The Lipstattoo Halloween Giveaway!

The lovely Lipstattoo is holding her 3rd Halloween giveaway!

After her huge popularity with her amazing hand made Human Centipede necklace she is kindly spreading her success with other artists and businesses.
So far over 30 aritst and businesses have donated Halloween themed goodies and prizes to this giveaway!

The list of items, links and pictures will then go live on http://lipstattoo.horror-extreme.com/ at the end of September and a winner will be drawn just before Halloween at random.

Interview - Ghoulish Gary

Dotted With Hearts were lucky enough to get an interview with the very talented graphic designer - Gary Pullin!

Q. Tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I'm a monster-loving graphic designer and illustrator. I'm the art director at Rue Morgue Magazine and I've devoted my life to the genre I love most... horror!


Q. Where in the world are you based?

Toronto, Onterrible Canada.


Q. What made you get into graphic design?

I've always had an interest in art. It was a hobby for many years until I went to art school, then I took a three year graphic design course, graduated and found work in the big city.


Q. Your main focus is horror, has it always been a love of yours?

Very much so! As far back as I can remember.


Q. What have been your favourite pieces to design?

The Pray for the Monster's series was a lot fun to do. It's sort of where I'm at spiritually. Monsters are my religion!


Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

There are lots of artist that inspire me, but Basil Gogos, Charles Burns, Robert Crumb... the list goes on and on. Music is also a big inspiration. If I wasn't doing art, I would probably be doing music in some form or another.


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

Doing what I do now, drawing monsters!





You can find Gary's artwork at the follow sites...

My Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GhoulishGary
My website: http://www.ghoulishgary.com/





Artwork © Gary Pullin. Posted with Permission.

Interview - Lily's Emporium

Interview with Lily of Lily's Emporium!

Q. Tell us a little about you and Lily's Emporium

I myself am Lily, a girl that doesn't take anything seriously! I established Lily's Emporium in January 2010 when I finally plucked up the courage to spread my work across the web. I make anything! Jewellery, hats, cuffs, pillows, paintings, cosplay costumes and accessories... people ask me to make stuff and I try to make it for them!

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I'm based in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. I'm a city girl!

Q. What made you start crafting and making jewellery?

I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. When I was really young I'd rip up my Barbie's old clothes then sew parts together and make them new outfits. I only recently started making jewellery this year, but I've been sewing and knitting since as far back as I can remember. I love it, it's something I can get lost in and just forget about the world for a while.

Q. What are your favourite pieces to make?

I love making jewellery that I've always wanted to see! I can remember searching everywhere for a Pokemon necklace and when I started the Emporium I was like, "you know what, I'll make it for myself!!". Necklaces are my favourite items to make, although I love making new rings and hats too!

Q. What are your most popular items on your website?

My pikachu hats! They're cheap, good quality and are SO comfortable, I've just sold my last one again; this is the third batch of them! Another thing I've always wanted yet never found one I liked until I made it!

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

I take inspiration from everything, mostly things I loved during my childhood. I get epiphanies when I'm talking to people and I'll say, "hold on, I just had a great idea...". Even whilst writing this I just had an amazing idea for a set of necklaces! I'm a total geek so I get inspiration from all the geeky little things I like. My main inspirations are my two passions in life: science and animals! I love the Japanese pop culture too, a lot of stuff inspired by these things are coming soon!

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

I'd like to be a bit more established in the crafting industry. As much as I love it, I never want it to be a full time job, it would take all the fun out of it. I want to be a scientist, but I'd never give up crafting for the world! It earns me some extra money during the summer and keeps me occupied when I'm bored! I love what my little hobby has become and I can't wait for it to grow, I want people to adore my jewellery and anticipate new creations from me. My greatest ambition for Lily's Emporium would be to have cute little high street boutiques stocking my jewellery or maybe even a shop of my own, but a girl can dream for the time being right?

