FINE Art Photography by Maleah Matthews

I always knew there were many GREAT photographers on Etsy and I have featured some in the past but Facebook fan pages has introduced me to several more, including Maleah Matthews of Urban Design Photography. Each of Maleah's photographs captures a deep emotion and the result is a shop full of stunning fine art photography, ... and her photo blocks are so original and make me want to stack them in my living room. As manu of you know, when I find a shop I REALLY like, I ask the artist some questions. Below are Maleah's answers.

NM: How would you describe your photography?
MM: Oh this is something I really struggle with. It's a fusion of texture meets grunge, meets airy nature, meets vintage photography all rolled up into one.

NM: How long have you been doing photography for?
MM: I've always had a camera around but I got serious about photography in April of '08. So just over a year.

NM: How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
MM: This is where it gets weird, lol! I actually started out on Etsy last year selling jewelry. My photos were bad, bad, bad, so I set about trying to make them pretty. Through that process, purchased a new camera and gradually found I liked taking pictures better than I liked making jewelry. I haven't made jewelry since!
NM: That is a great story! Your work really shows you love it.

NM: Do you do this full time?
MM: No this is a hobby for me. I would love to have it grow into more in the future though.

NM: What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
MM: Right now it is my newest my photo, New Beginnings. I like it because it has some of my favorite colors and a certain airy feel to it, ... and I had fun creating it!

NM: What are some of your favorite handmade shops or items online?
MM: Oh, wow! Choosing is hard! I have sooo many faves, but here we go: ImeonDesign, 3squares, SaidInStone and TickledPinkKnits

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
MM: I have been lucky to have some great blogs do features on my work. I have found that seems to generate lots of traffic. The only advertising I have done is on Facebook and I have purchased some Etsy showcases.
NM: Well, you ae doing something right! You currently have 131 sales on Etsy.

NM: What advice can you offer other handmade sellers to boost their sales?
MM: Learn as much as you can about your target market. I've done lots of reading in the Etsy storque articles and the forums, where I've learned tons from other sellers. I think focusing on a few things for promoting yourself and do them well. I'm still working on this!

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?
MM: Yes, they are available in a couple stores in Oregon.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
MM: Yes, it is mostly about my photography but is sometimes sprinkled with other bits of randomness.

NM: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
MM: I love to be outdoors with my kids. No better way to spend a day!


Business Information

Name: Maleah Matthews

Business/Shop Name: Urban Design Photography

Location: Eugene, Oregon

Etsy URL: urbandesign.etsy.com

Blog URL: urbandj.blogspot.com

Twitter: twitter.com/urbandesign

FB Fan Page: facebook.com/pages/Urban-Design-Photography/86438245904