09 MayCurrent Crushes: Etsy Printmakers

Fox Run by Mariann Johansen-Ellis. Linocut.

I’ve been adding art to my Etsy Favorites list like crazy. I love clicking that little heart… So I thought it would be fun to show you a few of the artists I’ve been crushing on over the past few days. These are the printmakers. You can view the photographers and painters here. And I may do some sculptors, jewelers, mixed media, etc. at a later date.

Angel Wings by Sonia Romero. Linocut.

Juvenile Crows by Maggie Wheelock. Etching.

After the Swim by Lisa Toth. Woodcut.

Tribute to Fig Ivy and Inland Seaoats by Kelly Tankersley. Monoprint.

25 AprCurrent Crushes: Etsy Painters and Photographers

Honey Bee by Tamara Phillips. Watercolor.

I’ve been adding art to my Etsy Favorites list like crazy. I love clicking that little heart… So I thought it would be fun to show you a few of the artists I’ve been crushing on over the past few days. These are just painters and photographers. I may do some sculptors, jewelers, mixed media, etc… at a later date, though.

Pemaquid 10 by Kathleen Daughan. Oil painting.

Raining White by Ora Birenbaum. Acrylic painting.

Autumn Flame by Lily Antoniu. Photograph.

Searching by Jennifer Paul. Photograph.

18 AprCrushing On: Painter Sherri Ohler

William by Sherri Ohler. Painting.

Sherri Ohler’s paintings are beautifully textured with layers of interesting color and shading. I really love her darker, more mysterious pieces like William, above.

Just Breathe by Sherri Ohler. Painting.

Her use of text is also employed quite well. I’m not normally one to like text in art, but I think sherri’s use is very successful.

Uttermost by Sherri Ohler. Painting.

A lot of her work has spiritual tones, like Uttermost (above) which features text from a Psalm.

Comfy Chair by Sherri Ohler. Painting.

Sherri also sells her work on iPhone cases and teaches a workshop on art journaling. Busy woman!But the best part of her site is the inspiration gallery with pictures of how people have used her work in their homes and at events and even on HGTV!

21 MarCrushing On: Sculptor John Foster

Light Sculpture by John Foster.

How incredible are these colorful sculptures by John Foster? The light that hits them is brilliant to look at. I imagine they are even more fantastic in person.

That’s the same piece but without any photo filters.

There’s a closeup.

Light Sculpture by John Foster.

Here’s another cool one!

Light Painting by John Foster.

And he paints too!

07 MarPhotography Crush: Fleur + Dot

Lemon Lime Bow Romper by Fleur + Dot.

Have you been by Fleur + Dot recently? So Brianne, the designer, makes children’s clothing (totally cute children’s clothing, mind you). I know a lot of you don’t identify with this, but there’s a lot you can learn from her. I want us to take a look at the way Brianne has branded Fleur + Dot. She knows her target market so incredibly well that she’s able to take these risky, editorial-like photographs and still enjoy a good number of sales and a large following. I don’t have kiddos to outfit, and I still have her on my Etsy Favorites list. Can’t help myself!

Take Flight Skirt by Fleur + Dot.

I’m not going to get super-analytical today. This isn’t a case study. But I want you to look at how she’s taken a vibe, a feeling, and used it throughout all her photographs. Even when the models pose differently. Even when she uses new props or no props at all. Even when there’s no model at all.

The Brother Suspenders by Fleur + Dot.

First and foremost, she has a lighting setup that uses consistently EVERY TIME. None of the photos stand out because the lighting is off. They’re all darker than most pros would advise, but they work because they fit the character she is trying to achieve.

Her models aren’t in “normal” poses. Most of them are playing with their outfits or caught looking at something else. When they are posing, they’re quirky poses. They’re poses that Brianne caught the child doing cutely, instead of asking her to act a certain way. And there are virtually no smiles. This isn’t a “cutesy” brand. It’s quirky and edgy. It’s conceptual, interesting. It’s clothing your children in beautiful things instead of a cheesy rubber ducky onesie.

The My Petite Dot Dress by Fleur + Dot.

And her products and audience follow this mood. It all fits together. There are no holes in the way she presents her brand. While your brand might be wildly different, I want you to take away the cohesiveness that makes Fleur + Dot successful, not necessarily the particular aesthetic Brianne chose. What can you do this weekend to create cohesion in your own online shop? Can you retake some photographs? Develop a list of words that reflect your brand? Redesign your banner? Start with the visuals and then move on to text and you’ll find yourself really happy with the changes. I’ve seen it done and I’ll tell you, this is one way to revolutionize the look of your shop so you’re instantly credible, professional, and attracting the right people.

Chambray Blue Linen Suspenders by Fleur + Dot.