Featured Artisan: Platinumdesigns
by Nancy
Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.
Wow a little about myself, where do I start. I have always loved being creative;p growing up I have always cooked, and baked. I started sewing at a very young age, and did all kinds of crafts with my mother, as she taught me. In school I thrived in creative writing, and always loved doing things like cards, invitations and items like that so as an adult I have always worked with my friends and family being the “go-to” person for their events and I had so much fun doing these things, I did my own wedding invitations, my sister’s wedding invitations, her sister in-laws wedding invitations, it was at this point that other family started telling me I should charge for this, and branch out, start making money doing what I love, being creative.
If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
My love of Jesus Christ, I am a Christian and try to live my life in a way that His love shines through every decision I make
Custom Photo Birth Announcment- Ultrasound, or regular picture
What role does your family play in your art?
They are very important to me, as there have been many times when they have helped me with a project, helping me assemble invitations, glue layers together, attach ribbons, or crystals aand more. There has even been times where they have given me some great ideas for new designs while we have just been talking, it is always fun when that happens.
Where do you live and what is it like?
Portland, Oregon with my husband, Oregon is beautiful, and Portland is really the best, we are right in the middle between the mountains and the ocean, 11/2hours either way- East or West and you are at one or the other. Go North 10 minutes across the river and we are in Washington state, go south 8 hours and we are in California 
It is green, beautiful trees, lots of flowers and trees it does rain alot but that is what makes it so beautiful.
Where did you learn your medium?
I am self – taught for the most part
What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?
I would like to make sales, I would like for it to be as successful as my etsy shop, I know that can take time, I have been open here about 6 months possibly longer, and have had 1 sale, not sure what to do to encourage sales.
Custom metallic Pocketfold Wedding Invitations with AB crystals
How did you come to selling online?
How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?
I was told about Art Fire so I had to check it out, and it seems like it might be a good fit as well.
What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Have Patience, it doesn’t happen overnight. Also follow your gut. Unfortunately there are scammers out there and if it seems like to good a deal, or like they are offering stuff no one else would, follow your instincts. Better to politely question a legitimate sale than to be sucked into a bogus one and lose not only money, but your work.
Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
I think it takes us back to a time where people had pride in their workmanship. It brings us back to buying US made, which I think is very important as well. Selling handmade items also allows us to really control what goes into the item, and it can really be personalized to the buyers’ wishes. Also, doing handmade we are more likely to recycle and reuse items, which is an amazing way to benefit society.
