Etsy Artisan Interview - Panoptica

Jimena (Pan to me!) is a student living in Mexico, who sells found objects and repurposed items in her Etsy shop. She is quite active on the team scene in Etsy, including the Etsybloggers. Jimena tells us about her love of walking in the city with a camera, taking photographs. You need to check out her flickr site for an exclusive view of Mexico City. Here's the whole story about the woman behind Panoptica:

• What's the name of your Etsy shop?

My etsy shop is called Panoptica

• What types of products do you sell?

I am currently selling bottlecap brooches and vintage eyeglasses. However, I'm working to incorporate more vintage into the store, as well as some other accessories, bottlecap and other types.

• What is your favorite item in your shop today?

My favorite item is the Vintage Pan Am Stewardess Badge. It's positively beautiful, and to me it's so reminiscent of old times.

• How did you find out about Etsy? Where you a buyer before a seller?

I don't know how I stumbled upon Etsy!! I was into crafting before, so I frequented sites like getcrafty, supernaturale, and craftster. Probably I caught the link there. I was a stalker in Etsy for ages. I loved it; didn't buy much though. I became a seller just this summer.

• Are you involved with any of the Etsy teams?

Yes, I am currently involved with 4 teams. My dearest are the EtsyBloggers and the Pluggers, but I'm also in the local Mexico team and Trashion.

• Are there additional venues where you sell your work?

Yes, I do consignment in several local stores.

• Over the years, what materials and mediums have you worked with? What's your favorite?

I have material and medium ADD. I write, collage, draw, glue and all sorts of things. I have been stuck with the bottlecaps for a while now though. The only thing I haven't caught up is knitting, which I've always admired.

• Are selling your products a full-time job, or do you have an additional occupation, outside the home?

I'm actually a student. My major is political science. I also work part-time sometimes.

• Everyone knows images are important when selling on the internet. What's your procedure for taking photos of your products? Do you have any tips on taking better photographs?
  

It took me a while to get my pictures straight and even now I always change them and edit them a bit because I'm never happy with them. For taking pictures, I found a perfect spot in my living room which has a big window. I throw myself to the floor next to it and photograph. Seriously, it's the best light in the house especially at 4 o'clock, which is the time I always take my pics. Then when I upload them I see if they need tweaking or if they can go straight to the listing. I am still learning though!!!
My tip is to find the best daylight you can.

• Do you have an online photo storage site, where we can see more about you and your surroundings?

Of course!! I love promoting my flickr. LOL. There's a lot of everything in there.

• We are all looking for good marketing advice. What's the best tip or trick you can share with us?

The Etsy forums are terrific, but I have found that chat is more dynamic and actually gets people to your shop. And well, plugging your links out there for everyone to see.

• Where can people find out more about you - do you have a blog, website, instant messaging account?

Well, I have a blog and I'd love it if people checked it out. It really is my pride and joy.

• My turn! What's Storybeader's favorite?

Well, I really like the stewardess wings too, but my next favorite is the license plate pin. I'm just wondering what car it came off of...