Unfortunately, I can’t answer every industry question at this time. Here’s a list of commonly asked questions:
How did you get started in your career?
I went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City where I studied Animation and film with a minor in Graphic Design. I worked briefly in that industry but then meandered around in various creative design positions. I really missed painting and drawing so I worked a bridge-job while I got my illustration shop started. I started off making and selling but also pitched my work to various boutiques, agents, publishing companies and design houses. There’s more about this on my about page.
What materials do you use for each piece you make?
Each of my pieces are individual and I try to work with what feels right in the moment. Sometimes it’s watercolor, sometimes it’s gouache, sometimes it’s digital. It depends on the feel I am going for in the piece.
Do you have an agent or a rep?
I don’t have an agent or a rep at the moment. I’ve seen artists do well with and without one. It all depends on your personal needs as an artist.
How do you get your work in stores, maker markets or trade shows?
You can pitch your work by emailing various places you think your work would be a good fit. Be sure to read their store policies on submissions before contacting. Trade shows are fairly easy to get into providing you have the money to show and have a great looking booth. Some trade shows are juried. I don’t know of the best trade shows as I’m a bit out of the loop these days. Craft and maker shows are a great way to get your work out there. They are often juried but some are not. If you are really new, applying to your small local maker show is a great start.
Are your crystals from DreamMakerCrystals.com ethically sourced?
I do a small amount of rockhounding myself and I try to buy direct from the Miners or work with vendors who work directly with the Miners. Ethical mining practices and fair labor are big concerns of mine so I am sure to ask questions and develop relationships with who I purchase from. I am not there personally to see the mining process so it is about intuition, trust and developing a relationship with the vendors.
Where can I read customer experiences with your readings?
I will be adding a feature to my website soon for customers to be able to leave their experiences about items purchased from my shop. For now, you can read the customer reading experiences here at www.adriennevita.com/appreciation
How did you get started in tarot and doing readings?
I naturally gravitated to the tarot by stumbling on an astrology and tarot book in the library at around age 14. When I got my license and could venture, I went to all the cool little shops that had all the magical offerings. I also worked with a mentor in my 20’s who became a dear friend. I would only do readings for myself or people I knew until it got more frequent. Then I decided to charge for my time. I definitely encourage readers to explore your ancestry and how it could influence your work. Learn the craft but also dive deep into the history of what you choose.
Can you mentor or teach me art or tarot?
Unfortunately, I am not offering mentorship or teaching workshops at this time. Hopefully in the future and I will be sure to post about it when I do. If you are looking for a teacher/ mentor, there are so many great resources and classes you can search on google to take online or in your town. You can also visit your local metaphysical shop and ask around there. Check out local and online shops for skill share classes or even your local art school or community college.
Can you review my portfolio, give me career advice, tell me what paper, tools or equipment you use, give me your industry contacts, give me your sources for a project I am working on, tell me how you made your decks, tell me the printer you use, give me free tarot advice, donate your art for free, etc?
While I do like to help people, I share what I am able to. I do encourage you to explore and find out what works for you. Take classes, workshops, join online groups where people share industry tools, sources and advice freely. A lot of the classes will have online groups and forums you can join that go on long past the class you took. These groups can be great sources of support.
Visit industry trade shows, talk with people, hand out your business card. Frequent your favorite local galleries or get a job at your favorite shop. If you don’t have a lot of money, visit a local thrift store or craft store that sells used art supplies and try out different tools. Sock away money for that digital program you’ve always wanted to try. Most applications have a free trial.
If there are artists you admire, follow their social media. Sometimes they offer what tools they use or even offer a skill share class. If you decide to direct message artists, read their website about page and FAQ page. Some artists share a lot and some choose not to. It’s an individual choice and both professional approaches are respectable and ok. Please be respectful, be kind and be realistic about expectations if an artist doesn’t have the answer you are looking for. A lot of artists are just humans trying to make it in this world too.
Lastly, it’s so important to find your unique voice. All the searching and researching makes your art more individual and special. While it’s inspiring to look to other artists, their journey may not be the same journey you need to take. Find out what works best for you by trial and error. Let it be part of your process because it will help you grow. Know that there’s no right or wrong tool, right or wrong path or right or wrong kind of art to make. Believe in yourself, keep going and most importantly have fun along the way!
