Sometimes we find an Etsy artist whose work and passion make us smile. This week we found Kristen of Havok Designs and knew you would love to hear her advice for other Etsy sellers. Learn why it’s worth the risk to invest in the right equipment and how to get your mindset tuned to that of ‘entrepreneur’.
Would you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?
My college career did not exactly start out smoothly. Initially, I started going to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale straight out of high school to study video production. Half way through, I decided to quit because my heart really wasn’t in it. Soon after, I moved to San Diego, CA, where school wasn’t exactly a priority for me during that time. A few years later, I moved back to South Florida and {for the first time} had the want and desire to go to college for myself. I didn’t know what I wanted to major in at the time, so I started taking my general education classes along with a mix of electives in various fields. A few semesters in, I stumbled upon an Intro to Graphic Design class, enrolled, and really enjoyed learning about design and how to create my own designs. I had found my first major. The college I attended required that I take art classes to attain my Graphic Design degree. I quickly started realizing that I enjoyed my art classes more than my graphic design classes, and, so, my second major was found. So after graduating having studied both graphic design + art it just made sense to start my own business where I can utilize all these skills I had acquired during my years in school. At the same time, my husband was really getting into CNC woodwork, and built his own 4’ x 4’ aluminum machine. We ended up moving to Montana in April 2011 to be surrounded by endless natural beauty and limitless inspiration and it was there that HAVOK DESIGNS was born.
You had the support of your artistic parents throughout the start of your career. Do you think that helped you?
I was very fortunate to have creative and supportive parents growing up, however, they both passed away prior to me starting on this venture. Having both of them be so encouraging of anything art-related, but especially of just anything that I enjoyed doing, anything that made me happy was what gave me the confidence and courage to do all that I have done and what I continue to do. That is one of the things that they used to drill into my head: “Do what makes you happy, and everything else will fall into place.”
What advice would you have for someone wanting to open an Etsy shop right after graduation?
Definitely what I call the two “P’s”: Patience + Photography. Unless you are one of the incredibly lucky few whose Etsy shops take off overnight {and kudos to you if it does} you will need to understand that it takes time, dedication, perseverance, and a huge amount of patience. Photography is extremely important to sell and promote your products and your brand identity. Good photos will sell your products! Besides the laser engraver, my favorite major investment has been the purchase of a new Canon DSLR camera and a light tent. Taking pictures with my new camera and set-up has made a major difference in sales, views, interest, and supporters. Take note of how other experienced Etsy shops shoot their items, but be sure to put your own spin or flavor on yours. Remember, it is YOUR work! Be you and be proud.
You’ve recently added a big tool to your production studio: a laser engraving machine. Were you scared to make such a big investment? And what have you gained by having the tool in your own studio versus a shared community studio?
No, more excited like a kid with a new toy. Having my own laser engraving machine to work on means that I can work on my own designs and orders on my own time. Plus the added aspect of instant gratification is pretty awesome. For example, when I am working on a new design, I can quickly go and do a test cut and see, “Oh, I need to tweak this,” or, “Man that looks stupid,” or, “Hell yeah! I love it!” If I had to work with a machine at a shared studio space, I don’t think I could or would have the same opportunities.
You’ve been so successful since you opened your shop 2 years ago! Did you ever fear failure? And if so, how did you overcome those fears?
Yes, of course I was afraid of failing. At some level, I think that it is natural to feel that way. I accepted it as a possibility, but refused to let it be a certainty. So I just kept marketing, advertising, designing, creating, socializing online with other Etsy sellers, and paid attention to trends, new tricks, and new techniques to learn. I just kept making it happen.
We really hope you enjoyed our interview with Kristen. You can find all of her fun laser-engraved jewelry in her Havok Designs shop.
**Know an artist, entrepreneur, shop owner, or service provider you’d love to get advice from? Share their name with us below!**
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