About the Artist!

Something new for our blog....aside from our monthly featured artist, we are interviewing an artisan from our shop every month so you can really get to know who you are buying from. One of a kind and hand made is such a treat...these items usually become your keepsakes and most cherished treasures; it's nice to know something about the creator!

Artist...Sylvia of 3 Good Things
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a Graphic Design alumna from the Art Center College of Design. I worked for Wipf & Stock Publishers in Eugene, Oregon, designing high-end book covers and taught typography to the Design Team. Since moving back to South Pasadena, I freelance at my studio, designing bespoke fine stationery, logos, invitations, and announcements. I teach private classes, parties, and retreats (complete w/spa treatments, champagne, and cheesecake!) and hold seasonal Open Houses. If you’d like more info and to book a reservation, please contact: goodthings.3@gmail.com

What do you make and what is the process?
Whether it’s graphic design or greeting cards, my process is to LISTEN (to the client), THINK, and then DESIGN. I am uber-organized in all my work (a professional organizer on the side). I enjoy making “Green” greeting cards using recyclable materials such as cereal boxes, foraged materials like twigs & leaves, and quality card stock. This process involves tons of drawing, cutting, & pasting!

What inspires you to create?
Nature & music provide the beauty and that challenges me to interpret something new. The world is every creative’s oyster.

How do you see your craft evolving over the next year or two?
Through the evolution of my craft, I hope to get published and interviewed.

What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?
Observing. Analyzing. Instructing others how to make beautiful things. Seeing their amazement. I like demystifying techniques and making something out of nothing.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating?
Being with family and friends, enjoying great food. NEVER compromising quantity over quality. EVER. Going on retreats, photography, reading, interior decorating, gardening, organizing. Yep, organizing.

Are there any tips you would like to share for someone who wants to turn their "hobby" into a business?
Don’t do it at the expense of your family. Be judicious about how your hobby could “fit in” to your lives.
Any tips or suggestions on marketing yourself?
Put yourself into social situations (volunteering or working out at a gym) where you can meet people and develop friendships. Friends tell other friends, and word-of-mouth will help you move forward. Discipline yourself by tracking your time and expenses. Consult someone with marketing savvy. Use Etsy, Twitter, and establish a blog.

Anything you would like to share of interest?
Someday soon, I’d like to retire my husband for investing in my art school education (smile). My greeting cards are sold here at Belle’s Nest, at Lula Mae (Old Town Pasadena), Holy Family Church Bookstore, and soon in South Pasadena at Marz and Fair Oaks Pharmacy. I will be teaching a class here at Belle’s Nest on Sunday, April 25th from noon-2pm!

Ways to reach me or see my work and studio:
Goodthings.3@gmail.com
Twitter.com/GoodThingsx3
Flickr.com/photos/november23
Etsy.com/sho/3goodthings
[310] 251-9817