You can find Lily's Emporium at...
Myspace - www.myspace.com/LilysEmporium
Etsy - www.lilysemporium.etsy.com
Blog - www.lilysemporiumofficial.blogspot.com
Bebo - www.bebo.com/LilysEmporium
Twitter - www.twitter.com/Lily_Lestrange

Interview -Cinder's Creations

Dotted with Hearts interviewed Cinder's Creations!

Q. Tell us a little about you and Cinder's Creations

I'm a 20 year old female from a small town who is absolutely unhappy with where my life is. I started creating jewelry out of boredom and realized that I actually really liked making it and that some of it was super cute. The stuff started to build up around my house, I brought some to work and people started buying the necklaces I was making. I then decided, hey why not start building this as an online business and I realized that maybe I would like to do this in the future. Cinder's Creations was just the outcome of that.

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I am based in a small boring town in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Q. What made you start crafting?

Boredom to be honest, I've always been artsy fartsy, but in such a small town there is nothing to do so I started crafting when found the other artsy things I did weren't for me.

Q. What are your favourite pieces to make?

I like making necklaces, especially colorful ones. Rainbows make my heart happy.

Q. What are your most popular items?

Butterfly necklaces seem to be the favorite.

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

I don't really have an inspiration, to be totally honest it's out of sheer boredom that I decided to start making jewelry.

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

I'm not really sure where I would like to see myself tomorrow. To answer that question is impossible for me. I would like to try making soap sometime, that would be cool.

You can find Cinder's Creations at...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Port-Hawkesbury-NS/Cinders-Creations/115148571867545?ref=ts&__a=9&ajaxpipe=1
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/omgitsniki

Interview - Temporary:Secretary

Dotted with Hearts got to interview Temporary:Secretary!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and Temporary:Secretary -

Temporary:Secretary (http://www.temporary-secretary.com/) started in early 2008. We have grown a lot as a brand since then. I began making things for friends and family. Then I sold a few pieces on eBay. I notched up a website by myself and decide to create a brand that would offer something special without the designer price tag. It is affordable yet exclusive. We produce things in small quantities, therefore, a slim chance that you will see someone else wearing the same jewellery. We want to make people feel like they own something special and unique, but also fashionable and wearable. We offer a huge range of styles, so there is something for everyone. The difference between shopping at Temporary:Secretary and the average high street is the experience. With every parcel we send out, we guarantee that the person that receives it will feel like it's Christmas! We adore our customers, every single one of them. Everything is gift wrapped; it is the personal touches that you don't get with high street.



Q. Where in the world are you based?

Temporary:Secretary started in Newcastle. That is where I went to uni at. I loved it. But at the moment, I am back in a little town in the north that I call home. It has a castle and a river, lots of charity shops and lots of cobbles! (Which is almost impossible to walk on if you're wearing heels!) An interesting fact for you is that Lewis Caroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, attended school here in Richmond in the 1840's. The school building is still used. It's very Gothic and the playground is the shape of a coffin. Very bizarre.


Q. What was it that made you start producing jewellery?

Temporary:Secretary was created shortly after I completed an internship at a fashion and accessories company. I studied Fashion Marketing at University and had always thought that once I graduated, I would try to get a job with a big snazzy fashion brand. I also studied fashion at college so for the total of six year, I did a lot of designing, pattern cutting, illustrating, styling, sewing - some examples of my work are on the blog. I love fashion in every way and I wouldn't have had it any other way! So anyway, I had a few work placements and it made me take my head out of the clouds to realise what I could learn about myself and what was really right for me. Because I had started the business during university, I didn't take it seriously - It didn't really start out as a jewellery brand, I didn't find a direction to go in to at first. I played around with garments and making skirts, sourcing vintage items. It was extra pocket money for doing something I love. It has been the best job ever, and although I did a lot of pondering after my time at uni had finished, I am glad to find my feet and decided to carry on doing this after graduation. 2010 has been an exciting year for Temporary:Secretary, let's just hope it carries on getting better and better!



