Wise Phantom

Erin is a brilliant illustrator who has a shoppe called Phantom Wise. She is currently working on her own deck of Black and White tarot cards. Isn't that cool? Her work has both a whimsical, yet dark feeling to it.



1) How long have you been crafting?

I've been drawing and painting since I was little and I minored in Studio Art in college. I was always terrible at sticking to one medium, though. There was a drawing class where I did my best work finger painting with latex paint. I've only been serious about it in a non-academic setting since 2004 or so, though.



2) Did you always craft in this genre?

Most of my stuff has always fallen under the "acrylic based mixed-media" umbrella. I occasionally delve into oil painting and shadowboxes, and have experimented with silk painting and leather mask-making. I like to try new things but I keep going back to what works.



3) Who or what inspires you?

Lots of things, especially things that are slightly unusual or offbeat. Edward Gorey, Neil Gaiman, Tori Amos, The Dresden Dolls. I like my art to tell stories, so I like to draw on myths and fables and things like that. The moniker of my business is taken from a Lewis Carroll poem and I do a lot of Wonderland-inspired art.


4) What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

I'm more concerned about the archival value of my paintings and prints, making something with the intent of selling it rather than hanging it on my own wall or sticking it under my bed when it's finished. Figuring out the best ways to varnish or pack things has been challenging, as has dealing with the wonderment that is the USPS. Also, trying to figure out what sells and what doesn't has been interesting, because it never goes the way I would expect. Mostly I try not to worry too much and just have fun, since that seems to be what got me here in the first place.

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For more information on Erin, click on her name above. :)