Tag: exit343design

Local silkscreen printer, Stephanie Harvey is an Art Star Craft Bazaar veteran.  We always love checking out her cute & colorful printed t-shirts, plushies, stationary, prints & more!  Learn more about her technique, the artists who inspire her & what she is listening to these days.  And be sure to see it all in person at Booth #18!

Art Star: Did you go to art school?  If so, where did you study?
Stephanie Harvey: Technically I didn’t go to “art” school, but I do have two fine arts degrees. I received my B.F.A. with concentrations in Printmaking and Photography from Rowan University in South Jersey. I also have my M.F.A. in Printmaking from Penn State University.

AS:  What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
SH: My booth features all silkscreen printed work, hand printed by me (with alittle bit of help from my studio cat, Buddy) in a workspace just outside of Philadelphia. I primarily make art prints and stationery, but also dabble with small plush creature pillows and tee shirts. Recently, I’ve begun crafting small watercolor illustrations that I sell as giclee prints, badges, and magnet sets. If you like bright colors, hand drawn type, and patterns, be sure to come check out my booth!

AS:  How are your items made? Describe your process?
SH: Everything starts with a drawing, on good old-fashioned paper. I sometimes use digital help to clean up or enlarge my drawings and make the layers to burn screens from. However, often times I consume many Sharpie opaque paint markers from hand drawing the layers. In silkscreen printing, every color is a different layer so the preparation can be really time consuming! After I make the screens, mix the inks, and trim the paper, I crank out each print- layer by layer. It’s a rewarding process, watching your work come to life in color one piece at a time.

AS: Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
SH: I’m an artist/designer/freelance event photographer by night and weekend and a production assistant at a local screenprinting company by day. I’m continually striving to make the former my all-of-the-time by doing shows like Art Star Craft Bazaar, taking on freelance design projects, selling my work at brick & mortars, running an active blog, and more.

AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
SH: I look to contemporary graphic and poster designers, many who do the same craft shows I vend at. I love the bold stylized illustrations of Charley Harper and the sweeping lines and muted colors of Alphonse Mucha.  Textile patterns, unique illustrations, and hand drawn type are all artistic components I’m drawn to.

AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
SH: I’ve been in kind of a musical funk as of late, so I’ve turned in to a huge podcast fan. My favorites right now include: Adventures in Design by Mark from Hero and Billy from Delicious Design League (great for any artist + entrepreneur), WTF with Marc Maron, and Planet Money.

AS:  Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
SH: In ten years, I simply hope to be my own full-time boss. I have many other short-term goals, which will hopefully get me to that point!

AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
SH: Of course!  Checking out other vendors’ work is half the fun.  I also try to feature all of the great work I see after each show on my blog, thehappysqueegee.com

In no particular order, my 2013 must-sees include:

Atelier Grafico – Gioconda was my neighbor last year and her booth was packed with children having a blast with her creative stamp sets!  I’m hoping to beat the rush of youngsters this year and see what new sets she has.

Everyday Balloons – This talented screen printing duo from Pittsburgh also makes the majority of their prints the old school way – by starting with a drawing, not digital.  Even their business cards are tiny works of silkscreend art!  I always make it a point to stop in and see what new images they created.

Laura Berger – I can’t even tell you how many cards of hers I’ve purchased at this point -too many!  Her quirky sense of humor shines in every piece she creates, making her one of my favorite illustrators and stationery creators.

The Wind and The Sail – Laura is so incredibly talented!  You have to get to her booth early on to see her full stock of cuddly creatures.  Why?  Everyone else knows she’s so talented and buys up all her finely crafted (and adorable) plush!

Yardsale Press – Bryan has print and badge dispensing vending machines.  Enough said.