Q. What are your favourite pieces to make?

There are a few but my favourite product to make is the Keep Calm and Carry On pendants, they come in 6 different colours and they look great when it all comes together as a finished product. Similarly, the doll face necklaces are fun to make. I love name necklaces and I've got 4 of them! But I thought "what about face necklaces! That could work!". There are 24 doll faces to choose from so hopefully, everyone can find one that looks like them. Another fun product to make is the cupcake charm bracelets. My favourite is the gold - it makes the cute cupcake charms stand out so much more than the silver.


Q. What are your most popular items?

It is definitely the Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz products. One of our very first products launched on the website was Welcome to Wonderland necklace, it is one of our best sellers, along with our Alice bracelets which have been featured in Heat and Look magazine. The Wizard of Oz necklaces are popular too, it is the little ruby slippers that I love making. They are originally silver but i glitter them to give it that classic Wizard Of Oz magical sparkle! The glitter goes absolutely everywhere and I see red glitter about for weeks! But it's definitely worth it.



Q. Do you have any new projects coming up?

Since end of June, I have been working on the autumn and Christmas range. Lots of cute and quirky jewellery coming up! The first new batch from the latest range will be launched in the first week of September.


Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

I get inspiration from everything. Everything and everyone around is inspires me. I sometimes think that I should settle on one style but I am open minded to everything - which kind of explains why the jewellery on my website ranges from loud, colourful kitsch to subtle, vintage style pieces.


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

Although I have answered this question so many times, this is always a tricky one, I am the most indecisive character when it comes to thinking ahead. If I was asked what I want to do in the next 5 minutes, I would quickly decide and then have no time to change it. But knowing that I've got 5 years to change my mind, I would list a bunch of things, change my mind, go round in circles (OK, maybe go round in 10 circles!) and then possible end up with a plan. Right now, my thoughts for the next 5 years are to build and develop Temporary:Secretary as a strong brand, and hope to expand it. It would be also be awesome if I ended up in London in 5 years time, too.

www.temporary-secretary.com

www.twitter.com/tempsec

www.facebook.com/tempsec

http://temporary-secretary.blogspot.com/

Interview - Neon Paws

Interview with Neon Paws - Rock n Roll fashion for pets!

Q. So tell us a little about yourself and Neon Paws

Hi my name is Emma & I'm the creator of Neon Paws Ltd. Neon Paws is the Number 1 online store in the UK which specialises in alternative accessories for dogs & cats!

Q. Where in the world are you based?

We're based in Nottingham, UK, but we ship all over the world!

Q. What made you start out your own doggy clothing website?

Well, I had been selling various things on the Internet for a while & was looking for an area to specialise in. I was looking for accessories for my cats I noticed that there was an overwhelming amount of cute accessories but not really any alternative options...being a rock chick I couldn't see my pets in all frills & bows, so there was my inspiration for Neon Paws! I spoke to a lot of pet owners from the alternative scene & found that I was not alone, so decided to create a store specialising in alternative accessories for dogs & cats.

Q. Do you have dogs? Do they wear your clothing ranges?

I have cats at the moment who have quite a few things from the site, -I don't think they would let me put any of the clothes on them, though! We have had 100% positive feedback from dog owners about the site, which is very important to us, as we are passionate about what we do. We have just set up a section on our Facebook page where people can upload their pet pictures so hopefully we will see some photos of Rock N Roll dogs & cats modelling Neon Paws items soon!


Q. What are your most popular items?

Dog t-shirts are always popular, but we expect the new items will soon become favourites as they are super cool!


Q. Do you have any new designs or products coming up soon?

We have just added two new retractable dog leads by Puchi in Zebra & Tiger Swarovski designs, a spiked dog collar & lead set, & a leopard print bowl as well as a wider range of sizes in many items. We are always on the look out for great new items to add to the site, & are always eager to improve our range.


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years times?

