A bag is not just a bag to me, it's more like my close friend, they have a lot of my personal stuff and including secrect! A good bag make your life easier and more organize aslo, today I want share a story of Awl Sanp, her beautiful leather bag design will amaze you, looking a gift for Christmas now? you should put this one on the list!
Q: Would you share with us how you started to create your art work?
I made my first leather bag in 2009 after I could not find an affordable and quality bag that fit my needs exactly. This original bag turned out to be a hit, and I had quite a few people ask me for one of their own. Soon after, I was listing them for sale on ETSY?
Q: What's story behind your brand?
"Small and personal" are two words that have resonated with me since starting my business out of my apartment in 2009. While manufacturing facilities serve a great purpose, I've never had that vision for Awl Snap. Instead imagine that small, local shop that you’re pleased to patronize and build a relationship with- the Butcher, the Baker, and now the Leather-Maker. Attainable, but not common- this is Awl Snap. I myself am made to create products that embody something more personal. Handcrafted goods that can be an extension of its owners un-trending individuality and personality. We want something that was crafted with genuine care and attention- items with personality for the people who love them.
Q: What is your working schedule like?
I try to get most of my paperwork and emails done in the mornings before I head into the studio. I cannot have a productive day creating if I know I have a dozen people I need to respond to! So I usually head to the studio around 10am, and try to leave at 7:30. It's so easy to loose track of time when I'm in my groove, so I often have to set an alarm to remind me to go home!
Q: Which type of material do you like to use the most and why?
I love all of the different types and textures of leather, but I think suede might be my favorite because it can be very thin and pliable, and takes different dye colors so well. It's easy to manipulate for all sorts of projects, and I think it adds the perfect pop of color.
Q: Which piece is your favorite or sells the best?
My HotShot is one of my best sellers, and I think one my favorites. I originally designed it for my boyfriend who is on the road most of the time. Once the kinks were worked out and it had his approval, I listed it for sale.
Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
All over the place honestly. I find inspiration in so many things
– sometimes from some really unexpected places. As an artist/maker, you have to wait for inspiration – it’s very hard to “turn it on.” Sometimes it can come in the form of another successful artist or maker – maybe one who has found a smart or unique process that I wish I had thought of myself. Then there is the practical inspiration.
Q: Do you remember when you sold your first item and how you felt?
Yes! It was back in 2009 and I sold it to my cousin. I felt so proud and thought to myself, " I could do this everyday". And that is exactly how I feel now, still, to this day. Every single sale is the best compliment I could get receive.
Q: What's the hardest part of your design career?
Trying to force creativity. I take a good amount of custom requests and sometimes it's really hard to create what a customer might have in mind, if I'm just not in the right groove.
Q: Which part of working do you enjoy the most?
Packaging my products. I love the final moments when I get to put my final "stamp" on things and ship them out.
Q: What kind of books do you like to read, and what kind of music do you like?
I have to remind myself to relax sometimes, and the best method of relaxing for me, is to get sucked into a really good book. I love all types of books, right now I'm consumed with "The Girl you Left Behind" by Jojo Moyes. Great read.
Q: If you were not a designer, what do you think you would be?
Honestly, I think I would love to learn to work on cars! I know its a male-dominated industry, but I feel like my strong, small girly hands would come in handy. Ha, see that pun I just made there?
Q:.If young people want to follow the same path as you, what would you suggest?
Go for it! Take as many risks as you can in life.
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