Etsy Spotlight: Crystal from CAPow!

Today’s Etsy Spotlight features the lovely Crystal from CAPow! I was so excited when Crystal signed up for a spotlight because her stuff is awesome, and I need some new artwork for my office! Crystal also has a personal website for her work, so please check that out too —> http://www.capowcapow.com

Here comes the spotlight – and don’t forget to check out my favorites at the bottom of the post

How long have you been selling on Etsy?  How did you become interested in creating original artwork?
I opened my shop on Etsy in October of 2007, but I didn’t start getting steady sales until 2010. I’ve always been interested in creating, whether it be artwork, crafts, baking, writing, etc. I was really lucky to be raised by a mother who was not only a talented painter, but can also sew, knit, crochet, draw, bake, cook…her talents are limitless. On top of being surrounded by her creativity, my father was a big music fan and had an interest in photography. So I was exposed really early on, and I can’t remember a day in my life where I haven’t used at least one of those outlets to create something.

What inspires you to create?
I get a lot of inspiration from fellow Etsy sellers and bloggers. I’ve had some extra time to explore lately, and I’m just blown away by what people are creating out there! I’ve also recently opened a Pinterest account, which makes finding beautiful and interesting things even easier.

What are some of your favorite colors/patterns/design aesthetics? How do you incorporate them into your work?
My favorite pattern of all time is HOUNDSTOOTH. Some of my friends would say I’m obsessed. I think my boyfriend is sick of me freaking out over houndstooth, but I love it. The bolder the better. And speaking of bold, my favorite color is orange! I have to say, most of my art doesn’t incorporate the bold aesthetic I’m drawn to in the work of others. My photography tends to be more vintage and subdued, but I suppose my series of state drawings would be considered bold. And I have painted a couple of abstract paintings that were a bit bolder. When it comes to creating I usually explore in a very tight circle around my comfort area.

Who are some of your favorite celebrities?  Whose style would match up with what’s available in your store?
I’ve pretty much been obsessed with Gwen Stefani since 1996. I love her style! She’s probably also where I discovered my love of houndstooth as well. I’ve never really thought about what celebrity style would match my shop. I don’t think Gwen Stefani’s style would match…maybe someone more like Anne Hathaway.

What is your workroom like?  What conditions lead you to create the best work?
I consider myself very lucky that my boyfriend lets me use the spare bedroom for my creating too. I have my desk, computer, printer, sewing machine, painting supplies, etc all in one accessible space. I can go into this room and just make a complete mess. A year ago we painted the white walls to a subtle mint green and put up some shelves. I have my vintage cameras and some art on display. I wish I had room to put a work table, but for now I’m just grateful for what I have.

How long does it take to design and create each piece?
For my hometown Hearts series, I’ve made so many pieces that I have it down to a science at this point. To light and shoot the photo, it usually takes me about 10 minutes. Once it’s shot, another 10 minutes of editing and it’s ready to go. Of course, I’ve made literally hundreds of these, so I’ve been able to refine the process. For other things it takes much longer. My illustrations take hours upon hours. Paintings can take months depending on how detailed.

What is your favorite product so far?
It would be easy for me to say my favorite product is the hometown hearts series because of how popular it has become. But the product I’m really loving right now is a print I haven’t made a single sale on. It’s the most recent poster print I’ve designed, for fellow coffee lovers called Rise and Grind. It’s become my new motto!

What is the most interesting request you’ve received from a customer?
I don’t usually get requests that are interesting in a weird way. I have gotten a few requests for custom Hometown Heart prints that a bride is intending to use as part of their wedding day. I’ve had one bride request to use an image for her Save The Date, another request custom prints for her bridal party, and still another request a custom series chronicling the cities where milestones took place in her relationship with her husband to be. I’m always so honored to have my prints play a part in someone’s special day!

Here are some of my personal favorites for sale at CAPow!

Click any photo for more information or to purchase.

bokeh hearts II 5x5 ttv photo print - free shipping!

Rise and Grind Coffee Custom 8x10 Art Print Poster

miss you vegas custom candy heart map art 8x8 ttv photo print - free shipping!

I Love Maryland - 8x10 customizable typography map art print - free shipping!

Look at the variety!!  There are SO many more items for sale at CAPow! – I hope you’ll check them out!

Thank you so much Crystal — I promise I’ll decide what I want to order really soon!

Readers, what do you think would go well in my cubicle??

If you’d like your store to be spotlighted here at ShopHappens, shoot me an email, drop me a comment, or find me on Facebook or Twitter!