What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
We think what makes Post Studio unique is that we started by designing simply for ourselves, and we live with, and use all of our products first. We design and make everything by hand, and a lot of energy and love go into everything we create. Color and pattern are key elements in our design sensibility - a blend of mid century modern, op-art, and what we have come to call "California Pop". 

What sort of things inspire you and where do you look for inspiration?
We are inspired by travel. We've been lucky enough to go to some great places like Stockholm, Tokyo and Paris, and each place has sparked inspiration in us. We love catching glimpses into how people in different cities live - what sorts of design trends and color palates are unique to each place, and how people create their own living spaces. Travel also reinvigorates us; when we come home we are always ready to get back to work!

What is your creative process like?
Our creative process is very collaborative and we find that the funnest part is playing with the color palette: we try out a few different arrangements, print each out, and hang them in our apartment and live with them for a few days. Once we're happy with the design, we go into production. We do everything ourselves, and together - we sand and prep the wood, mount the prints, and then mix up resin to finish each piece. It's a meticulous process but it's gratifying to see our designs come to fruition from a concept to a completed work of art.

Where can we learn more about you?  
You can follow us on Instagram @Post_Studio for a glimpse into our creative process, what we're working on, and for pics of things that inspire us. You can go to our website - www.postispost.com - to see our products, a list of stockists, and our Press page where you can check out where we've been featured. Of course, you can come to Jackalope Arts and talk to us in person! We'd love to meet you!

SHOP Post Studio at our upcoming Jackalope Art & Craft Fair at Central Park in Pasadena CA on April 25th & 26th from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Fashionista - 2nd place winner in Digital Media Arts in the Ventura County Fairgrounds Professional Arts Division Competition - Juried Art Show 2011. Framed Lustre Print - 18" x 24" Runner up of 4 - 2011 Chicago Fringe Festival Poster Design Contest. Featured in  "Art Takes Times Square" - Coffee Table Book - Premier showcase for international contemporary art

Today we're excited to introduce the designer behind our Jackalope logo, and give you a peek into his style, process, and inspirations.  Meet Jonny Blackburn!  

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

My works are a mixture and marriage of the all the mediums that I love. Blending the traditional technique where I’m mixing my own colors combining airbrushing and paint strokes capturing them digitally. Sometimes I will take a print and put that on canvas and layer it with random brushstrokes then reuse that random style in a digital medium. This makes for some extremely interesting mixtures and compositions. The coolest things come out that even I didn’t expect. My deigns combined photography, custom Photoshop brush design blending and implementing traditional painting, pop-art, mixed media and street art mediums that are transformed to create colorful, wild and vivid collage-style expressions.

Artists/Designers that inspire me: Blek le rat / Miss Van / Kubiki / Kris Kuksi / Jeff Soto / Todd Schorr / Mark Ryden / WOHA Archetects / Mr. Bungle / Tom Waits

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

With my art tending to lend itself to a menagerie of "collage-esque" stylings that can be somewhat abstract, There is a method to my madness that is seemingly my own. One which uses many facets of development to create a final piece such as: the fluids used to mix certain paints and inks (Water from the San fransisco bay/ rain water / glues / beer & liquor to name a few) - I sometimes use these elements into physical paintings alone... or will airbrush/splatter them to photograph them for digital application into my works along with other mixed media stylings. I really don't like to think to much about the process.. thinking is too self-aware.. I like to be somewhere in between the "real self/unconscious" and some formulaic active thought.

Ringmaster

What is the most challenging part about being a mixed media artist?

Other than Open Competitions, I can't say just where challenge has been a huge struggle art-wise. Challenge is what it takes to put a smile on everyday amidst all kinds of adversity. Challenge is life. Challenge should be a normal instinct that pushes you forward to create and be diverse without questioning how "hard" things may be. 

As for competitive entries/ judged galleries.. winning or being noticed is usually what the judges art preferences are in the "mixed Media" category. Most people tend to not fully see or want to read long descriptors in how a piece was made, or the 100's of different elements are created... what medium was used, how it was applied.. and so on. 

Am I commercial artist? What’s mixed media? I really enjoy fitting snugly in this gray area undefined.. or help create a new idea of what "mixed media is... and can be" Some mystery is always notable. 


What do you wish you knew about mixed media before you got started?

