Laurel Stalla Design

Designer & Graphic Artist gone rogue.

[laurelstalla]

Laser Etching and Engraving

My new area of expertise. Laser Etching and Engraving.  Focusing on Yeti cups, wine glasses, beer mugs and beer pint glasses with engraving.   You may order online and shop locally in Austin, Texas with free pick up or delivery in the Austin / Round Rock area.   Contact http://laurelstalladesign.com/contact  

[laurelstalla]

Social Links

To better focus my social media I will be posting less on tumblr Please follow me on:

facebook   www.facebook.com/LaurelStallaDesign Instagram   www.instagram.com/laurelstalladesign Twitter       www.twitter.com/LaurelSDesign and of course you can contact me  www.laurelstalladesign.com and Shop like crazy www.etsy.com/shop/LaurelStallaDesign

[laurelstalla]

**SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT**

 I will be away from my studio from Thursday October 15th through Monday October 19th, 2015. I will answer email, messages and phone calls during this time. Any orders received during this time will be shipped out Tuesday October 20th.

Custom orders will be discussed and I can start the design process seeing I will have my computer with me while I am out of town. Please feel free to ask any questions. Thanks, Laurel

[laurelstalla]

I use to think doing outdoor art shows would be easy.

I have always been a graphic artist but mainly worked for corporate businesses.  I didn’t mind working for the ‘man’ as long as I was able to create something even if that something was a sterile looking web banner.  I was usually so burnt out from staring at a computer all day to make art when I was at home

When I would go to an art market or an outdoor handmade artisan show I would think what an awesome, fun life these artists lead. How cool would it be to make art all day long, throw it in your car, travel and set up a tent on a beach?  These people got to hang with their dog and make lots of money. How fun and carefree their lives must be.  

So now I am someone who sits in a tent selling my artistic wares.

It can be fun and very rewarding especially when someone finds something that you made awesome enough to make that purchase.  But the reality is that it is not always easy and as carefree as it may look.   Here’s how prepping and attending a typical show generally goes for me.  We will skip over the amount of work, supplies and time that go into the art itself and get to the show.   I have thought about a show ever since I paid my admission fee.  Yes, an admission fee, the one you more than likely will not be refunded if Mother Nature decides to rain or blow us away.  If the weather is too hot or too cold we are still going to set up.  The customers may not show but we will be there.

The day before a show I usually make last minute decisions on what type of items I will take to sell.  I will need to pack or repack my containers depending upon what I think the typical customer will be at that particular show.  It is always a guessing game.    

I drive a small 4 door sedan.  It is a puzzle to fit everything in that car.  One of my doors is off the hinge a bit from trying to slam it shut with too much stuff crammed in that little car.  Hint: remember that your door has a protruding arm rest that will take up a precious 4 inches of valuable car real estate.   After being bit  by mosquitoes, pouring sweat and cussing a lot I have managed to pack my car.

Usually on a Saturday morning I have to wake up early depending upon how far of a drive away and what time the show starts.  I try and remember my last minute items like cold water, cell phone, money to make change and warm caffeine in a cup.  If I have time I’ll grab a breakfast taco or make a quick stop at Trader Joe’s.  I always think I will get something to eat during a show but when it comes down to it I don’t want to eat messy, heavy food while I’m working.  

Hopefully upon arrival I will be able to back my car right up to my designated spot.  Unloading my tent and weights sucks the most.  I see other people carrying their tents in a bag with one hand.  Mine weighs one million pounds.  I don’t even try and stuff it in its carrying case anymore. I have to use all my strength to maneuver it out of the trunk of my car. It catches on the anything it can grab onto making me cuss again first thing in the morning.  

We have to have 30 pound weights on each leg of our tent.  I have homemade weights. They are made with cement poured into PVC pipes with hooks embedded. The ends are wrapped with duct tape. Every time I drop them (which is every time) it turns the solid cement into gravel. The tape is always torn and the gravel/sand leaks all over the floor of my car.  

