Etsy Artisan Interview - theRasilisk

Becky, owner and operated of the theRasilisk, opened her Etsy shop last fall. By the look at her sales, I'd say she know how to run a business! I've learned some interested things in her shop, like when Hairball Awareness Day falls - I kid you not! Most of her work is on paper, where she offers holiday and occasional cards, stationary, and prints. And because she makes greeting cards, there is a good selection of sale items, from passing holidays. Let's encourage her to start up a blog - I'm sure it would be loads of fun to follow!

• What's the name of your Etsy shop?

My shop is called theRasilisk

• What types of products do you sell?

I mostly sell cards and calendars. Paper goods primarily. Though I am looking to expand more into the printable PDF market as well as freelance Graphic Design services. Put my degree to better use I guess.

• What is your favorite item in your shop today?

I think the item I like the most is a set of cards I designed called "Abstract Cards - Multicolored Skyscrapers or Time-Travel Rivers" I just really love how they turned out.

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

A friend of mine who was big into collage work a few years ago started a store and I went to check it out. I had never heard of Etsy and was definitely impressed. I had no idea anything like this was out there! I was a buyer first. It took me a while to get around to starting my own store, but I knew right away that I would eventually.

• Are you involved with any of the Etsy teams?

I am not. I haven't had much time between my full time job and Etsy to really investigate the teams just yet.

• Are there additional venues where you sell your work?

Nope. So far just Etsy. I may be starting an Artfire store soon though. I will certainly mention it in my store front if I do!

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

When I was in high school I spent a lot of time working with clay as well as metal. I must have taken the Ceramics class like 10 times and the Jewelry/3d arts one at least 5 times. I also dabbled in drawing and painting, pen and ink, acrylic paints, markers, colored pencils, beads, sewing, wood-burning, rubber stamping etc. I am a art supply junky, so chances are if it's out there and not too terribly expensive that I've at least tried it. My favorite thing right now is carving linoleum block. I really enjoy the carving part, not as much as the printing with it part. I spend most of my efforts in the digital realm now though.

• 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?

I have an extremely shoddy set up in the corner of my bedroom that involves a tilted table covered in fabric and a bunch of desk lamps. I really need to come up with a better set up than that. I agree that product photos are really important and I am still working on improving mine myself. My tips, a good camera and the right kind of lighting are important. Even if I don't follow my own rules sometimes.

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

I don't. Sorry!

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

I have a full time job as a Graphic Designer at a pack & ship type store. I don't get a lot of design work there though.

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

I don't know that I've had much luck in the marketing department. I do notice that when I participate in forums and when I bid on Project Wonderful ads, I get noticed more. It doesn't always lead to sales, but it usually lead people to my page. Half the battle right?

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

I don't have a blog or website up currently, though I do plan to before the year ends. And when I do, it will be referenced in my shop.




OK, the storybeader's turn. Becky has a lot of abstracts on cards and some are very funny, but my favorite is her drawing of an owl. Very beautiful.