Since the name alone.. "Mixed Media' sounds so ambiguous, processing my feelings for the category is like making love with a meat-grinder... or watching a plumber work in a tutu.. i just doesn't work for me. I had hoped if any that I would have known it's much more than a few words. It's more like Heavy Experimental Trans-formative stylized thoughts in some beautifully arranged vision held in time. *Heavy Laughter!

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

Microcosms. Asymmetry. My wife Brianna and my neurotically excitable pooch Darla "Peanut" Blackburn. Things that push the boundaries in what the art world wants to pigeonhole or categorize. Wild and exotic things, Vivid Color & Expression. Music. Laughter. That perfect dusk atmosphere right before the sun will set. The Avant Garde. I enjoy rule-breaking the conventional art barriers. Never compromise yourself.  Find your own path and explore down the rabbit hole.

What do you believe is a key element in creating a good composition?

Color, or lack of thereof.. Nothing specifically has to be form-fitting. Act as if your work can reflect the sound of your synapses firing... as if under some serious miss-fire. Like fusion-Jazz on an acid trip. Sometimes, it's just as good as the sound of silence holding your breath underwater near a waterfall.

When do you feel the most creative?

No distraction, complete isolation, Whiskey and quite possibly listening to Tomahawk's - Anonymous Album "Mescal Rite" "Song of Victory" or "Totem" :)

What is your creative process like?

With some formula at first (Ideas to start a base/form to build off of)... then a decent into abstract madness, followed by bout's of laughter and disbelief. Paint will fly, photos will be taken, but the revolution will not be televised indefinitely.

Medusa - Original 1st Print on Giclee Stretched Canvas / Gallery style / wire-Hung.  2nd Place Winner / Mixed Media - VC Country Fair Professional Arts Dept.

Where can we learn more about you?  

You can find my Visual Art & Portfolio @
jonblackburn.sqsp.com
OR
darklineink.com (Webdesign/UX design)

“My reality needs imagination like a bulb needs a socket. My imagination needs reality like a blind man needs a cane.
”

— Tom Waits

Today's blog is dedicated to introducing and thanking all of the amazing sponsors who have been so supportive of the innagural Jackalope Arts & Craft Fair, our mission, and in helping us connect the community to our event.  

Our sponsors are a diverse group of local and national businesses including both those directly involved in the handmade community and those who aren't but are excited to find ways to connect to it.  So let's take a minute to celebrate the warm support of the handmade community and these Jackalope Sponsors!

YELP! Our first sponsor is one you most likely all know and use!  Yelp is that app or website you use to find just about any kind of local business in just about any neighborhood!  Yelp allows you to talk about and rate your experience with these local businesses and to share that with everyone.  Yelp is connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and people in a unique way and we are thrilled to have them promote and attend the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair.  You can find our Pasadena Fair in the Yelp event listings here: http://www.yelp.com/events/pasadena-jackalope-art-and-craft-fair

Unanimous Craft: "Like Yelp for the crafty community" Unanimous Craft is your one stop shop on finding out where you can sell your handmade goods. It will provide the where and how to go about selling your goods online, through brick and mortar stores, and craft shows! Look for their new and improved website coming next month. For now follow them on Facebook

Speaking of where to sell your handmade goods, the next two sponsors are brick and mortar boutiques in the Los Angeles area who carry unique, trendsetting, handmade goods all the time!  

Los Angeles County Store: We have mentioned the LA County Store before since Owner, MaryAnne LoVerme is one of our jurors!  Los Angeles County Store is the only shop dedicated exclusively to fine goods made in Los Angeles.  From artisanal food to small housewares, apothecary to prints and stationary, it is a thoughtfully curated collection of beautifully crafted wares from across the county.  

Leanna Lin's Wonderland: A playful jewelry studio/shop/art gallery inspired by modern + retro designs, where you can use your imagination to create your own beaded jewelry or shop the amazing work of carefully selected makers.  People of all ages enjoy visiting this little gem in Eagle Rock, especially for the carefully curated art + pop-up events!  Leanna also designs her own jewelry collection which you'll find at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!  

While we are talking local, let's introduce our next sponsor, Christine Haynes!  Also a member of our jury, Christine Haynes is helping to support and promote our Fair and our vendors.  Christine Haynes is a Los Angeles-based sewing author, teacher, and pattern designer with her own line of sewing patterns, Christine Haynes Patterns, which are perfect for the vintage-loving modern seamstress.  