We would love to design & sell our very own Neon Paws product range & continue to be the Number 1 UK alternative pet accessories store, & even better, be the Number 1 in the world! We hope that people will continue to spread the word about Neon Paws & welcome everyone to our rebellious little world!

Website: www.neonpaws.co.uk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/neonpawsfans
Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/neonpawsuk
Myspace: www.myspace.com/neonpaws
Twitter: www.twitter.com/neonpawsltd

Interview - Uma Jewellery

Dotted with Hearts Interview with 'elegantly funky'

Uma Jewellery

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and Uma Jewellery

I'm third culture gal, Thai by blood with a mix of this and that. I lived in Chicago, Melbourne, now Bangkok, and I'm sure there will be more cities in the future! ;) My Jewelry line is named after my mom 'Uma.' We design the pieces together, so its a mother daughter collaboration. My mothers style is more elegant, where mine is more funky. therefore I like describe Uma Jewelry as 'Elegantly Funky' Our pieces are unique, bold, and give a statement. We want to make ladies of all ages feel more beautiful and confident with our pieces. It gives off a lot of energy!


Q. Where in the world are you based?

Right now I'm based in Bangkok, Thailand! I plan on going to Canada or back to Australia in the next year or two!

Q. What made you get into making jewellery?

My mother originally was a full time jeweler. She stopped after she got sick. Now that shes all better, i thought why not start design and making pieces with her again. Art has always been in my heart, and I love to make pretty shinny things! Ladies love that!

Q. What are your favourite pieces to make? What materials do you most like to use?

i love making necklaces! They are more striking then earrings or bracelets. I love to use colorful stones. I've now discovered crystals which I also love!

Q. What are your most popular items?

My necklace called the 'twist' is the most popular selling one now!

Q. Do you wear the jewelery/ accessories yourself?

Definitely! Gotta promote promote! Plus it always funks up an outfit!

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

People, places, food, anything really!


Q. Do you have any new projects coming up?

Yep, we will be teaching Jewelry making in Bangkok soon, so I'm very excited bout that!

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

I successful Jeweler and Photographer. Also I'm gonna get my yoga teaching certificate and teach Yoga as well!


Uma Jewelry Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DianePIroon

Photography shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/umaart

My photography: www.dianepiroon.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EtsyDiane

Interview - Lucky Penny Creations

Dotted with Hearts interviewed Stacey of Lucky Penny Creations

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and Lucky Penny Creations

Hi I am Stacey I am 24 years old And I run Lucky Penny Creations with my best friend Katie.


Q. Where in the world are you based?

We are based in Milton Keynes land of the concrete cows.


Q. What made start making jewellery?

I started making jewellery for myself as a hobby, then it got to the stage that I had far too much jewellery to wear myself so my best friend and I decided to go into business together.



Q. What are your favourite pieces to make?

Our favourite pieces to make have to be the pieces made out of fimo clay (makes me feel like a child again)



Q. Do you have any new projects coming up?

I am currently learning how to build websites so that I can build us a site (it may take awhile).



Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

We don't have any particular inspiration, but we do like to theme some of our pieces for example we have a collection of 'Alice in wonderland jewellery'. Keep your eye out for more themed jewellery coming soon.


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

In 5 years time hopefully I would of finished building our website. I would like to be running Lucky Penny Creations full time instead of along side a full time job.

You can find Lucky Penny Creations on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Lucky-Penny-Creations/112585515424813?ref=ts

Interview - Black Sunshine

Dotted with Hearts got to interview Amz of Black Sunshine

Q. So tell us a little about yourself and Black Sunshine

I'm Amz, I started Black Sunshine in 2004 as a goth/alt clothing retailer with a shop in Newport on the Isle of Wight. Sadly I'm closing the shop down at the end of October but will still be running online. And I plan to add more to my etsy store, concentrating more on the handmade side of Black Sunshine.

