Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Ayres.
Lisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated high school in 2011 and for a few years, I took classes at a community college, unsure of what I wanted to pursue. In 2014, I needed a last-minute birthday gift for a friend and I recalled that my cousin was making jewelry and trinkets from polymer clay. I thought that would be a unique gift I could make myself, so we got together, and she showed me some basic polymer clay techniques. I found I had a natural aptitude with the material and immediately fell in love with the medium. I began experimenting on my own with polymer clay and various sculpting techniques. I began sculpting flowers and other nature-inspired jewelry and a year later, I made my first figurine, a panda bear. I came to realize that this is what I wanted to pursue as a career. Now that I knew what I wanted to do, I began researching possible careers involving sculpture. I started looking into art schools, which led me to Atlanta and the school I currently attend.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t describe my path as rough, but it certainly wasn’t a straight path. I have taken many turns to get to where I am now, and I am still encountering forks in the road. It took several years longer than my peers to even begin my college career and I feel the pressure that I should have had life figured out already. Another challenge I faced was the stigma that a fine arts degree was very limited in the opportunities for jobs as artists. As I researched on my own, however, I discovered that there are more opportunities out there than I originally thought. Another obstacle I faced is that polymer clay is still often looked upon as a “play” medium and not one for “serious artists”. I aim to disprove that stereotype and prove that it is a valid artistic medium and has a place in the art world. It is challenging to balance school and my business. It hasn’t been easy, but I do work hard to find craft fairs to vend and I work on commissions during my school breaks.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is called Malachite Bird Creations. I primarily use polymer clay and resin to make my art. My main products include jewelry, small sculptures, and decorative objects. I often take custom orders as well. I have made figurines of pets, personalized jewelry, and fan art sculptures in the past. I work on my business products when I am not in school and keep up with my audience through social media to announce shop updates.
I learned how to make molds last year and it has greatly increased my productivity while still retaining high-quality sculptures. It has been particularly helpful with some of my more popular pieces that many people want to own. All pieces are either resin from a handmade mold, or are handcrafted from polymer clay, but all are individually hand-painted making each piece unique. Another aspect that sets Malachite Bird Creations apart from other businesses is the ability to make custom pieces.
Presently, my favorite piece so far is my octopus dish I just released a few months ago. I have been experimenting with colors and styles and I look forward to making more decorative objects that can be used in everyday life.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There are so many art and craft opportunities in Atlanta and surrounding areas so yes, it would be a good place for an art business. For anyone interested in starting their own small art business, I would suggest keeping a strong online presence while participating in any exhibitions and vendor fairs you can find. Find out if there are any nearby shops that you can consign your art in as another avenue to sell your work physically. I have also made a few pieces of jewelry for myself that I wear as it is a great but subtle way to advertise. Always carry a supply of business cards with you for handing out to anyone who seems interested in your work. Make sure the cards have all your contact information as well as all your websites, as you never know when someone might be interested in commissioning a piece of their own. Also, make sure to tag Atlanta and surrounding businesses you affiliate within your social media tags.
Pricing:
- Pre-painted resin figurines 15-50$
Contact Info:
- Website: lisaayres.com
- Email: malachitebird71@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malachitebird/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Malachitebird/
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