Apt. 3305

Artist: Lisa Chow
Location: Houston, Texas
Web sites: www.apt3305.com, www.lisachow.etsy.com
Blog: www.apt3305.blogspot.com



What do you create?
Drawings and illustrations. Even though I offer ceramics, glassware, and sculptural pieces; everything I do begins with and encompasses a drawing.

How did you come up with your business name?
When coming up with a business name, I wanted something clever and memorable and unique and....perfect. I tested out a dozen potential names among my friends (many were outright rejected and/or ridiculed) and it soon felt overwhelming. But I took some time to reflect what I wanted my business to mean to me. I wanted a business name that would remind me of this time in my life when I’m young, living in the city, and when possibilities seem endless. So I named it after my current home. I often get asked if Apt. 3305 is really my apartment number...and yes, yes it is.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
I always knew I wanted to open my own business but for the longest time I could not figure out what my business would be. I threw around ideas ranging from accessories boutique to florist to bakery. Selling my own art never occurred to me because I had long had the notion engrained into my head that you cannot making a living from art. But after a bit of pondering, I decided to take the plunge and throw my art out there. I’m not making a living...but I love what I do.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I create what I like. I happen to like big cities, rich desserts, furry animals, and fairy tales. Plus, I have a very active imagination.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
It’s a tie. My eraser because it erases my mistakes. My pen because it forces me to make my mistakes work.



You work in different mediums: Which one is your favorite or the one you couldn’t live without?
I have to draw. I could not live without a pad of bristol paper, art pens, and one good 2B pencil.

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
I would love to write and illustrate a series of children’s books. I am really excited about a series of illustrations I'm currently working on.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
From my own experience: If you bounce an idea off someone and they think you are utterly cracked out of your mind...that’s when you know you’re onto something.



What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I don’t have any formal art training or education. Everything I do is self-taught through research, trial and error, and studying others. I might not always use proper techniques or correct methods but I do what I do and hope for the best.

What have you learned about yourself through your work?
I always knew I had an active imagination but sometimes even I surprise myself.



If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
There are so many things I’d love to learn: cake decorating, sewing, knitting, floral arranging, metalsmithing...the list goes on. But I would most love to learn to sew. It's just practical.

What’s your definition of a perfect day?
Shopping and eating in NYC or Barcelona.