
Hello friends! it makes me so happy to have creative and talented guests participating in the blog such as Alejandra, the person behind Reigrüche Studio. She is a Fine Artist, Metalsmith, Designer, cat lover, and a proud owner of a garden snail named Jolene (awesome!)

Please, tell us the story behind Reigrüche Studio. How did all start. I studied studio art and metalsmithing in college-- I was always painting portraits and making jewelry for family and friends as gifts. I decided to start my own business when family members, friends, and strangers insisted that I sell my work (and too many people were asking for business cards I didn't have). A few years after receiving my BFA in Painting, I continued my graduate studies as an art educator while managing my growing business... until life decided that this is what I was meant to do full time.
What is the meaning of Reigrüche? It's a combination of three family names and how I sign all of my artwork-- just a little tribute to the different cultures/countries that make up my family.

What inspires you to create your pieces? Everywhere! From observing the women in my family, friends, fellow artists, books, to the internet-- I'm constantly fascinated by colors, patterns, notebook sketches, food, cultures, photographs, history, and everyday objects… the world, past and present, is a never-ending source of inspiration. Ideas beget ideas.

What is your favorite part of being an indie studio artist? I love knowing that incredible things are possible if you work hard and dream big—do not let fear and doubt prevent you from being anything short of awesome. Creating things that bring joy to others is my favorite part because it's not only about the physical item you create, but the intangible meaning it imparts.
What is your less favorite part of being an indie studio artist? Being an introvert-- although I am confident and assertive as a professional, I wish I was the best marketing/advertising person alive. Fortunately, our handmade/indie biz/blogging community is a wonderful place for one to strengthen these skills!
How is a typical day in your life as an artist? I don't get up terribly early (unless I have somewhere to go) because as a nocturnal/non-morning person, I prefer to work on pieces without distractions into the wee hours of the morning. I love to check all my e-mails, social networking sites, and blogs first as I go about my daily morning routine. My afternoons are typically spent doing any combination of the following: packaging and shipping orders, working on the production of pieces, working on custom orders, preparing inventory for upcoming shows, photographing, editing, listing, blogging, designing, answering e-mails, painting commissioned paintings, restocking supplies, reorganizing, sketching, brainstorming, research, marketing/advertising... Add to this household chores, attending to family, pets, spending time with friends, relatives, exercise-- one can easily become a workaholic but it's very important to always try to achieve a healthy balance in your life as best you can. I can honestly say I am never bored.
How do you promote your work in such a competitive field? I am constantly reminding myself that it is my job to be the best 'me' I can be-- only you can be the best 'you' in the world. I remember these words from my painting professor... if you put your energy into developing something that is uniquely yours- whether it's a specific variation or unique take on something classic, or something made entirely by your own hand that is hard or even impossible for anyone else to replicate, you will find that your work will have a better chance of standing out from the crowd. If everyone made the same things, life would be boring! Also, taking the time to take great pictures helps if you are promoting your work online-- even if you don't have a fancy camera, there are many good tutorials out there-- you can do wonders by taking pictures in daylight. Also, adding to this, my advice in the question below :)
What advice do you give to anyone who wants to start its own indie business? Read, read read! Research. Join a local group or organization of like-minded people with common interests and goals-- having a strong support system is incredibly beneficial. Etsy is also a wonderful place to start selling and connecting with a diverse community of experienced entrepreneurs and creative newbies alike. Participate in forums, join street teams, sign up for craft fairs, hows. Ask questions (no one was born knowing it all). Take an online course or two. The important part is taking that first step forward-- the first of many persistent baby steps. Be yourself-- discover and continue to develop your own unique style... even if your are not sure what that is yet, everyone has something special to share with the world. Strive for excellent customer service and communication skills. Follow your gut, learn from mistakes, and never ever give up!
Personal easy-fun questions:
-Color: Blue-green.
-Artist: John Singer Sargent, Riusuke Fukahori, Frida Kahlo, Shahzia Sikander, just to name a few...
-Musician: George Abdo and His Flames of Araby Orchestra.
-Song: Pies Descalzos (Suenos Blancos) by Shakira.
-Day of the week: Tuesday.
-Season: Autumn/Winter.
-Food: Indian, Asian, South American.
Thank you so much Alejandra, I learned a lot from you after reading this interview, it's so good to have you here at the blog and you are so welcome to participate at anytime. I wish you the best of luck in your studio, business and life.