Featured Artist :: Lunabee

This week's featured artist is Lunabee!

Senioritis: Hey Lunabee, thanks for sitting down with us. Where are you from?
Lunabee: Newcastle, UK

Senioritis: Can you tell us a little about yourself please?
Lunabee: I am an illustrator with a love of creating cute characters with a darker side to them. I illustrate digitally with my trusty wacom tablet and mac and I also paint toys which I have been doing for just over a year.
Senioritis: Very cool! We love your characters and your custom toy work. We have yet to try using a tablet but would love to pick one up at some point; looks like much more fun than a mouse ;)

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Lunabee: Either, I'm not a fan!



Senioritis: Lunabee, how would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it before?
Lunabee: Cute, Creepy, Fluffy, and Bright.

Senioritis: What's the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Lunabee: My Dad who told me, in the nicest way possible, to 'toughen up kid' when I first started out with my design/illustration business. I think there's a fine line between being nice and being walked over.
Senioritis: Excellent tip indeed and I think it's something we all need to be reminded of every now and then.



Senioritis: Lunabee, what's your favorite sport to either watch or play?
Lunabee: I love cycling but I don't have the patience to sit watching sport, I'd rather be off doing something creative.
Senioritis: Interesting point. I find that even when I'm watching some type of sporting event I usually have my laptop in front of me and I'm working on something.

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Lunabee: I adore Chevy Chase. I'd prefer National Lampoons Christmas Vacation but Fletch if I have to choose between these two :)
Senioritis: We would go with Fletch as well & all of the Vacation movies are classics. Chevy Chase is a comedic genius!

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote?
Lunabee: 'All I can do is be me, whoever that is' - Bob Dylan
Senioritis: Ahh yes, the wisdom of Mr. Dylan!



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Lunabee: Speaking solely for the 'toy painting' side of my business, I really don't think I would change anything. It's been a steady learning curve that I am still on and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I've probably made a few errors of judgement along the way but I've learned from them and that’s the most important thing.
Senioritis: When we first got into collecting vinyl we tried to make a custom and man was it a disaster. We have since given up on the custom side and stick to the collecting side ;) I'm not sure people truly appreciate how much time, energy, and effort goes into designing and painting pieces that are sometimes no bigger than the palm of your hand. We think your designs rock and we're glad to hear you're still enjoying the process!

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Lunabee: Well being from the UK I'd feel pretty guilty having it be my choice but if it was I think I would have to go for Bob Dylan. I am a massive fan of his music and him as a person; he is utterly inspirational to me. It’s a very personal choice so I'm not sure everyone would be happy with that!
Senioritis: It's ok Lunabee, there are quite a few Dylan fans on this side of the pond who we're sure would have no objection ;)

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web?
Lunabee: lunabee.co.uk is where you can find any toys I have up for sale. I try to ensure that I get 1 -2 toys up a month at least :) The lovely TOYSREVIL blog is normally very much on top of all my releases and news. I also have my twitter account which I use daily to keep my followers up to date on what I'm working on.



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Lunabee: Daniel Craig all the way, Bad ass Bond is awesome!
Senioritis: While many of our featured artists are partial towards Mr. Connery, we're with you. While we appreciate all Bond films and actors we're a bit partial towards the newer films with Daniel Craig. The newer Aston Martins aren't too shabby either ;)

Senioritis: Any shoutouts Lunabee?
Lunabee: Huge thank you to my very good friend Cris Rose for getting me involved in the whole toy customizing scene in the first place, I wouldn't be doing any of this without his guidance and support. :) Also a shoutout to my favorite artist 64colors who constantly inspire and amaze me with their work!

Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us and let us know a bit more about the person behind Lunabee's awesome creations. We wish you continued success and look forward to seeing your new designs. Please swing by Lunabee's site to check out her new LE skelanimal release and pick up some of her sweet work!

Featured Artist :: Scarlett Design

This week's featured artist is Scarlett Design!

