Featured Seller: johnclark

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Tell us about yourself.

My wife, Andrea, and I live in a cozy little house and we fantasize a lot about getting a puppy. I spend a lot of time drawing portraits for people and listening to podcasts. Andrea and I try to treat every day like an adventure.

Apart from creating, what do you do?

Mainly I just hang out with Andrea and try to make her laugh. When she gets tired I stay up reading comics and playing video games. I’m a big kid at heart but I have had fun embracing homeownership. We spend a lot of time making trips to Ikea, mowing the lawn, collecting artwork and debating what color we should paint the walls. We also enjoy people watching while trekking around downtown.

How do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from film noir, old mystery novels, stencil graffiti (my work is hand drawn but often mistaken for stencil), comic books and pulp novel covers.

What does handmade mean to you?

I like having paint and marker stains on my hands most of the time. I like contributing something genuine and personal for people to hang on their walls.

Who or what has been most influential in your business development?

My friend Kat turned me on to Etsy.com in 2006. I was telling her how I wished there was a decent way to sell art from home. I had tried ebay and it was a nightmare. She told me about etsy, I signed up maybe two days later and had my first sale in about forty minutes.

How would you describe your creative process?

I’ve obsessively drawn faces since I can remember. I have no stress in creating artwork.. drawing is almost meditative for me at this point. I can put on some headphones, listen to some music or a podcast and it pretty much works itself out.

Who is your favorite artist, designer or craftsman?

Frank Miller. His stuff blows me away.

Do you have and love a handmade thing other than your own creations?

My friend Anna painted a Luchador and his lady for me. It’s great.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I’m pretty happy with how most everything is right now. Hopefully I’ll have the house figured out. It should be awesome, I’m thinking it’ll look like a Wes Anderson set by then.

How is your life changed since you started creating?

I’ve always drawn, so it’s hard to say how it’s changed. Being successful selling my artwork has been a tremendously positive experience. Knowing my stuff is hanging in so many homes sometimes overwhelms me.

What piece of advise you have for other people?

Conan said it best, “work hard and be kind.”

04/29/2011