Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? It's a difficult question to answer when perusing the pocket mirrors of Madison Craft. Each mirror is unique with bright, graphic images to make even the reapplication of lipstick a fun endeavor. Each one makes me smile, making me want not just one, but several.
Shop owner Vickie Anderson uses playful graphic images in each of her pieces, at Madison Craft with her pocket mirrors and art prints, and at Madison Craft Studio with her art pendants. Anderson has an eye for simplicity, making each image strong and lively. This is a striking combination that will have you collecting Madison Craft products in multiples of two or three, for the ability to choose only one is just too difficult.
Anderson answered a few questions over email about her work and art.
The Daily Page: How do you motivate your creativity? (e.g. do you listen to music while you create and if so what?)
I am most motivated to be creative at night when the house is quite and my mind is able to wander without interruption.
Describe your workspace. Are you at the kitchen table or in a dedicated work area?
My studio is a dormer room with fun nooks and angles, orange accent walls, curtains made of bright fabrics and family art on the walls. My daughter and I make collage wall plaques out of my not-quite-perfect pendants, which adds to the brightness and whimsy of the room. Not only is the room a space for me to create and run my business, it has also become an ever-changing personal art gallery.
What is your favorite piece and why?
I designed my Modern Birdhouse image while thinking of my 4 year old daughter. She had recently picked out a birdhouse to hang in our yard and more than anything she wanted a bird to make it their home. I think she was expecting a bird to fly right in as soon as it was available and she became a bit frustrated when it was not immediately occupied. It was one of those silly little situations that stuck in my head and felt it deserved a visual interpretation.
What advice do you have for people interested in starting an online store? How do you make the separation between your store and your day job/personal life?
For me, starting an online store has been very time-consuming but very rewarding. I believe that providing outstanding customer service is extremely important. I feel researching where to sell and where to advertise is also critical in the success of an online store. Most of all you need to love what you do.
Separation between my store and personal life can be difficult. I work outside of the home two days a week and am at home with my daughter the other days. I try to keep out of my studio during my stay at home mom days but sometimes it just calls my name and I can't resist. I plan to set up an area in my studio for my daughter so we can be creative together. I spend a lot of time in my studio at night when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet.
What is your favorite local shop in Madison?
The Soap Opera and Stitchers Crossing.
Etsy is an online marketplace whose mission is to "reconnect makers with buyers." These explorations will connect you with the makers in your neighborhood.
