We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, that we are pleased to continue a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We also ask them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here
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Today, we have an interview with Betsy Siber. Betsy has taken MATS A and MATS B
1. Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design
Being an artist was always my goal, but I could never decide on a discipline. I decided to study photography in college, but I have been working in the photography, jewelry and stationery fields since then. But it wasn’t until I discovered the MATS courses that I understood the full potential and versatility that an illustration career could bring.
2. Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’
I have 2 little girls, ages 3 and 6. The are both quite opinionated about their clothes, and my 6-year-old has a talent for mixing unexpected patterns and colors. Seeing a first glimpse of her outfit as she walks downstairs for kindergarten can be my inspiration for a new pattern collection or throw me into a good laughing fit. Either way, I start my working day out with a little more joy then I had when I woke up.
3. Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
I love anything related to kids. The MATS children’s apparel unit was where everything started to connect for me. I love color and I love characters, so this was a natural fit.
4. What are you working on currently?
The first week of 2017, I signed on with Michael Miller Fabrics to be an exclusive designer! I am beyond excited to have this opportunity and am currently putting together my first collection. Stay tuned for the debut later this year! I’m also preparing for my first trade fair, Blueprint, in New York City from May 21-23. I’ll be showing with my art collective Pencil Parade and we’re all very busy putting together mini-collections and promotional items for the show.
5. What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?
The courses are fast-paced and extremely productive. I learned so much from immersing myself in a project with a set due date. I improved my illustration skills and was pushed to try out new techniques.
6. How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
Lilla talks about putting in your 10,000 hours to become an expert at something. The courses pushed me to get a jumpstart on those hours, and after they finished I couldn’t stop making art! Keep going, push through, and make it as good on the screen/paper as it looks in your head.
7. Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?
An assignment would come out in class and I would always have an immediate idea of how to execute it. Then I would think “Oh no, that’s way too obvious! Everyone is going to do that!” But a few assignments in, I realized that everyone has a totally different take on things, and even if I have the same initial idea as a classmate, our finished products looked totally different! Now I don’t waste too much time worrying about it, and jump right in with the idea I’m most excited about.
8. What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?
After MATS A, I was invited to join 3 of my classmates to form Pencil Parade Art Collective (www.pencilparade.com). The four of us have been working together for the past (almost) 2 years to encourage and promote one another. We hold each other accountable for our own goals and keep motivated with group projects. Their encouragement has pushed me to submit my work and get in touch with art directors, which led to some great licensing opportunities and my new gig with Michael Miller Fabrics!
9. How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art
Get ready to dive ALL IN! You’re going to put in some late nights and when you do rest, definitely keep a sketchbook next to your bed. Engage with your classmates and instead of being intimidated by their work, see it as motivation.
10. What is your dream gig for your artwork?
When I was first asked this questionnaire a few months ago, I wrote “design a fabric line for a major textile company”. And somehow, with a lot of luck, I’m finding myself living that dream!
See more work here: Website | Facebook
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Would you like to experience the Make Art That Sells classes yourself? Browse our live and self-paced classes here
Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!
