Meet Etsy Digital Collage Artist: synchronicity313

Ken Rougeau is a 32 year old fellow Portlander (Oregon). He and his girlfriend and her 8 year old son are not only artists, but a "family of Etsy enthusiasts & each of (them) has at least one store." He finds inspiration everywhere. "Life, fairy tales, science fiction, whimsical expressions, other artists, standup comics, music... You name it," he says. "I've got little notes written everywhere (many in the margins of other notes) in an attempt to keep track of the crazy notions that float across my mind during the course of the day. It's a mess, but it's great fun too!" His digital collages tend to take on a Victorian noir - sophisticated and classy, with a ting of darkness and mystique. Although he has only been working with digital media since 2007, he has managed to create some brilliant montages. "I'm pretty happy with how my portfolio is coming along," he admits. It may have been a hobby to start with, but his art is now his job. In fact, he strives for a sale a day. "I'm not currently meeting it, but I do have some nice runs here and there." He aims to "maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, continue networking with other Etsy users, and...to keep bringing fresh traffic into Etsy (both buyers and sellers)." He advises his fellow artists to be patient. "If you build it, they will come (and yes, eventually they will buy too). Secondly, get out there and let people know you're there! Network with other Etsy users through the forums and chat rooms. Follow the golden rule (do unto others) - promote them & they'll promote you. Blog! Not just about yourself, but about the other fantastic crafters & artisans you encounter." Please check out his shop: http://synchronicity313.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: liliandjojo

I was searching Etsy one day and found this lovely collage that reminded me of my sister and I when we were younger. We grew up in a sterile "white-bread" family and yearned for something more exotic...

Julie is a full-time collage artist and mother of a 14 month old daughter she adopted from Vietnam 6 months ago. "I have always loved making things and I try to make as much of the things I use on a daily basis, as I can." That's why Etsy is the perfect place for Julie. "It is a great place to not only sell all the things I enjoy making, but I feel that I have found a real community of like-minded people!" Her inspiration comes from "books, other artists, films, and seeing other cultures around the world while traveling." She is a "collector at heart and am constantly going to flea markets and thrift stores to find unusual pieces to use in (her) work." She's fascinated with Victorian photos and finds that "the overly serious expressions on their faces lend themselves well to humorous, tongue-in-cheek artworks." She uses old photos, found objects, Japanese papers, vintage fabric, and a myriad of other items in her eclectic pieces. "Now that I have joined Etsy, I have started using the same style of imagery in more 2-dimensional work to make cards and other printed pieces," she says. Like many of us, her goal right now is to sell enough to keep up with her Etsy purchases. Please check out her shop: http://liliandjojo.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Meet Etsy Collage Artist: stilettoheights

Mixed media and collage artist Jennifer Gordon is originally from New Hampshire, but currently resides in Columbus Ohio. She was "transplanted here 4 years ago, and still feel like a fish out of water." Self taught, she jokes, "I think I picked up a lot through osmosis while working as an artist model in college." She studied acting "before retiring to the quiet life of a starving artist." Love is her inspiration - "more specifically unrequited love, I love the idea of longing for someone or missing someone. I love bittersweet love stories and that is what I am trying to convey with my work." She also has a fascination with "old photos, French wallpaper, manor houses that have fallen into almost ruin, handwriting, and fashion." She eloquently describes her style as "Neo-Victorian with a hint of melancholy and film noir." Although she's been collaging since she was a little girl, she became serious about it two and a half years ago. She has managed to turn her art into her career, but admits that it is "both scary and liberating." Today just happens to be her wedding day. Please check out her shop: http://stilettoheights.etsy.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/