Surgarloop

Artist: Bernadette Sipkes
Etsy: Sugarloop
Blog: Sugarloop

Where are you located?
I live and work in a very old cottage in Auckland, New Zealand.

What do you create?
Limited edition Gocco (serigraph) art prints.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
Although I've been printing with the Gocco since 2005, it wasn't until the beginning of this year that I decided to sell my prints on Etsy. I've always wanted to offer art prints that were in limited edition yet affordable. I collect such prints myself and seeing an artist's handwriting really does make any piece of art, extra special.

How did you come up with your business name?
I came up with Sugarloop back in the days when I was freelancing as an illustrator for women's magazines. In an industry that was saturated and competitive, it was crucial to have a business name that was fun, quirky and memorable!



Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
My fascination with organic shapes and naturally occurring patterns is evident in the subjects and themes of my work. I am fortunate enough to live in a country whose major selling point is its nature so I'm constantly surrounded by amazing flora and fauna. I also find inspiration in many aspects of the mid-century era such as the wallpaper & textile prints; furniture design; poster graphics; children's books and even kitchenware.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
The pigment ink pen liner is my tool of choice. It feels like a natural extension of my hand once I start drawing with it. I also like its permanence - it forces you to commit (since I am the most
indecisive person at the best of times!)



What is your favorite part of your creative process?
The inspiration. I have amassed quite a collection of design books, interior magazines and daily blog reads. I think it's really important to take a step back and see the periphery - specially if
you are working on your own.

What keeps you motivated?
The encouraging emails and positive comments from the new owners of my prints. It is so invigorating when people email to say that my work makes them happy. It truly is a constant and comforting reminder of why I am in this business in the first place.



How do you get the word out about your work?
I rely primarily on my blog to update people about new prints. I also post them up on several relevant Flickr groups to spread the word even further. Both channels eventually lead back to Etsy which, in itself, is a ready-made audience.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I would like to offer archival quality giclee prints in larger formats since at the moment I am limited to Gocco's postcard size. Trying to source the best equipment and paper is an art in itself with the variety of choices available out there.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
From experience I would say that having a blog is invaluable. I mainly sell online so it adds that important human and personal dimension to my work. Unlike mailing lists or standalone portfolio websites, blogs foster a sense of community and allow you to regularly interact with a like-minded audience. It is definitely the most enjoyable way to raise your visibility!

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I actually found this question quite difficult to answer because at the end of the day, I want people to gain their own perspective about my work. All I can say is that, I enjoy creating these Gocco prints and hopefully the end results reflect and impart the same feeling.



Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Amy Ruppel, Matte Stephens, Jennifer Causey

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren’t an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
Textile and homeware print design - in a heartbeat!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Spending the day in bed listening to the rain hit the tin roof while I read, craft, draw and drink many cups of hot tea. In reality, I have a five month old daughter to take care of so days like that are indeed a luxury.


Thank you Bernadette!