Scarlett Design - Nature inspired illustrations, photography, and stationery.

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Scarlett Design: Ryan McGurl, Virginia Beach.
Senioritis: Hey Ryan, thanks for sitting down with us!

Senioritis: Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Scarlett Design: I grew up in New England, living in both northern New Hampshire and the Boston area. After high school I took some time off, before I attended both the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Boston University, for graphic design and art history.
Three years ago I moved to Virginia Beach, where I currently live with my boyfriend and our two very spoiled dogs, Chewie and Panzer.

I enjoy hiking, camping, going to the beach, art, photography, knitting, crocheting, reading, traveling, gardening, and cooking, and I'm a dork. And I love that most days my job doesn't feel like work. I consider myself fortunate to have lived in several places, and experience the unique beauty of different areas.
Senioritis: Very cool Ryan, we have a bunch of family that lives not far from Boston. That's great that you have been able to move around a bit. What type of dogs do you have?

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Scarlett Design: Godfather, I've never actually seen Streetcar.



Senioritis: How would you describe your style Ryan?
Scarlett Design: Fun, Colorful, Joyful, Intelligent.

Senioritis: Ryan, what's the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Scarlett Design: "If at first you don't succeed, try again." I'm not sure who actually created that quote, and I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but recently while watching a documentary on American history I was struck by how often people who influenced history had failed before they became a great success.
Senioritis: We read a bunch of biographies and history books and have also found that it's those who are willing to fail the most that often find the greatest levels of success. Great tip Ryan!



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play?
Scarlett Design: Hiking.
Senioritis: Hailing from New England we were a little concerned that you were going to say watching the Red Sox ;)

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Scarlett Design: Fletch.

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote Ryan?
Scarlett Design: "There is a crack in everything, that is how the light gets in" Leonard Cohen
Senioritis: Very cool, we hadn't heard that one.



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business Ryan?
Scarlett Design: Spend more time on marketing when I first started my business
Senioritis: Absolutely, it definitely takes some effort to get the word out, especially in the beginning.

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Scarlett Design: John Adams, he always seemed overlooked; perhaps because he wasn't as witty as Franklin.
Senioritis: We think Mr. Adams would look great! We recently designed a tribute to John Adams; he didn't quite make it on to a $100 bill but he did get on to the front of a composition notebook ;)

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web Ryan?
Scarlett Design: My blog, facebook, flickr, and on twitter.
Senioritis: Looks like you have quite the web presence Ryan!



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Scarlett Design: Not sure, it used to be Roger Moore, but I'm really liking the new ones with Daniel Craig.
Senioritis: The new Bond movies are excellent.


Thanks for sitting down with us Ryan and letting us know a bit more about the artist behind Scarlett Design!

Featured Artist :: Khali Nouveau

This week's featured artist is Khali Nouveau!

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Khali Nouveau: Aiysha Khaalid; Boston, Massachusetts
Senioritis: Hi Aiysha!

Senioritis: Can you please tell us a little about yourself Aiysha?
Khali Nouveau: My name is A. Khaalid, nickname Khali. I am a full-time artist with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. I'm a painter, an illustrator, a mixed media artist, and a crafter. I am a stimulated artist and entrepreneur. I was a pottery artist for a private local company, a freelance artist as an interior home muralist, an art coordinator for an exclusive Dubai art gallery, and an art teacher.

In May 2010, I had my first solo art exhibition called 'Visions of Spring' which presented acrylic on canvas, illustration on printmaking paper, and art shadow boxes. In my shop I have some of these artworks available for sale and additional artworks are viewable on my website. KhaliNouveau was created to display my original artworks for others to appreciate my passion for painting and illustration.
Senioritis: That's awesome Khali, congrats on the solo exhibit it looks like it was a great set up! We especially enjoy your Endangered Species line, they look great on display together. You've done many things Khali, what have you enjoyed doing the most? How was your time in Dubai?

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Khali Nouveau: Godfather.