Q. Where in the world are you based?

Isle of Wight, UK

Q. What made you get into the alternative scene?

Ive been into the alternative scene for as long as I remember! I listened to Alice Cooper growing up and its always stuck with me. It was never a phase with me. The Dr Marten boots at school didn't go down to well though :p

Q. How did you get into crafting?

Ive always loved drawing and making little hair clips and things for myself, so it all came from there really. I love creating new and interesting things!
About 5 years ago I started making dreads and I love it!

Q. What are your most popular items?

Dreads most definitely! I love making custom orders for people :)

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

Music and films! The weirder the better usually. Films from horror to anime influence me in what I create and what I order in to sell in my shop.

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

I would love to have a bigger range of clothing available on the Black Sunshine website! And also have a bigger range of handmade items on my etsy!

You can find Black Sunshine on the following sites

Main website http://www.blacksunshineiow.com/

BigCartel http://www.blacksunshineiow.bigcartel.com/

Etsy http://www.blacksunshineiow.etsy.com/
Twitter www.twitter.com/blacksunshineiw

Facebook www.facebook.com/blacksunshineiow

Interview - VelvetVolcano

Dotted with Hearts got to interview new jewellery designer - VelvetVolcano

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and VelvetVolcano

My names Tamsyn (also known as Velvet), I'm 20 years old and have been running VelvetVolcano since November 2009.
I make crystal encrusted jewellery and accessories.


Q. Where in the world are you based?

Cornwall, U.K


Q. What made you get into crafting?

It's in my blood, all the women in my family are all crafty in their own ways - ranging from crochet / knitting, drawing and painting to graphic design.

I've been creating since I was little and I've always been artistic, being brought up in a creative environment is definitely a big part of that.



Q. What are your favourite pieces to make? What materials do you most like to use?

I love making commissions and custom orders for my customers, its so personal and I always love a challenge :).

Creating something unique for someone is really nice, especially as there is so much mass-production in the fashion world.


Q. What are your most popular items?

The Super Mario Shrooms, Cherry Necklaces and the 'Tied In a Bow' necklaces.



Q. Do you wear the jewelery/ accessories yourself?

Absolutely!

My products are definitely all my style and I always wear them out, I wouldn't ever sell a product I wouldn't be happy to wear myself. :)



Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

I'm very inspired by the human body, the inner workings and the outer 'coating' as such.

I started out making anatomical pendants which then progressed into exploring how people 'accessorise' themselves, from body modification to good old personal style.

I'm very inspired by Rockabilly/Psychobilly and Punk styles too.



Q. Do you have any new projects coming up?

I'm hoping to branch out a lot with VV, there's a lot of exciting stuff in the pipeline :).



Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

I hope that my products will make it into some shops, that I will have stalls frequently and that VV will be bigger and better :).


Official Facebook Page:
Http://www.facebook.com/velvetvolcano.jewellery

Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/velvetvolcano

Blog:
http://velvetvolcano.blogspot.com

Interview- C-Unique

Dotted with Hearts gave an interview to C-unique!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and C-Unique

A. Well I've always loved making things and watching my mum sew as a child. Then when I was 15 and going through a slightly Gothic phase, I decide I wanted a long black skirt for school to wear with my Docs, but I couldn't find one in any shops. So, I went to the local fabric shop, bought some fabric and went home and made one. After that I was hooked, I made weird and random things for my friends so that we looked different to everyone else. After what seemed like years of making clothing for myself and close friends, interest started to grow and I started to make clothes on a more professional level. As time has gone by, I am now very busy with a large range of ladies clothing and accessories, including hand bags and jewellery.

Q. Where in the world are you based?

A. I am based in Worcester, England.

Q. What made you get into crafting/ clothes making?

A. I've grown up making anything and everything! It's so satisfying to see the end result of something you've worked hard on. I remember being about 8 years old and selling friendship bracelets I had made, in the playground.

