Hand in Hand 16x20 Photograph

Name: Tandie
Shop Name: NestaHome
Blog/Website: www.NestaHome.com 
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

A little bit about Tandie:
I studied Sociology and Film Studies in college and somehow wound up in the field of Architecture for over 10 years. From there I journeyed into different areas of design such as Interior and Graphic Design and now my Etsy shop is my fulltime business. I love the idea of being an entrepreneur and facing the challenges of running your own business as well keeping my ideas and creations fresh.

What do you sell that would appeal to the guys?
My work tends to be urban and architecturally themed. I think that I see the world in a darker, structural way that tends to appeal more to guys. This is especially true in my photographs.

Where do you sell your stuff?
Currently I only sell my work on Etsy. 

110 to Jerome - 5x7 Fine Art Photograph

How long have you been in business?
I have been selling my work on Etsy since December 2007.

How did you get started?
Actually, the local economy made work hard to come by. The housing slump forced many people in the design profession to seek work elsewhere. At first I started to sell my work to supplement my income. Now I get to do it full time.

How do you get the word out about your shop?
I started a blog, website, and Flickr account and actively participate on Etsy. The internet is such a huge resource for promotion and most of the time it requires putting forth effort rather than finances to get your name out.

What’s your creative process?
First I figure out what sort of supplies or materials I would like to use. Being on a tight budget has forced me to be more creative with my supplies. Finding salvaged building materials like plywood or rusted metal gives me a free and creative way to start a project. The texture and form of the materials often helps to get me started.

Urban Color no.2 - 8 x 10 Fine Art Photograph

What do you want people to know about your work?
Most of my original pieces are done on salvaged materials mixed with magazine clippings and acrylic paint.

Anything else you’d like us to know?
More than 50% of my sales are from men… I didn’t expect this at first and now I am making more and more pieces geared towards dudes. I am also a HUGE sports fan! I have a huge stock of sports shots I have yet to list in my shop.

*See NestaHome and many other talented artists this Saturday in Southern California:
http://www.tallmouse.com/handmadebrigade/