Our next two sponsors are dedicated to making sure their readership knows about the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!  Let's give a shout out to our media sponsors!! Click on the links below to check them each out:
 

LA WEEKLY   

​
NELAart News

Pasadena Charm is also going to help promote our fair! They feature the Creme de la Creme of Pasadena.  Want to experience the best Pasadena has to offer?  Check them out and see what's noteworthy all over Pasadena!

Now let's talk about the sponsors who make sure our printed materials look fabulous for distribution!  

Print Renegades: Responsible for our really rad Jackalope Arts Canvas tote bags, which will be available for sale at the Fair and online, is Print Renegades!  They incite and embolden free thinking by crushing the walls of traditional print shops.  They are environmentally aware and come from the artist background delivering the highest possible quality.  Shop Jackalope for your own canvas tote!

The Printing Train: Our second print sponsor will be creating our flyers, post cards, banners etc.  The Printing Train is a family owned and operated company who loves what they do and takes pride in delivering the highest quality product!  

Wondering how you're gonna get to the Fair?  Take the Metro!  Thanks to this sponsor, you can take the train directly to the park and the first 50 people to present a Metro pass or Metro employee card to our info booth will receive a FREE Jackalope Arts canvas tote!  

Thanks to our next sponsor, The Pasadena Humane Society, you may be taking home a brand new, four legged member of your family!  We will have plenty of great vendors in the Fair selling pet supplies like collars, leashes & even doggy outfits so you can stock up for your new friend!

Last but not least, we love a good celebration and great, locally crafted beer makes for the perfect celebration… sponsoring our accepted vendor mixer is Angel City Brewery!  Located in the Downtown LA Arts District, ACB supports local arts of all kinds.

Have a great idea for a sponsorship or want to be a sponsor yourself? Learn more and fill out our sponsorship form!

We love this To Do List on Etsy by BoyGirlParty! 

Preparation:
Make sure you know your booth number and pertinent load-in instructions.  Arriving on-site with an idea of where and when you need to be somewhere will help your stress levels during the event.

Permits: 
Make sure you're all set to sell with the city and state you're selling in.  

Production: 
We think Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids said it best, "Get your S*** together Carol!" Although your name may not be Carol, we feel this still applies. You want to make sure you have enough inventory ready (more the merrier), signage and business cards, and a sound display (tables, table cloths etc). Your display is your first impression so you want to make it solid.  You can read more tips and ideas on our Looking vs. Buying Blog. 

Promote Promote Promote: 
Just think about it, having 200 people talk about an event is more powerful than just a handful. Follow Jackalope Arts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest that way you can remain in the loop and share any exciting news!

if you have a website where you post upcoming events, make sure to include your next event so your followers can know where to find you.  You can even launch a new product at the fair or offer an exclusive discount to help drum up support!

Payment Methods:
Make sure you get change if you are accepting cash and store it someplace safe. Also look into setting up a credit payment system, Paypal or Square card readers are great. 

Fair Time:
Load up the night before and do a mock set up, that way you can pack smart and get straight to business upon arrival. We will include load in/out information as we get closer, but think about including a rolling cart or dolly to help. Also include scissors, string, pens, tape, anything "random" that may come in handy for display. Its important to remain hydrated so make sure to bring water, and don't skip lunch! You want to remain friendly and approachable so don't let a hungry stomach hold you down.

Christine Haynes: sewing author, teacher, and pattern designer and Owner, Christine Haynes Patterns 

Q. Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:
A. I started making art really young, as I grew up in a small arts community filled with galleries and artists.  It was perfectly normal to pursue the arts as a way of like.  I learned to sew when I was 10 and did loads of other arts activities, like ballet, oil painting, and ceramics as I grew up.  I received a BFA in studio art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus in Film, Video, and New Media.  I made art, sewed my own wardrobe, and worked in arts administration until one day when I participated in the second Renegade Craft Fair.  I sold clothing I made and it was a hit.  From there it all just snowballed- I started writing for magazines, wrote my first book for Random House, started teaching sewing, and then launched my line of sewing patterns.  I'm still writing, teaching, and designing today!

Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?
A. My patterns are inspired by a host of things, but mostly from observing people, films, and vintage materials like yearbooks and sewing patterns.  I want the women who sew my patterns to feel beautiful and unfussy. I prefer a quiet life and never want the need to be clothed to be a burden; rather it should be a joy. 

Q. How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
A. I got here after years and years of stubborn hard work!  There is no way to work for yourself with our working really hard at it.

Q. Tell us about a few favorites of your: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?
A. Since I almost always teach on Saturdays, my weekends are usually Sunday and Monday.  A favorite Sunday activity is the simple pleasure of having a long leisurely breakfast and reading the Sunday papers with my boyfriend.  A favorite food is hummus!  It's a weakness for sure.  My favorite "colors" are green and blue, but my real favorite is gray, if that can be considered a color.  And my favorite animals are my kitties, Sally and Pinta.

Q. What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A. I love it when my students come into class- innocently learning to sew so they can make clothes for their kids or something for their home- then slowly become aware of what a revolutionary act this truly is.  They don't come to class with the intention of rethinking how things are made and how they consume mass-produced products, but most eventually start to think about the cost of materials and labor really quickly into learning things for themselves.  It's empowering in a way that they didn't expect, and to witness that transformation is incredible.

Q. What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?
A. Honesty.  The work must read true and like it's coming from their own voice. 

Q. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?
A. I'm excited to seeing all the work come in and then to see the finished show!

Q. Where can we find our more about you?
A. My website is simply my name, www.ChrstineHaynes.com, and you can find me on all those social media outlets that you know and love:

Instagram - @christinehaynes
Twitter - @christinehaynes
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/christinehaynesstudio 
Blog - http://www.christinehaynes.blogspot.com
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/christinehaynes/
Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/venicegirl/

Learn about all of the Pasadena, Jackalope jurors here!

Brent Turner: The Campbells PR / Beer and Tall Buildings
 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 
A: I remember the moment distinctly: I had just returned home from a month-long tour with my band. I quit my day job at a PR agency to head out on the road and now here I was, back home, scared shitless about bills, staring blankly at my computer. PR was the only profession I really new. So I decided to open my own consultancy and promised myself I'd only work on things I loved. These things were (and still are) art, design and architecture.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
A: That's easy. Wilderness, dense cities and beer. British ESBs (and their California pale ale analogues) to be exact.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A: I love the intentionality of the handmade movement. Time in quiet contemplation almost always leads to brilliant ideas. And I think the protracted handmade process facilitates that type of introspection. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 
A: I look for 3 things in any creative work: concept, craft and heart. First, is there an original idea or an original progression of an existing idea? Second, has the artist developed his or her craft to the point that it induces a sense of wonder or respect for the work in front of you? Third, does the work speak to some level of universal truth? This is the heart of a work. It should be self-aware but not self-conscious. It will certainly be flawed too, but somehow perfect in that state of imperfection. Everyone has heart. But putting our hearts into our work is the hardest thing to do.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  
A: I'm looking forward to that rush of seeing new work. I liken it to watching the Lakers (well, the Lakers of old) in the playoffs. With every shot, there's a rush of the unexpected. Not every shot goes in the basket, but you're always hoping. I feel that way about art and artists too. Not every work is a slam dunk…yet. But you always see the seedling of something greater to come. That's really exciting to me.

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
A: My career has shifted into copywriting now, which means my craft is writing propaganda for organizations and individuals. And I'm resuscitating a podcast I started years ago with Coagula Art Journal called Beer & Tall Buildings. It's loosely described as "drinks and conversation with thinkers and creators." Now that I've admitted I'm bringing it back publicly, I can't back out now. So check it out (and links to recent copywriting work) at www.BeerandTallBuildings.com.

Overhead image of the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair

MaryAnne LoVerme : Owner, Los Angeles County Store

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:
A. I moved to LA from Brooklyn in 2013 to open Los Angeles County Store. I was inspired by the makers I met in NYC while hawking my baubles under the Wabisabi Brooklyn brand. 

Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?
A. I continue to be inspired by the creativity, hard work, and determination of the local artists and artisans whose work I represent in the shop.

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
A. I performed a magic trick: I turned my Brooklyn house into a Los Angeles Shop. Also, equal parts hustle, chutzpah, and the encouragement and support of others.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
Weekend activity:  Napping. Food:  Bread. Color:  Periwinkle. Animal:  French Bulldog puppies make any day better. But any dog or kitty pretty much. 