Senioritis: How would you describe your style Khali?
Khali Nouveau: Colorful, Unique, Stylized, Authentic.

Senioritis: What's the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you Khali?
Khali Nouveau: My boyfriend is a great supporter and when I feel that things aren’t going so well he would say ‘Don’t give up’. Those simple words work out for me.
Senioritis: Always a good tip. In the words of the great Jimmy Valvano, "Don't give up, don't ever give up."



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play?
Khali Nouveau: I don’t like any sports unless you count competitive reality TV shows.
Senioritis: Hmm, some of those shows are pretty intense!

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Khali Nouveau: Three Amigos.

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote Khali?
Khali Nouveau: An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.- James Whistler
Senioritis: We've never heard that one before, awesome quote!



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Khali Nouveau: I would have a whole body of new artworks ready to list online.
Senioritis: That would be cool. Investing an hour promoting a shop with 5 items takes just as long as investing an hour promoting a shop with 100 items ;)

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Khali Nouveau: That’s a good question. I don’t have any particular person to be on the face of a $100 bill but seeing a woman's face would be an awesome change.
Senioritis: That would be cool, there haven't been too many women featured on U.S. currency.

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web Khali?
Khali Nouveau: My site and on twitter.



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Khali Nouveau: Sean Connery.
Senioritis: Chalk up another tally for the Scotsman. Connery's popularity makes us wonder why they decided to cast a different 007 actor in the first place.

Senioritis: Any shoutouts Khali?
Khali Nouveau: Thanks mom for everything!


Khali, thanks a bunch for sitting down with us and sharing a bit about yourself and your work, it's awesome. Don't forget to visit Khali's online gallery as well as her online shop!

Featured Artist :: Supah

This week's featured artist is Supah!

Supah 2000 - What's up with what's going down?
Supah 2005 - Four out of Five Dentists Recommend Supah.
Supah 2009 - Now fortified with 90% more Highly Professional Business Cats
Supah 2010 - It's Not Just Super, it's SUPAH!

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Supah: Amy Beth Geerling Payne, Southwestern Mitten, Michigan, USA
Senioritis: Hey Amy Beth, thanks for sitting down with us!

Senioritis: Can you tell us a little about yourself Amy Beth?
Supah: I was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan (SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN - REPRESENT!!) I left at age 18 to "Go West!" but only made it two states away to Illinois where I studied digital and traditional 2-D art at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Then the wind blew east to Baltimore where I received a MA in Digital Art at the Maryland Institute, College of Art. I've exhibited in group and solo shows in Baltimore, Chicago, Indiana and Michigan.

I spend my days crafting, painting, and working in my home studio with too many cats and a dog in southwestern Michigan near Lake Michigan. I'm looking forward to my first year participating in the Ann Arbor Art Fair later this summer as an emerging artist.
Senioritis: Wow, very cool! I remember driving through Michigan once when I was real little (I wasn't driving) and we stopped in a town called Frankenmuth, it was a little Bavarian town and I thought it was the coolest place.

Congrats on all the exhibitions, that's awesome! How did you enjoy your time on the East coast?

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Supah: Godfather. Orange slice smile monster fun. RAHR!
Senioritis: Classic scene! Who doesn't enjoy a good orange slice monster?



Senioritis: How would you describe your style Amy Beth?
Supah: Nifty, Off Beat, Colorful, Fun.
Senioritis: We like fun!

Senioritis: Amy Beth, what would you say is the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Supah: "Don't think. Just do." My husband said it. He was prompted to say this in a book store when I was considering buying a craft business book. I began to concern myself with far more business issues than I ever needed to be concerned with, which depleted my energy - giving me less creative energy. It has definitely helped me center on doing what has always been the most important part of my business, and something only I can do. The business minutia takes care of itself as it comes.
Senioritis: That's a great tip! It's always good to invest our time where we get the greatest return ;)



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play?
Supah: To watch - hockey. (Self-tooth extraction on the sidelines comes to mind). To play - soccer, though it's been a while. The last team I was on was sponsored by a great Chicago band called "The Wes Hollywood Show".
Senioritis: Gotta love playoff hockey, he may have a future in dentistry when his career is over ;)

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Supah: Three Amigos. It taught me the meaning of the word "infamous," featured neat costumes, and contained a great theme song.
Senioritis: Ahh yes, the infamous El Guapo ;)

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote Amy Beth?
Supah: "Everyone has a plan 'til they get punched in the mouth." —Mike Tyson
Senioritis: Iron Mike knows the deal.



