This week, we interviewed Jenn of Palimpsestic. Let's go!
Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
I make original collage art, including bookmarks, art cards, and square inch art. I work with real vintage ephemera (usually from the 1940s or 50s, but sometimes even earlier), never with photocopies or reproductions. I also make pennant banners and garland from vintage maps.
What is your creative process?
I was an English major in college, so I'm inspired by books, paper, and words. I work a little at a time, adding and removing layers as I see fit. As I work, I construct stories in my head and, often, those become a part of the works. All my full-size collages include storylets that add depth and meaning to the pieces.
Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
In addition to Team BPAL, I belong to two treasury-building teams. Northwest Treasure Chest is a regional team for shops in the Pacific Northwest, and Team Discovery is a team that seeks out and promotes shops with fewer than twenty sales.
When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I'm mom to a 9-year-old son and I volunteer teaching art in the school to his class and several others. I'm also a published short-fiction writer and I try to balance my visual art with writing and submitting.
Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
I collect vintage stereoscopes and Viewmasters.
I have always loved dance and I was part of a tribal belly dance troupe for four years before moving to Washington.
What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Last week, I curated a treasury that put many, many shops on the front page for their first time. I loved having given new shops the opportunity for that kind of exposure.
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Use the treasury! Etsy mines the treasury, not only for the front page, but for most of their email and web features. I had six sales in my first six months on Etsy and more than forty in the two months since I started avidly building treasuries.
What handmade possession do you cherish?
My son's kindergarten handprint. I'm sure every parent has one, but I love it anyway.
If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
I am in love with this tweed coat from 13threads
What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
I always wanted to be a ballerina.
Where else can we find you on the web?
Web site: jennifertatroe.com
Blog: jennifertatroe.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jhtatroe
That's all for this time! May you have a cozy, healthy, happy December as we hustle to prepare for the holidays.
Great interview, Jenn! What you said about the treasury is so true. Plus, you make GORGEOUS treasuries!
ReplyDeleteenjoyed reading the interview!! tribal belly dancer! wow! i am impressed.
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