Wednesday, May 26, 2010

JetPackAgenda STE New Member Feature







Here's to another beautiful & happy Wednesday everyone! Lets give a warm, sunny welcome to Nick of JetPackAgenda. Steel Town Etsy is super excited for all the fresh new talent on the team! Please be sure to check out the blog interview below...


Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Nick and I live in Pittsburgh with my fiancee Megan of That's What She Thread. We’re originally from Buffalo, NY. I am a self-taught Graphic Designer with a love for t shirts. I've got a number that are older than Megan is!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Creating is basically what I do! Currently I work as a Graphic Designer at this great local Health Food Store in the Strip District. Other than that I like spending time at home cooking, hiking, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Yes, I have every single episode ever recorded) and taking photographs.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
Many of my t shirt designs are actually a compilation of photographs I take personally. I generally take my camera with me when we go out for a walk and most of the time I will see something that will strike me as looking great on a shirt. For example: My "Don't Fear The Meter" design was taken in the South Side, "All Mixed Up" has some photos from a vacation to Florida, "And Sew On" and "That's What She Thread" is Megan's sewing machine, "Crossbone Boulevard" was taken out the car window of the overpass on Crosstown Boulevard, etc.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to the Pittsburgh craft scene?
If you have a creative idea, go for it! This is a great city for networking and there are so many supportive art-lovers. If you find something you love and feel passionate about, others will certainly recognize that. And it's great to get compliments on my stuff from people who appreciate my work as well.

How do you promote your work?
Megan and I wear the shirts as much as we can, but now that the summer is here I've been applying to vend at a bunch of the TONS of Pittsburgh's local art markets. I've also designed my own website (http://www.jetpackagenda.com/) and give away coupons at shows. My Facebook page is a great way to network as well; I try to occasionally advertise sales on there.