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Supah: Preventing myself from training my cats to work the hot glue gun. As it turned out, it was an enormous waste of time. Their fur would get stuck in with the glue EVERY DAMN TIME, total fiasco.
Senioritis: But they're highly professional business cats, surely they can handle a glue gun! Maybe if they wore rubber gloves they would have proven more helpful with the task ;)

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Supah: John Waters. He would have the greatest appreciation of where his face would be, at strip clubs and having a part in many back-alley financial transactions. Money is tacky, especially $100 bills. I would also redesign them to be turquoise and glittery. American currency should more closely resemble Monopoly money.
Senioritis: We think Mr. Waters would feel right at home on a glittery turquoise c note! Perhaps a glow in the dark mustache?

Senioritis: Where can we find Supah on the web?
Supah: I've been running supah.com for 10+ years; crazy, huh?! Current paintings are stowed in the gallery and I also run supah.etsy.com. I thoroughly enjoy the comradeship found through facebook and I welcome any of your readers to become new friends on facebook or twitter. Supah can also be found at flickr.com/supah.
Senioritis: Wow, Supah is all over the web; and having your own site for over a decade is no joke, nice work!



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Supah: Sean Connery. Not only because of his Scotchman goodness, but also because I named my cat Pussy Galore.
Senioritis: That is phenomenal!

Senioritis: Any shoutouts Amy Beth?
Supah: The many, many people who have more faith in me than I do; you are what keeps me at it.


Thanks so much for giving us and our readers a glimpse into the world of Supah; and remember folks it's not just super, it's SUPAH!

Featured Artist :: Katies Studio

This week's featured artist is Katies Studio!

Katies Studio - Cool Art.

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Katies Studio: Katie Bunschoten, currently Burlington, Kentucky.
Senioritis: Hi Katie, thanks for taking the time to share some info with us!

Senioritis: Katie, can you tell us a little about yourself please?
Katies Studio: I've been drawing since I was a kid. We moved a lot and friends changed just as often but drawing and sketching were constant. We had horses up until I hit high school so I spent a lot of time sketching them. I graduated high school, moved to Holland and Ireland (got married), came back and finally had space for a small studio so I started painting. Going from graphite black and whites to color opened a lot of ideas and I've been working on putting them to canvas ever since.
Senioritis: That's awesome! Do you get back to Holland and Ireland often? Your works are filled with vibrant colors, do you still do work in black and white?

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Katies Studio: Streetcar Named Desire



Senioritis: How would you describe your style?
Katies Studio: Bright, Bold, Colorful, Vivid.
Senioritis: We couldn't agree more, all the colors just jump out at us!

Senioritis: Katie, what would you say is the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Katies Studio: Never quit what you love. - Mom
Senioritis: Guess what they say is true, mother does know best ;)



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play?
Katies Studio: Soccer to play, baseball to watch. I live right outside Cincinnati so I have to say Go Reds!
Senioritis: Ahhh, a fan of the Big Red Machine :) I must admit, as a Yankees fan I have no clue what's going on in the National League until playoff time rolls around. What did you think of the World Cup?

