is best to check the event's website and see if there's an entrance fee. Some events will have a pre-registration discount if you get your tickets early.
Inspiring Vendors
How do I get into an event, festival, or expo?
The number one question I get asked from inspiring artists, is how do I get in?
You need to find the event's official website and apply. Most events have deadlines for when you can apply. For some it could be a few weeks before the events, for others, it can be a few months to almost a year ahead of time. Usually, the larger and higher quality the vendors are, the earlier you have to apply.
I'm applying but I'm not getting in
If you're not getting in, it can be for a variety of reasons. You could be in a very competitive category like jewelry. Or you're applying for high-level shows you're not ready for and your display photos don't make you look like you fit their quality level.
You also need to make sure you're reading all their rules and requirements. Some events have specific themes. I've seen events that are original or hand-crafted items only. Some events have strict image submission rules; like not naming an image file correctly can get you disqualified.
The harsh reality is, that sometimes your art skills are not there yet.
For some events, it took me a couple of years to get in because I needed to keep improving my skills and display setups.
Can my teenage do shows?
I love the support and encouraging them to jump in. Some festivals do have a teenager category. I would encourage them to go for events aimed at their age group. Take advantage of shows, galleries, and competitions for teens artists.
I don't recommend they jump straight into large festivals and events because every artist there is a registered business with the state and we are licensed to collect taxes. Doing those events without a business registration is risky because the state people can randomly show up.
These kids can be very skilled for their age, but they're mostly likely not skilled enough to compete with adults with 20 years of experience. I don't want them to give up because no one is buying from them and they think their stuff is terrible. If they want to make this a career, they need to focus on their skills and what their goals are.
Doing shows is an investment in money and time. Events do cost money, and so do the white canopy, display items, product inventory, and office items (paper bags/ boxes). The artist is also expected to provide and transport everything. Canopies are not provided by the events. If your kid can't drive or doesn't have access to a car, they will need help transporting everything.
If they're a young teen, encourage them to do teen events. Let them experiment and have fun.
If they're on the older side, they're interested in doing events. They can start off experimenting with small events, bazaars, and flea markets that are really cheap. Then they can decide if they want to invest more into it and go in a different direction.
Difference between "feeling not ready" and "not being ready"
How do you know when you're ready to get started?
I don't like the advice of "just do it". That is great advice if your skills are there, but it's terrible advice if you're definitely not ready.
The best way to evaluate yourself is to compare your skill level to those in shows. But be kind to yourself and recognize some artists are 1,000 hours into a skill level that you might only be 100 hours into. If you don't "feel ready", but you have put in the work, your skills have dramatically improved since you first started, you're hitting skill goals, you know what you don't know and you have a business plan/idea. You're probably ready. The more we learn and understand a subject the less confident we become because we know there's more to learn.
Verses if you feel ready, and you've been at it for a short amount of time. Then you're most likely are not ready. The less we know about a subject, the more confident we are because we're oblivious to what we don't know. You can become ready in a short amount of time, but you have to be harsh on your skills and working constantly to improve. If you're not realistically comparing yourself to others, you're going at it without a plan, there's no consistent style, and there's no business plan. Take a step back, breathe, you'll get there.
I jumped in when I wasn't ready and I was too stubborn to quit. But I've seen plenty of people give up in their first year because they weren't ready.
How do I treat my neighbors?
Be nice to your neighbors.
The vendor artists community is small, and you will run into the same people over and over. Don't look at your neighbors as competition. They are your community. We keep an eye out for each other and give a hand when needed. They can be great resources for recommending events, local food, parking, experience, and warn you of disaster events.
If you treat your neighbor like shit, the whole community will know. We do talk to each other.
Do I really need weights for my canopy/tent for outdoor events?
WEIGHTS ARE A MUST.
You need 25 lbs per leg minimal. I've seen canopies go in the air from a light breeze; I've chased after other people's canopies to keep them from flying into traffic; I've been in terrible thunderstorms, straight winds, a tornado warning; YOU NEED WEIGHTS.
Cinder blocks weigh 20-30lb, they're cheap and heavy.
If your canopy takes off and it damages property and/or hurts someone you are liable for that.
So far I have been fortunate to have never had my canopy fly off, but I have over 200 lbs holding my canopy down from the weights and display walls.
Why do some shows ask for Show Insurance?
You get insurance whether or not an event asks for it. If something happens in your space, whether it's a drunk person stumbles into your booth and gets hurt or your display falls and hurts someone, you are liable. Insurance will help cover the cost of medical bills you're on the hook for. Insurance can also help cover your product and display setup in the event it gets damaged or stolen. Some can cover car damage when being used for a show, like if it gets broken into. Usually, nice and large events require it; even if you don't plan to do events that don't require it, you should have it to protect yourself.
I use ACT Insurance; you have the ability to get insurance for the year or per show.