12fifteen

Artist: Johanna Anderes
Web site: I have two because I want to keep my paper goods (12fifteen.etsy.com) separate from my home goods (12gypsies.etsy.com)
Location: Stamford, Connecticut

What do you create?
Paper goods and screenprinted home goods (at the moment placemats and kitchen towels)

How did you come up with your company name?
Everybody is expecting something v e r y exciting and interesting here (like, 'it's the time of day when I get my best ideas) but it is my son's birthday (which really is only exciting to me ;)



When and why did you decide to start your business?
As long as I can remember I was fascinated with design and paper goods. When my son is born it was harder to take on corporate graphic design jobs and I started doing wedding invitations, birth announcements etc. Then I discovered etsy the beginning of this year and voila, here I am.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Sunday brunch in New York, traveling, watching people on the train, kids books, fabric stores, Anthropology.



Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
A good old pen and my Gocco.

Your work with different mediums. Which do you prefer?
Right now fabric but probably because it's still a new medium for me and I don't get to do it that much.

What keeps you motivated?
Getting wonderful feedback from my buyers and realizing that I am lucky and able to do what I love doing for a living.



How do you get the word out about your work?
Etsy has been a wonderful marketing tool for me. Other than that I advertise on some indie sites, have a few upcoming craft shows. Previous buyers have also done a fabulous job at promoting me (thank you everybody!)

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
To expand both lines and to get thru the holiday season without attacking anybody.



What advise would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Get ready to work hard and learn to enjoy Ramen noodles ;)

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
Each piece I design undergoes extreme criticism (by moi) before it ever sees the light and is offered for sale...I have hundreds of rejects in my drawers.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
There are so many but just to name a few:
Krista from paperedtogether, Heather from skinnylaminx, Sam from homegrownskinny. And many, many more. I wish I could list them all but guess I should start my blog in order to do that.



What city, that you've never been to, would you like to visit?
Copenhagen

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Lazy Sunday afternoons with family and friends.



Thank you Johanna!