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Katies Studio: Three Amigos

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote Katie?
Katies Studio: Wisdom begins in wonder. – Socrates
Senioritis: Awesome quote, there may be a new Socrates tribute in the works ;)



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Katies Studio: Better photos! Investing in a better camera was the best thing I've done. It is a completely different animal, selling online. I'd also research more on SEO and have used analytics immediately. When I first started I thought upload it and people will just buy. It's not quite that easy. In ways I think it's harder than having a brick and mortar gallery.
Senioritis: They say a picture is worth a thousand words and in an online marketplace where people can't hold or handle our work strong product photography is crucial. We agree that selling online is completely different than selling in a physical location. We were fortunate to find some great product photography and SEO tips on Etsy that have helped us get going in the right direction.

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Katies Studio: This is a very difficult thing to think on, but at first thought I would say Henry David Thoreau. I think whoever it would be would be someone that personifies the American spirit, but not in an overly political fashion. I could go on and on, but I think in a nutshell that's who I would put on there!
Senioritis: We think Mr. Thoreau would be a wonderful fit for the $100 bill!

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web Katie?
Katies Studio: katiesstudio.etsy.com and my site.



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Katies Studio: Sean Connery
Senioritis: Well, it seems that Mr. Connery is the preferred 007 for our featured artists. We'll see if he can extend his lead next week ;)

Senioritis: Any shoutouts Katie?
Katies Studio: I have to thank my parents and my husband Marco for the constant encouragement, and my daughter Abby for always providing inspiration.
Senioritis: We saw a picture of your studio assistant and can see how she provides plenty of inspiration. We're also glad to hear that she keeps her hands off the wet paint ;)

Katie, thanks so much for sharing some info about the wonderful artist behind Katies Studio!

Featured Artist :: Symbolic Interaction Studio

This week's featured artist is Symbolic Interaction Studio!

Symbolic Interaction Studio - Uncommon art and jewelry for uncommon people.

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Symbolic Interaction Studio: Symbolic Interaction Studio, Winston-Salem, NC.
Senioritis: Hmm, Winston-Salem, so does that make you a Duke fan or a UNC fan ;)

Senioritis: Can you tell us a little about yourself please?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: From the earliest days I can remember growing up in New England, I have loved learning and doing creative things and have not stopped since. I would spend my summers reading, swimming, dancing (ballet), playing video games (oh, yes, I loved that Intellivision), creating skits that I would record on my cassette player, and drawing. I loved learning so much that I stayed in school forever, for real, earning several degrees along the way culminating in a doctorate in a social science field. Some of my early training was in the arts where I learned graphic design, ceramic techniques, photography, watercolor painting, and drawing. I knew that I wanted to teach at the college level, but decided that I did not want to grade art, so I continued my education in my one of my other favorite subjects, observing and studying people. I currently work as a professor in the social sciences; I love the creativity of teaching and interacting with students. But I also enjoy getting my hands covered with paint and I get easily distracted by pretty beads so I continue to enjoy the challenge of creating art and making jewelry even though my profession is demanding.
Senioritis: Very cool, still have any of those skit tapes around? I had a chance to check out a toy museum last week and they had a display on the evolution of video games it was pretty sweet.

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: This one is easy, Streetcar Named Desire for sure.



Senioritis: How would you describe your style?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: Textural, Contemporary, Colorful & Deconstructed.

Senioritis: What would you say is the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: The transition from art maker to business person can be a difficult one. One of the challenges is to stop thinking like a customer and creator and to start thinking like a business owner. I have learned a lot about running a business by avidly reading Etsy’s forums. One transformative piece of advice I learned there relates to pricing one’s work. Unfortunately, I don’t remember exactly who offered the advice, but she wrote that one should price one’s work at market value (what the market will bear taking into account your materials, overhead, time, training) and not what you would pay for it.
Senioritis: Great point, pricing is always a tricky topic. We have seen several pricing approaches and formulas; however, at the end of the day we think that the art of pricing seems to revert back to supply and demand. The Etsy forums definitely contain a wealth of information on pricing and many other business topics as well.



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: I love the Olympics and can’t get enough of the more “obscure” sports I only get to watch once every four years. Short track speed skating and moguls were a couple of my recent favorites.
Senioritis: The Olympics rock! We loved watching the winter games. All the short track events were exciting to watch; one slip and a medal favorite gets eliminated. We also enjoyed the snowboarding slalom event as well as the half pipe.

