Fellow Independent Artist Theresa from Studio 618

I wanted to introduce you to my online friend Theresa. We have started to get to know each other over the past few months, since we are both members of the Esmarts Etsy online team. We share ideas, experiences and encouragement as we journey through the new experience of online sales and the challenges that independent artists face. I can tell in the short time that we have been corresponding within our group, that she is passionate and committed to her craft. I found it interesting to learn more about her background because it is so neat to me what brings each of us to the point we are now at in life.

For over 20 years, Theresa has been working as an architect. Her projects range from small residential remodeling to multi-million dollar corporate headquarters and public institutions. After years of being on the more technical side of architecture, watching her designs being built by the construction trades, she longed to use her own hands to create. For her, this gratification now comes in the form of jewelry-making. Now she has the best of both worlds, from macro to micro scales, offering design and technical challenges that keep her up at night.

She joined the Etsy artisan community in mid 2008, and it opened a whole new experience for her. The benefits of buying from independent handmade artists are tremendous. Since marketing is not my strength, I joined one of the Etsy teams - Etsy Social Marketing Arts Guild. The goal of this team is “further understanding and applying eCommerce advertising and promotion techniques.” Their members consist of artisans across the globe, working with all art medium.

Her jewelry is available through the team shop (http://esmarts.etsy.com/), at local art shows and through her online store (http://studio618.etsy.com/) under the name Studio 618. Her blog (http://studio618.blogspot.com/) reflects her creations, her various interests, issues important to her, and much more. So stop by, say hello, and let her know what you think.