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A. It restores my faith in humanity and connects me to some of the best people I’ve ever met.

Q: What is most important feature in an artist’s application for you?A. Nothing matters more than the work itself. Is it original? Is it well-made? Do I want it or know someone who wants it?

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?
A. Seeing all the amazing stuff people make! 

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
L.A. County Store on Instagram!
http://instagram.com/lacountystore/

Check out all of our Pasadena jurors here!

It is becoming increasingly frequent for art fairs to be juried. Especially with the handmade community on an uprise and more and more artisans and DIY enthusiasts entering into the fair realm. With Jackalope, we believe in our Jury to help guarantee a high quality shopping experience. 

What does it mean to be Juried?

Jackalope has a selection committee review each and every application. The appointed Jury will be seeking artisans who display a high skill set in their respective fields to help keep the content of the fair vibrant and interesting for attendees. Our Jackalope Jury is comprised of local community leaders and not just the fair organizers.  This makes it important to thoroughly fill out your application and include the best possible product and display photos.  Your application is your first and only impression on the Jury, unless they have seen your work in person. 

What exactly does the Jackalope Jury look for in applicants?

The Jury will be using three key factors in reviewing each application.

1. Quality and Aesthetic:
Jurors look at the quality and appearance of the work presented. This is where having good product photography comes into play.  Did you select your BEST work to include with your application? Did you show enough variety?

2. Uniqueness and Originality:
Is the work presented innovative and original? What sets you apart from the rest? Your artist statement can also help relay why you do what you do. Do not be afraid to really sell yourself!

Make sure to detail your handmade process.  Giving our jurors a view into your process can make the difference between them selecting you or a similar artisan in your place.

3. Branding and Sellability:
How well is the work represented? Do you have a logo or innovative packaging?

If you have done a fair before, make sure to include booth images or possibly do a mock setup.

Make sure your website and social media are up to date, as that is also a good example of how you represent your work.  

It is always important to put your best foot forward and we hope this inside scoop helps shed some light on the Jury process!

Submit your best application!
For additional tips on submitting the best application to Jackalope, see our APPLICATIONS blog!

Meet our Jurors:

Pasadena Jurors

Denver Jurors

 

We've seen MANY, MANY talented artisans of all types since applications opened in October for our Spring Pasadena Fair, and we can't wait to narrow it down to the very best to join the Jackalope community.  

For those of you who've already applied --- February 15th is the date applications are sent off to our jury!  

We'll be making official selection notifications by March 1st, so keep a lookout for our email notifications!

Meet our jurors:

MaryAnne LoVerme

MaryAnne is the owner of the Los Angeles County Store in Silverlake, the only shop dedicated exclusively to fine goods made in Los Angeles.  From artisanal food, to small housewares, apothecary to prints & stationary, it's a thoughtfully curated collection of crafted wares. 

A view from outside MaryAnne's LA County Store

Brent Turner

Brent is an art-enthusiast, with a PR, marketing, and copywriting background.  Brent operates the Campbells PR, with clients all over the arts realm: from Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, to several local galleries in and around Los Angeles.

A shot from above the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair in February 2012

Christine Haynes

Christine is a Los Angeles-based sewing author, teacher, and pattern designer with her own line of sewing patterns, which are perfect for the vintage loving modern seamstress.  Find our more about Christine, here: www.christinehaynes.com

She has written four books: How to Speak Fluent Sewing, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers, The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction, and Chic & Simple Sewing.  She has also contributed to other books.  

Crafting a vision statement is great way to kick off the new year for your handmade business. 

A vision statement is a photograph in words of your company's future, it provides the inspiration for both your daily operations and your strategic decisions.

The first step in creating this is to examine your mission statement which answers "Why do we exist?" Then for the vision statement, expand on that base and answer the question "What will we have accomplished in the future; what will we be recognized for?"

Dare to dream when writing this statement!  It should be one sentence that inspires and that you can commit to.  Once you've crafted the perfect vision statement, share it with your partners, your customers, your community and keep it alive!

We hope you will join Jackalope Arts as we embark on our vision to...

Support local artisans who devote their lives to their creations and to bring a community together to celebrate local artistry and promote high quality, handmade creations of all kinds in our weekend events!