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Symbolic Interaction Studio: Fletch, although I have to admit, I don’t think I have seen either movie in its entirety.
Senioritis: Fletch gets our vote as well. We've seen it several times, if you need us to fill you in on parts you missed just let us know ;)

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: “But what to do with poor Hugo? Too crazy for Boys Town, too much of a boy for Crazy Town.” Dr. Julius Hibbert, The Simpsons
I think about this quote often because it addresses the betwixt and between character of my life, never fitting in with any one group easily. Many of us think that others may fit neatly into categories, but this quote is a reminder that people defy easy categorization.
Senioritis: I always thought The Simpsons was about donuts and beer, apparently there's an underlying message as well. D'oh! Great quote and a great observation.



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: I would start my business at the point in time at which I arrived. I wish I started my business earlier even though my life at the time would make it difficult. If you are thinking about moving forward with your creative endeavors, don’t wait. There is never a perfect time to jump into it and don’t forget that you can start slow.
Senioritis: Agreed, the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step and the frist step is often the most difficult one to take.

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman would be my choice. As we honor many foundational figures of our country’s ideals of freedom on our currency, I think it would be nice to include pivotal individuals who helped work to ensure those ideals of freedom and pursuit of happiness for all.
Senioritis: Sounds good to us!

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: symbolicinteractionstudio.com



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: This is a really, really tough one. Where’s George Lazenby? My answer is Sean Connery, but only by a hair. Daniel Craig was brilliant in Casino Royale.
Senioritis: Iwas wondering if that question would come up ;) I think I'm the only person I know who saw On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Lazenby's only portrayal of 007). For those of you who have not seen it let's just say you don't need to rush to add it to your Netflix queue. It looks like Mr. Connery has extended his lead as favorite Bond.

Senioritis: Any shoutouts?
Symbolic Interaction Studio: My husband who is supportive and barely says a word about growing materials costs. My friends and family who also have backed my artistic efforts.
Etsians: 42things who offered support very early on and CreekBedThreads who also generously offered to mentor me. Members of the Etsy community who take the time to participate in the forums to share their sage advice and their experiences.


Thanks so much for giving us and our readers a sneak peek behind the scenes at Symbolic Interaction Studio!

Featured Artist :: Trixie Fishstabber Productions

This week's featured artist is Trixie Fishstabber Productions!

Trixie Fishstabber Productions - A whimsical underworld.

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Sandra Ford, and right now I am living in a log cabin in a historical, wildly overgrown orchard; and there is this big, fast creek down the steps that drains into a reservoir which feeds into the Snake River that flows north through Hell's Canyon. It is pretty inspiring and I consider everyday a gift to be here.
Senioritis: Wow, that sounds very cool Sandra; do you have any room for visitors ;)

Senioritis: Can you tell us a little about yourself Sandra?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Self Taught and right handed. Published illustrator at large and re-focused after a brief (17 year) hiatus from the art universe. Hmmm, that is pretty brief!
Senioritis: That is a pretty brief bio, it would even fit into a tweet! We're glad to see that you've returned to the art universe after your brief hiatus.

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Streetcar Named Desire



Senioritis: How would you describe your style Sandra?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Pop Surrealism, Lowbrow, Underground, Expressionist.

Senioritis: What would you say is the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: 'Go for it knowing whatever happens, you gave it everything you had.' My hero, Ed told me that many years ago.
Senioritis: Great tip. We think one of the worst feelings is looking back and saying 'What if...?' Give it your best and leave nothing on the table; we like Ed's style!



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play Sandra?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Fencing.
Senioritis: Very interesting, several of our featured artists are into fencing. We're going to have to look into the link between creatives and swordplay ;)

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: I haven't seen either.
Senioritis: Is there a different Chevy Chase film that you prefer?

