Hey guys! I can't believe it's Friday already. I swear my life is just flying by and all I want to do is put on the breaks! Hmm, so this week was a 4 day work week because of the previous 3 day weekend so that's always nice. I still want to put a pic up of my new hair but I seriously haven't had one good hair day since because I just throw it up in a bun for work in the morning and when I come home I have no energy. Also, I want to wait for my CHI so I can get some before and after pictures :)So today's featured seller is Yee Von. She's from Malaysia and she makes the most beautiful illustrations. They have almost a dream-like, tranquil quality to them that I love. It's so amazing how some people have such an amazing talent when it comes to drawing. I can hardly draw a straight line but Yee Von's work is amazing! Please check out her shop :)
Tell us about yourself. Name, location, what do you like to do for fun?I'm Yee Von from Malaysia, a tropical country which is rich with flora and fauna. The food are delicious and there are a lot of wonderful nature around. I enjoy cracking jokes with friends, watching movies with my siblings and occasionally playing with my dog, Max.
What is your shop's name & url? What do you sell there? My shop name is in fact my real name: http://chanyeevon.etsy.com. At the moment, I'm having my illustration, handmade notebooks and wearable arts like pendant necklaces.
How did you get your shop's name?
I didn't think of any name other than my real name. I guess I would like people to see my illustrations and me as an artist. It feels like people are entering my little world of imagination when they enter my shop.
What is your favorite item in your shop?
I love my girl illustrations but pendant necklaces are my favorite too.. hmmm.. can I pick both?
What inspired you to create what you make on Etsy?The time when I've decided to be an illustrator and in the middle of developing my own style, I came across this amazing artist's whom I admire a lot. I discovered that not only she is a creative illustrator, but also she is a successful etsy seller. That is how I have decided to open my shop :) And somehow everything starts from there.
Do you listen to music when you create items for your shop? If so, what do you listen to?
I listen to all kinds of music and even those I might not understand its lyrics. As long as it is soothing and relaxing to the mind :)
How many hours a day/week do you put into your shop?
During the weekdays, I'll spend 3-4 hours working on illustrations after I finish my full time job. For the weekends, I will go around the town to search for materials or taking photographs on new items. If not, I'll continue my illustrations again.
Take us through your creative process when you make items for your shop: The process of creation usually took place while I'm doing other stuff like working, taking shower or even before I sleep. I will note down these ideas which will become sketches later on. Sketching usually took few hours or perhaps days until I settled on final one which I'm really satisfy. Then I will spend a day or two drawing the outline with pen & ink. Finally I'll scan them to the computer and color them. Then the rest goes to upload, writing description and sharing them on my blog!What is the most helpful piece of advice/tool/tip that you have discovered while selling on Etsy? Etsy Storque blogs and Featured Sellers have really given me a lot of insights and advices to be a seller! Even when you go back and read the past blog articles, sometimes you might discover something useful!
What do you find most challenging? Definitely finding time in between creating, promoting and other commitments in my life! I wish I could promote more but it is quite time consuming. At this moment, I would like to create more as I want to list up 50 items before 2011.
How do you promote your shop? I share my new listings through Facebook and blogging. Occasionally I wonder around etsy forum reading helpful tips and experiences shared by other sellers. Some other times I will put up my new artworks at deviantart.com and flickr as well :)Do you promote off the internet too, such as craft fairs, etc.? Not yet. I don't have the time for craft fairs as I'm working full time and handling two shops. It seems fun and there are great opportunities to know other sellers in person but just that I can't squeeze any more of the time now. Maybe next year :)
What venue do you find to be the most helpful in promoting? Perhaps blogging which allows me to interact with other people around the globe. It is fun to share my process and thoughts behind the artworks. Even more fun to leave comments and to make friends!
If you could give any advice to newbie sellers, what would it be? Write a business plan before you open your shop and make sure you have think thoroughly on the product range which you're going to sell. The branding and shop image are very important as well. As it is less likely to have one kind of product to target everyone in the world, perhaps you can focus more on those who really appreciate your style.
What shop goals do you wish to accomplish by the end of the year?I wish to list up to 50 items for both of my shop, double up the sales that I'm having currently. Also, to complete the new series of illustrations which I haven't started yet!
What is your favorite movie?
Hmmm, most of my favourite movies are classic Disney cartoons like Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Simple story line with beautiful lyrical songs. Recent years, I've fall in love with Pixar animations as well! Won't miss out any new animation produced by them!
Favorite book or author? I rarely read books but I have higher tendency to grab few japanese manga whenever I'm on the road. The characters and story plots relax my mind :)
You are going to a deserted island and you can only bring three items. What are they? Sunscreen, umbrella and bikini! I'm just kidding =p
In fact, I will bring my sketchbook, pen & pencil (I hope that counted as one item!) and mobile phone that allows internet access. Hopefully I can make good use of my time sketching and still able to connect with the world.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you so much for featuring me! :D
I just love her artwork. Thank you so much for this wonderful interview! I love getting to know my favorite artists better.
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