Bright Days with Crooked Little Studio

The other day, I was looking through my favorite sellers and came across Crooked Little Studio. A little over a year ago, I purchased two ACEO from the shop. Thinking back, I remember having an incredibly hard time deciding which ones I wanted to purchase. Crooked Little Studio is filled with vibrant and in a way, magical art. Artist, Diana Hamiter's use of color is incredible. Every piece looks like it is perfectly colored. You could not ask for better. The subject matter, dragonflies, birds, fish, flowers, trees, etc. are presented in such a playful manner it is hard to look away.

A year later and still not a collector of ACEOs, I find myself wanting more of Diana's work.

After revisiting her shop the other day and remembering just how great it is, I decided Crooked Little Studio deserved a feature so I asked Diana a few questions.

1. How would you describe your shop?
My physical studio is, in a word, crooked. Long story short...none of the corners are square, the floors are uneven, the walls are lumpy; thus the name crookedlittlestudio. I'd describe my Etsy shop as a place to buy whimsical, vibrant art, art prints and wearable art.


2. How long have you been painting/drawing for?
I've been drawing and painting on and off since I was two, but I've only been doing this seriously for the past two or three years.

3. How did get into this line of work/hobby?
I think it was more out of necessity than anything. I've done graphic design since graduating from college over 20 years ago and I've been teaching art to elementary and middle school students for the past 5 1/2 years. I think that if I weren't doing my "own" thing in my spare time, I'd probably just explode!

4. Where does your inspiration come from? What sorts of things inspire your work?
God's smallest of creatures really inspire me. I can sit and watch dragonflies, lizards, geckos, butterflies, birds, frogs (they're kind of shy, though) for hours and be totally engaged. I find myself very lucky that two frogs have taken up residence in a large washtub outside my back door! I believe that God works through me, so He's a definite source of inspiration. My family inspires me, too. They're very supportive of my endeavors.

5. You use very vibrant colors. Do you think that reflects upon your personality?
Yes. There's way too much darkness in this world. I try to focus on positive things and I think it takes vibrant colors to relay that.

6. Which is your favorite piece? Why?
That's really a tough question. Each piece holds a special little place in my heart (like my children). I don't think I could pick a favorite piece anymore than I could pick a favorite child. I am pretty fond of my birds, though.

7. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
Some of the many Etsy artists I admire...
wjcatnip http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5038304
serpentmandalas http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=26758
shaylamaddox http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5147081
yellena http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5066099

8. Since joining Etsy in February 2007, you have sold 171 items. How do you attract customers to your shop?
Relisting and participating in forums. I work full-time as an art teacher, so I don't have much time for other types of marketing. Around Christmas, I was doing a lot of trades and just relisting the traded items seemed to increase my exposure and sales.

9. Is there any advice you would like to offer on becoming a successful seller?
I think quality work and good communication with customers are keys to Etsy success.

10. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?
I have some of my religious pieces (First Communion prints) in a local Catholic gift shop. My First Communion and Confirmation items are available by order through the school where I teach. I also carry around a box of my art necklaces wherever I go! I'm hoping to add some more local stores this summer when I have time to get out and peddle my wares!


Business Information:

Name: Diana Hamiter

Business/Shop Name: Crooked Little Studio

Location: Shreveport, LA

Etsy URL: crookedlittlestudio.etsy.com