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote Sandra?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: 'Imagination rules the world.' Napoleon Bonaparte
Senioritis: Hmm, even the Great Emperor knew that imagination is more important than knowledge!



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: I would not have put my pencils down for 17 years. Putting in your time as an artist is what makes you better, in my opinion. I've got some catching up to do.
Senioritis: Hopefully pencil skills are like riding a bike and they'll come back to you very quickly! We're still riding with our training wheels on but the more we draw and create the more comfortable we become ;)

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Edward Abbey for writing Hayduke Lives!
Senioritis: Looks like Mr. Abbey was sporting a pretty solid beard; we think a portrait of him would look wonderful on a $100 bill.

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web Sandra?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: I've got my Etsy store here: trixiefishstabber.etsy.com
I work really hard to make my blog interesting here: trixiefishstabber.blogspot.com
One of my favorite inspirational blogs:animalarium
And a website that interests the weirdo in me: crappytaxidermy.com



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: Daniel Craig
Senioritis: Another tally for Mr. Craig!

Senioritis: Any shoutouts?
Trixie Fishstabber Productions: A big thanks to everyone in forums who help people like me figure things out. My son for being so courageous. And Ed, for being from West Virginia.


Sandra, thanks so much for taking the time to share a bit about the artist and inspiration behind Trixie Fishstabber Productions!

Featured Artist :: Silvine Photography

This week's featured artist is Silvine Photography!

Silvine Photography - Candid travel photography.

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Silvine Photography: Michelle, Grand Rapids, MI.
Senioritis: Hey Michelle, thanks for sitting down with senioritis!

Senioritis: Can you tell us a little about yourself Michelle?
Silvine Photography: I'm a travel and language junkie who wanted to share different cultures with people back home in the States. I found the easiest way to do so was to take candid shots in places that I traveled to that really captured aspects of the culture. I try to feed my travel habit by selling the photographs I take.
Senioritis: Very cool Michelle. Out of all the places you have visited if you could only go back to one of them which would it be?

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Silvine Photography: The Godfather



Senioritis: How would you describe your style Michelle?
Silvine Photography: Vivid, Edgy, Exotic, Surprising.

Senioritis: What would you say is the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Silvine Photography: My boyfriend told me that you can't be shy in business. You have to work hard to promote yourself and your work.
Senioritis: Very true, we've yet to have someone knock on our door to ask us about our work ;)



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play Michelle?
Silvine Photography: Fencing. I'm an epeeist.
Senioritis: Wow, how did you get involved with fencing? Have you had a chance to visit any cool fencing clubs in other countries?

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Silvine Photography: Three Amigos
Senioritis: My little buttercup, has the sweetest _________.

Senioritis: Michelle, do you have a favorite quote?
Silvine Photography: Can I have two?
Senioritis: Ok ;)
Silvine Photography: "Moderation in all things, including moderation." An old Chinese proverb. Secondly, "There is a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line" by Oscar Levant.
Senioritis: I like both of those, great quotes!



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Silvine Photography: Definitely market research. I just jumped in and did what made me happy without really considering where or how I was going to get customers.
Senioritis: Good tip Michelle. I think sometimes we get so caught up in creating that we forget to think about where our customers will come from and how we can reach them.

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Silvine Photography: Maybe Stephen Colbert? I love his show and he's the only person I know who can motivate the younger generation to do anything.
Senioritis: Interesting choice Michelle, maybe we can put Mr. Stewart on the bill's reverse ;) I think his motivational powers are rooted in the silent T.

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web Michelle?
Silvine Photography: My travel blog and my Etsy store, so I can afford to travel.



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Silvine Photography: Roger Moore
Senioritis: Mr. Connery is still in the lead but it's not going to be a runaway!

Senioritis: Any shoutouts?
Silvine Photography: I love my entire EtsyWMI team. They are amazing people and really supportive.

Thanks for sitting down with us Michelle and letting our readers know a bit more about the photographer snapping the pictures at Silvine Photography!