Q. What are your favourite pieces to make? What materials do you most like to use?

A. I'd say hand bags are my favourite things to make, although I always want to keep them all! I like to work with cotton the most, it's easy to use and gives a good structured end result to my clothing.

Q. What are your most popular items?

A. My most popular items are the 'Marilyn' and the 'Gypsy' tops. The 'Gypsy' top suits any shape or size and comes in many different colours and fabrics!

Q. Do you wear the jewelery/ clothing yourself?

A. Absolutely! Being tall and slim, I find it hard to get alternative clothes to fit. I started out making stuff just for myself, It never occurred to me that the items I had made to satisfy my tastes would prove so popular with friends and people I have never met! It always makes me feel good inside when a stranger compliments me on something I'm wearing that I've made.

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

A. My inspiration can come from really random everyday things, but I'd probably say that music is my biggest inspiration. Different genres produce different outcomes for my designs. The 1950's and tattoo culture plays a huge part in my most recent ranges, I love combining the two and getting a 50's look with an edge.

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

A. I'd like my creations to be available in more shops, not just in the UK, but worldwide. It's a slow process, but I'm sure I'll get there.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/c-unique

www.facebook.com/c.uniqueclothing

www.c-unique.co.uk

New item from Raffles Bizarre

New cameo necklace from Raffles Bizarre!

Check out this necklace and more at

www.rafflesbizarre.co.uk

New items from Vicki Death

New items from horror/tattoo artist Vicki Death!

Check out the Vicki Death etsy store for these items & more!

http://www.vickideath.etsy.com/

New items from Lipstattoo

From Lipstattoo

Some unique, handmade cards featuring your IT crowd favourites!

Check out the Lipstattoo etsy store for these cards and more unqiue hand made items!

http://www.lipstattoo.etsy.com/

Interview - Vintage Princess

Interview with Laura of Vintage Princess!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and Vintage Princess

Okay, well I'm Laura and I'm 22. I graduated from university last year and since then I've been crafting more and more! I've always been creative, and making and reworking pieces of clothing or jewellery has always been something I've loved to do- knowing you are wearing something unique, that no-one else in the world has is very exciting! That's why I set up Vintage Princess. I sell one off items with a vintage, girly, unique and utterly gorgeous style!


Q. Where in the world are you based?

I'm based in a little village just outside of Durham, in the North East of England.


Q. What made you get into crafting?

I started jewellery making a long time ago. I've always been pretty creative, I love making things, drawing, painting, reworking and customising clothing and jewellery anything like that really. Being a girly girl who loves anything sparkly, pink, girly and pretty I absolutely loved jewellery making. I also love the idea of wearing something unique and individual which is something the high-street did certainly not offer! So I made my own :)



Q. What are your favourite pieces to make? What materials do you most like to use?

I really do love making all my works. I'm always so excited making the pieces and then seeing people's reactions to them. I love thinking that people out there are making something I have made- especially the one off pieces.

I don't really have a preferred material. I like to use everything and anything in my jewellery!



Q. What are your most popular items?

My Lady Vintage cameo necklaces, my peach lace bangles or my custom charm bracelets. They are very popular as I customise them for every customer, therefore no two are ever the same. I also allow the customer to choose the charms they would like on their bracelets, so its even more personal to them and I think people appreciate that :)



Q. Do you wear the jewelery/ accessories yourself?

Oh yes definitely! I love wearing pieces of jewellery that I know are one-offs and that no one else in the world are wearing. I have lots of accessories though, I'm a complete sucker for them! I also wear lots of pieces made by my lovely crafting friends :)




Q. Where can people buy your pieces? Do you make custom pieces?

My collection is available to buy online, on my Folksy site, or through my shop facebook account and page.

I certainly do make custom pieces! I love it! Its so much fun when a customer comes to me asking for something and I get my thinking cap on and come up with ideas for them. The most exciting commission I've had so far has to be being commissioned to make a necklace for a customer to wear to her wedding. Its such a magical thing to be asked and for her to be wearing it on such a special day makes me practically giddy with excitement!


Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

I don't really have a set person who is my inspiration. My inspiration is really the pieces I find to rework! Each piece I come across inspires me to make something out of it and that drives me to create things rather than following a trend or

Anyone who knows me knows I'm ultra girly and a sucker for anything pink, flowery, sparkly and just generally beautiful and gorgeous, so my works are more themed than based on an individuals style...


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

I'd absolutely love to have my own pretty little shop! I know exactly how I'd like to decorate it, in an old-world-y style with lots of pretty handmade accessories, pink and flowers everywhere! Oh it would be beautiful!
I really do hope to still be crafting and selling my jewellery because I love it so much. I really can't imagine myself doing anything else!


Facebook profile (VintagePrincess Laura)- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001163910523

Facebook page (Vintage Princess Accessories)- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001163910523#!/pages/Vintage-Princess-Accessories/134512006566227?ref=ts

Folksy shop site- www.folksy.com/shops/VintagePrincess

Interview - Extacy Photographic

Dotted With Hearts were lucky enough to get an interview with the very talented photographer Tara of Extacy Photographic

Tell us a bit about yourself and Extacy Photographic?

Well, I’m Tara. I’m 19 years old, a goth in denial and I’m a bit of a geek who’s besotted with Japan and anything shiny ;D I started Extacy Photographic in late 2007- I originally started it as a hobby but it has pursued into a business and I love it!

Where in the world are you based?

I’m currently based in Bedfordshire in the UK. I’m a keen traveller so I often end up in far off countries!



What got you interested in the world of photography?

Studying Art and Design throughout school and college got me really exploring all aspects of art and materials, but apart from drawing, there was nothing that I really loved to do apart from photography. I used my mums simple point and shoot camera, starting with scenery and after getting a starter SLR camera (a Nikon D40) for Christmas in 2007 I started taking pictures of my friends and then professional models. I have now progressed to a Nikon D300s with various lenses and I haven’t looked back!



Do you prefer studio or location?

I love both, but at the moment I really enjoy studio work. My personal project this year is happening at Switch Photography Studios down in Sussex. My last personal project was on location so it’ll be good to see how they compare to one another!



What do you look for in a model?

I enjoy working with models who love what they do and will give 100% at a shoot, but also someone who isn’t afraid to have fun! Look wise, I’m quite picky when it comes to models, preferably I like them to have a quirky look, clear skin and a lean body (please note that I didn’t say skinny, I LOVE curves!) If I have a personal project though, I have a clear idea of what I’d like the model to look like, or who I want the model to be.



Do you have any favourite models or themes you like to shoot?

My all time favourite model is Lily Cole. I’d love to be able to have the opportunity to photograph her in the future! My more alternative side though adores Mosh. I was meant to work with her in September, 2008, but unfortunately she couldn't get a visa for the UK. My favourite models to work with are Ulorin Vex, Sohui, Ruby True and Paradisaea Decora- I always have a brilliant shoot when I work with them, always fun and the pictures are always amazing. Theme wise, I don’t really have a favourite, though at the moment I’m obsessed with anything editorial. I have some amazing shoots booked in August, one being ‘The Albino Queen’ for a book- Watch this space!



Who or what is your inspiration?

I can’t say just one person or thing inspires me- My inspiration is drawn from all over the place! A big influence comes from my friends though, I have an amazing bunch of talented friends who are models and designers, seeing their work and the drive behind what they do is amazing. If you love something enough, you’ll work hard enough to make it become what you’ve always dreamed of.


Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

I’d love to see myself living away from home in a nice apartment or house with someone I love and where I have enough room for my own fully equipped studio. Of course I’d love to be able to make my main source of income from this business too! But, even if that doesn’t happen, wherever I end up I will always be taking pictures!


Links:
Official Website: http://www.extacy-photographic.co.uk/
deviantArt: http://extac33.deviantart.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Extac33
Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/825236