For the Love of Character: Point of View: Riley of Make Things Co.

A couple months ago I stumbled upon a fabulous, young artist on Instagram in a Martha Stewart contest - I love Instagram for this reason! I clicked through the rest of Riley's pictures and feel in love with her fashion prints, as well as her quirky mixed media prints. I went to her Etsy shop straight away and decided she could be a great candidate for my upcoming shop. I ordered one of her cards to check it out and then we started our long series of Etsy conversations. Now, her wonderful talent is for sale in my online shop! Right now we are offering greeting cards and soon, I will be adding some of her gorgeous fashion prints.

Riley's Point of View:

1. What is your favorite thing/person to paint? What is your favorite painting you've ever done?

My favorite person to paint has always been Audrey Hepburn. I've loved Audrey Hepburn's look and style since I was a teenager because she always looked so effortlessly put-together (a quality that, as a paint-covered elementary school art teacher, I'll probably never have :). My favorite painting I've ever done was for a blank greeting card I have listed on my website- it's of a tiny girl in a pink robe and slippers looking through a tiny rack of fancy gowns. It's a small and simple painting, but thinking of it always makes me smile.

2. Where do you find most of your inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from either trying to look at different materials (a Starbucks cup, a water bottle) in new ways- I like to make fashion illustrations of dresses using whatever I have on my desk at a particular moment- or from fashion photos I find on Instagram. I love fashion but hate shopping, and so I guess you could say illustrating outfits is my way of vicariously owning them- it's definitely cheaper than shopping!

3. On For the Love of Character, I talk a lot about decorating and home improvements. How would you describe the style of your home?

I'd probably say "eclectic", although that's probably giving my decorating style too much credit. I don't spend a lot of time at home, so I try and keep things simple- both my bed and bedside table were "hand-me-downs" from family and friends. I do have a lot of "knick-knack" shelves, though, and some old records and paintings from college as wall art.

4. What is currently your favorite piece of furniture or decoration in your home? What is one piece you've been dreaming about purchasing for you home?

My favorite decoration would probably be a recycled wine-cork bulletin board I made last year- I always hold onto business cards/stickers/programs/wine labels that I find pretty while I'm out and about, and now I have some place to pin them! Something I would love for my home is a Vitamix- I know that doesn't really qualify as "home decor," but ever since I heard that you can use one to make your own peanut butter, it's been on my wish list.

5. I love to travel all over and soak in lots of different cultures. What is one place you would love to travel to?

New Orleans! It's definitely number one on my bucket list.

6. And last, just for fun, how often do you end up decorating your Starbucks cups? They are always so cute and you should seriously consider making a Starbucks print collection - my family of Sbucks addicts would love it!

Thank you so much! I probably decorate one every two weeks, but I only hold onto a few of them- they're great for when I'm running low on ideas but still feel like doodling.

Riley also does amazing custom wedding dance portraits that are available in her Etsy shop:

I'm very excited for the fashions prints I have coming for the shop, plus I ordered a couple of these adorable "brunch?" cards:

Hope you enjoyed getting the artist's point of view! I will definitely keep this series going as I find wholesalers and other wonderful artists out there in the world.