Featured Artist :: Nicole Kristiana Studio

This week's featured artist is Nicole Kristiana Studio!

Nicole Kristiana Studio - Contemporary art and art wear.

Senioritis: Name and location please.
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Nicole Kristiana FitzGibbon, Bellefonte, DE.
Senioritis: Hi Nicole, thanks for sitting down with us!

Senioritis: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: I received my BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and my BA from Bryn Mawr College with a concentration in Fine Art and Art History. I was born in New York and lived most of my life in the Philadelphia area. I practice the art of wonderment in my surroundings both at home and around the world. I have visited fifteen states and nine countries and have visually recorded the experience in each location, focusing on pattern, which you can see in my works. Recently, my work was published as the cover of Philadelphia Stories Magazine.
Senioritis: Wow, you have visited quite a few places. Which place has been your favorite thus far?

Senioritis: Marlon Brando: Streetcar Named Desire or the Godfather?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: The Godfather



Senioritis: How would you describe your style Nicole?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Contemporary, Ebullient, Sophisticated, Colorful.

Senioritis: What would you say is the best business tip you have ever received and who gave it to you?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Paraphrasing, but it was something like "In business, there are many decisions to make in a day, and, if you're reeeaaally good, about 80% will be right, so expect to make 20% wrong ones, forget them, keep making decisions and move on." I learned this valuable lesson from a dear friend, Adam, the CEO of a software company.
Senioritis: Great lesson indeed, thanks for sharing it with us!



Senioritis: What would you say is your favorite sport to either watch or play Nicole?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: I love skiing. I've been skiing since I was about 10 years old. I love to watch skiing as well.
Senioritis: Very cool, I'm not much of a skiier but I can faceplant on a snowboard like no other (remember kids always wear a helmet) ;) We think a lot of ski fans were pretty excited when Lindsey Vonn won a couple ESPY Awards last week!

Senioritis: Chevy Chase: Fletch or Three Amigos
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Fletch

Senioritis: Do you have a favorite quote Nicole?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Strangely enough, there was a quote on the wall at my day-job, across from my grey cube, far from all the windows, that inspired me.
“Creativity in living is not without its attendant difficulties, for peculiarity breeds contempt and the unfortunate thing about being ahead of your time is that when people finally realize you were right, they’ll say it was obvious all along.” — Alan Ashley-Pitt
(Note- I have researched Alan Ashley-Pitt and it seems to be a pen name. Not even the internet or head librarian at the local University seem to know the real author. It's becoming a mission of mine to know.)
Senioritis: Great quote, it seems that this mystery person has quite a few excellent quotes. If we figure out who Alan Ashley-Pitt is we'll be sure to let you know ;)



Senioritis: If you could jump in the DeLorean and go back in time; what’s one thing you would do differently in your business?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: To be honest, I would have started earlier and would have been much better at networking and keeping contacts.
Senioritis: Good point on keeping contacts Nicole. It's usually not who we know, it's who we know knows!

Senioritis: If the $100 bill needed a redesign, who would you put on it?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Well, I feel like it should be an American, certainly, so, I thought about art influencers, political leaders, business people and musicians who have contributed to the greatness of the nation, and I finally landed on Martin Luther King, Jr. In many ways, he represents the idea that fulfilling dreams is possible and it seemed fitting.
Senioritis: We think Dr. King would display very nicely on the$100, we can also picture a really cool Dream inspired reverse side design!

Senioritis: Where can we find you on the web Nicole?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: nicolefitzgibbon.etsy.com, my blog, my facebook fan page, my website, and twitter.



Senioritis: James Bond: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: Pierce Brosnan
Senioritis: Put a tally in Mr. Brosnan's column! Mr. Connery is still in the lead but we're glad to see a new 007 get his name on the board!

Senioritis: Any shoutouts?
Nicole Kristiana Studio: To my fiancé, Ross and my brother Ben for their loving support!


Nicole, thanks for taking the time to let our readers know a bit more about the artist behind Nicole Kristiana Studios!