Happy Hello!
Today I am featuring an artist that makes outstanding signs!
Let's meet
Mary Compton Aikens
And get a taste of what her shop has to offer!
Mary C. Aikens 1 Artlady
Here we go!
What do you sell?
The products that I do sell are small, hand-made signs that are mainly made out of wood. However, I do have other mediums that I am adding to my inventory. Those mediums are hardy plank siding, and hopefully, I can add crocheted signs as well painted glass somewhere in the near future.
How did you get started with Etsy
I started my Etsy shop by signing up. Prior to opening my Etsy shop is that I received several referrals from various friends as well a relative.
When did you get interested in making your Art
I have actually started making my artistic signs as well wood reliefs since late 1980's, but I started becoming very strong in the area of wood reliefs since October 1991 after both my husband and I came from seeing art exhibits at the Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Doing personalized and custom signs have been a real push for me to strongly consider selling my
artwork on Etsy.
artwork on Etsy.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I can really credit that my art inspiration came from the Lord. He is the one that gives me various subjects to do my signs as well other art pieces. Yes, several people gave me ideas for my art ideas. However, I strongly can credit the Lord to finally give me the final inspirations. Yes, I do take commissions.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/119831249/southern-oak-a-filligree-type-of-art?ref=shop_home_active
Who taught you or how did you learn your art form
I was an artist since childhood, and yes, I had several teachers who really inspired me in my art talents. I received two college degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and
Associates of Applied Science in Drafting and Design Technology. During the time when I was working on my undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, I took numerous art studio classes.
Associates of Applied Science in Drafting and Design Technology. During the time when I was working on my undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, I took numerous art studio classes.
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
It is quite hopeful that I can build my freelancing art commissions to a full-fledge art business and working full-time.
How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?
It is a real challenge which I must do my Etsy at night along with my other web sites since I work away from home during the day hours. I work as a design drafter for a construction firm most of the day. For the rest of the day, I work for one of my boss's family by picking their children up from school, take them to their house, and stay with them until either one of their parents arrived. However, it has been quite recent that I have been extremely swamped at work due to crushing deadlines and an extremely slow computer. Thank God for a new computer with updated Auto-CAD software.
Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
I both making the items that I love to make as well keeping them in stock. At times, I also have a couple of friends who also
sell the items for me in their frame shops. I also ask both of my friends what sells as well one of them spends more time with me as well showing me ideas. Yes, again, I still get ideas from the Lord.
sell the items for me in their frame shops. I also ask both of my friends what sells as well one of them spends more time with me as well showing me ideas. Yes, again, I still get ideas from the Lord.
Where else can we find you online?
Daily Paintworks - although I am not a member yet, but hopefully that I can join soon. However, I do have some of my paintings posted in their challenges from time to time.
You can also see me on FaceBook.com under Mary Compton Aikens, and last but not least, I am on Twitter which is MaryComptonAike.
Did you always want to have your own business?
Yes... I wanted go into business for my self... However, I wanted to first get a better level by working for somebody before I can feel confident working for my self. One of the best qualities that I would find working for myself that I will be at home, be able to set my own hours as well days, and work alone in a quiet environment without so many people bugging me in contrast to an office-type setting.
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
Yes. There are many thoughts to share. I used to do house portraits for people and families in the past. However, I am not active in that area. From time to time, I am compensating for it at work as being a rendering illustrator for various clients. I do love drawing buildings, houses, barns, birds, and other items including ladies' shoes.
I want to thank you very much for taking your interests in finding out more about me and my Etsy shop. It has been a real honor to me that you expressed your love of my sign shop.
Thank you Mary!!!
Wonderful blog - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great job of posting this interview for me... I am really impressed. How much more can I really say? I am really honored for you to interview me...
ReplyDeleteBlessings! :-)