After unloading and before setting up we must go park our cars. These shows are often in urban areas so parking is always a challenge. Finding a free spot that is more than 2 hours or permit only takes a while and is sometimes a long walk back.  

While setting up I meet my neighbors for the day and generally some of my artisy fartsy friends.  I’m always envious of the people who set up really fast.

If electricity is available I like to get plugged in and turn on my little fan or heater to make setting up a little more comfortable.  If there isn’t electricity I know I’m not going to do much live tweeting or instagram because my phone doesn’t hold a charge very long.  I may need to use my phone to make a credit charge at the end of the day so my power needs to be rationed.  We are generally allotted an hour for setting up.  I tend to take an hour to get my displays up but still unpacking boxes and arranging items for a good 2 hours.   Now we wait.  We wait for customers.  I play the number game.  Out of the amount of people coming to the event  some will come into your little pop up shop and check out your art.  Out of those people some will actually be interested in what you have to sell. The people who are seriously interested and want to buy want to find the perfect size, color, or price range.  I do get a few custom orders when people see the possibilities of what I can create for them.  My laser cut business cards are my biggest seller because they are free.  

You want to sell your art but not be an annoying used car sales person.  I’m not a sales person by any means. I’m a fairly social person but when it comes to selling myself or my art I am uncomfortable. I have been told it is better to simply inform people about the process, the materials, and my inspiration.  When someone buys something without all that sales pressure I feel like my artwork spoke for itself.

When the day is over it is time to pack up. Packing up is more difficult than setting up. Everyone is ready to get home have a glass of wine and collapse from a hard day’s work.

Before heading home the artists tend to ask each other about the success of the day.  If the day was slow I may be happy just to have made back my booth fee.  I sadly remember I could make more money working a 9-5 job. When I have a good sales day it feels awesome!  To think something I designed is going to be enjoyed by someone else.  Something I created will hang in someone’s living room for all their friends and family to see.  

So, is it easy..No.  Is it all worth it…Yes!

[laurelstalla]

Back by popular demand: Boho Lotus Flower Drink Coasters Deep Purple and Black Wooden Coasters.

[laurelstalla]

Etsy Shop Announcement

*********SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT******   I will be away from my studio from Thursday September 24th through Monday September 28th, 2015.  I will answer email, messages and phone calls during this time.  Any orders received during this time will be shipped out Tuesday September 23rd.  

Custom orders will be discussed and I can start the design process seeing I will have my computer with me while I am out of town.  Please feel free to ask any questions.   Thanks, Laurel https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LaurelStallaDesign

[laurelstalla]

I'm happy one of my favorite piece of artwork went to a good home today.

[laurelstalla]

Hey #ut #longhorn #tailgaters the east #austin #handmade #arts market is at chicon and manor road. Come join our #party for a while (at East Austin Handmade Arts Market)

[laurelstalla]

A trip to the art supply store #artsupplies #artist (at Jerry's Artarama (Austin))

[laurelstalla]

Making more business cards. These are cut one at a time #lasercut #businesscards

[laurelstalla]

Dogs are my Favorite People laser cut out Wooden Words Custom Wall hanging Quote Art

[laurelstalla]

#photobomb Inkie decided she didn't want this #lasercut #art to be photographed. #cutecat #art

[laurelstalla]

Huge laser cut shirt sale $10 off each shirt!! # #sale #shoplocalaustin #soco #austin #art #fashion #southcongress (at The Lot on Gibson)

[laurelstalla]

Live Events this week

9/10/15 Thurs night I will be at Art Roar at the Bungalow on Rainey Street  9/12/15 Sat day I will be at Gibson Street Art Market on South Congress SoCo

[laurelstalla]

Time to #dream - newest custom lasercut wall hanging. #purple #sparkles #art

[laurelstalla]

Braving the

[laurelstalla]

Set up at East Austin Handmade Arts Market. #axtartisans #austinart #free (at East Austin Handmade Arts Market)