Wild Tiles Mosaics

Artist: Chrissie Mervine
Website: Wild Tile Mosaics (book)
Blog: Chrissie Grace Space

Where are you located?
Just outside of Orlando, in Winter Springs, Florida

What do you create?
I am primarily a mixed-media mosaic artist and author. My work consists of images that I have drawn and then filled in with tile, glass, handmade ceramics, painted images, and grout. I also really enjoy painting, embroidery, quilting, and pottery. This year I’m really trying to incorporate more of my mixed-media paintings into my work. I have so many exciting new ideas!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
In 1999 I started making mosaics and found I was really drawn to the whole process. At the time I started selling them at tiny local craft fairs. I had my first son and graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Art Education. Every year I learned more and more about running my own business. I set different goals for myself every year, knowing that it would take me “awhile” to get where I eventually wanted to be. After teaching art in the public school system for a couple of years and having two more children, I published my first book this October. My husband and I finally decided it was time for me to stay home and dedicate my creative energy to making my business grow.

How do you get the word out about your business?
Most of my commissioned work is by word-of-mouth. I still do the local circuit art shows, and I get a lot of repeat customers who either have started collecting my work or commission pieces to give as gifts. I do get orders through my website. One of my goals this year is to really utilize the internet and learn more about marketing my work. I’m also in the process of redesigning my Etsy shop and I’d really like to sell more of my work that way.



Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Oh, it could go in so many different directions! I tend not to do the 5 year plan, because I don’t like to limit myself. I try to leave myself open to a lot of different opportunities. I do want to publish another book, and become an illustrator for children’s books. That is a huge dream of mine. I’ve toyed with the idea of opening up a store-front...gallery/mosaic supplies. I would also really like to have my work commercially printed as greeting cards and other retail products. I would also like to say that in 5 years (or less!) my business would be able to sustain us financially so that my husband could become the stay-at-home parent for awhile.

What has been most important lesson you've learned about owning a business?
Don’t ever give up! If I had a penny for every person who ever told me that a mosaic business would not be successful, I would be a millionaire. Follow your passion. Follow your dreams. Follow your instinct. What I’ve really learned is that to be a successful artist in this world you have to be willing to know your customers and clientele. When I first started doing art shows, I would hide in the corner and read a book. I’ve learned that my customers want to know me, they want to talk and ask questions and make comments. Don’t ever let fear stand in your way of doing what you love.

Where do you get inspiration for your projects?
Everywhere! I love color, I love boldness, I love whimsy. My children are always inspiring me with their innocent humor and love of fun. I am greatly inspired by nature. I am a beach bunny at heart, and we spend a lot of time at the beach. I get a lot of inspiration through reading other blogs, looking at flickr accounts, and reading. A lot of my work is inspired by own journal entries and affirmations. I also really enjoy thrifting and finding vintage pieces to incorporate into my work. Sometimes a single vintage cup or plate will inspire a whole mosaic. I want my artwork to make people smile.



Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
As a mosaic artist, I could not live without Weldbond. It is the best, and only, glue that I use. It is non-toxic and works great. My kiln is my other favorite tool. I bought it for $50 ( I am not kidding!) at a garage sale and I fire custom pieces to put in almost all of my mosaics.

What keeps you motivated?
I never need motivation to create. Sometimes I get a little discouraged when I don’t feel like I’m selling as much as I should. I think that is hard for every artist, I love what I do and I want the monetary value too much sometimes. But that feeling never stays with me for long. If I never made another penny doing what I love I would still create on a daily basis. It’s a part of who I am.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Do your research and utilize technology. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to sell through the internet. Also, be yourself and let your work show that.



Can you recommend a good book or great music?
I love all types of music, but I like a good mix on my ipod while I’m working. My favorites right now are Damien Rice, Rose, Ani Difranco, the Indigo Girls, Jack Johnson, and Gwen Stefani.

Who is your favorite indie designer/artist?
This Christmas I started collecting prints from Emily at Black Apple. I have hung them in my daughter’s room and I could go crazy buying her stuff. I’ve limited myself to only buying one every other month. I also really admire mosaic artist Laurel True. Her work is really beautiful and very versatile. I really respect the way she runs her business.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
I know it sounds cheesy but the gift of motherhood is priceless and it is my most precious role. My kids teach me so much on a daily basis and I love being a mom.

What’s your definition of a perfect day?
Sleep in a little, go for an effortless run, have a great big yummy breakfast, and work alone in the studio all day on one of my many new ideas. After a few hours of that, spend some quality time outside playing with my kids, and go out to a yummy Thai dinner with just my husband. I think I may be able to pull that off one day!