Friday, April 3, 2009

Feature Friday - EllaParry


This weeks feature is Ella of Ella Parry. Ella paints charming and whimsical pictures. My favorites are this one from her "The Dreamworld Collection" and this one called, "Love is like a flower". If you haven't seen Ella's work, what are you waiting for? (Click on the banner above to be taken to her shop.)

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Cambodia and grew up in Hong Kong. I have always had a strong passion for art ever since I was able to pick up my first pencil as a child. I developed my artistic skills mainly through self-teaching and through studying Commercial Design at the First Institute of Art and Design. After graduation I studied Graphic Design at the Hong Kong Technical College in 1998. Since completing my studies I worked as Graphic Designer for five years, which helped to further develop my graphic design skills. By 1999 I moved to London with the intention to study Visual Art at Camberwell College of Art but due to family circumstances I was unable to complete my study, although this did not deter me from continuing drawing for my own self-enjoyment. Now I work as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and of course I open my online art-shop on Etsy last year.


What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?
My first memory of being artsy was when I was in primary school, I drew a big red apple in my art class. I won first prize and it was posted in the school hall for a whole month.


Where do you get inspiration for your art?
My inspiration comes from everyday life, for example the inspiration of “ Pink tree” was from the beautiful tree which is next to the bus stop near my flat and the “little Curly” is the image of my myself when was a little girl.

Tell us a little about your workspace.
I don’t have my own studio at the moment; my workspace is my bed in my bedroom, kitchen and the dinning table in the sitting room.


Where can we find your products?
You can find my products at my shop: http://ellaparry.etsy.com/


What is your best marketing advice?
Let people know what you are doing—talk about your work and have a postcard or business card with you all the time. Sign up for different social web sites to promote you shop. If you have budget buy some advertising space or showcase every now again.


Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
I am offering free shipping (including international) for all the greeting cards in my shop from March to May 2009.
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