1. How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

I want to say that is a loaded question...when I was 7 I used to make bracelets and trinkets and open up the window on our porch and sell my wares to the kids on my street. Pretty sure I took most of their allowances. But other than that I have always worked with my hands in one way or another. I am always finding something new to create. 

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

I have a tattoo like style but with a feminine touch. I love perfect lines, but I also love color, so finding ways to bring that to life using the inspiration around me. I love combining things like mountains and unicorns, or showing my spirit animal of the moment, like my llama.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Outside...My husband and I get antsy, and so we are always booking flights to our bucket list destinations. That is how Vela even came about. We were in Italy on a rainy day and we just were looking out at the Mediterranean from our apartment, and I just drew all day. I drew the whale that adorns a few of our clothes and now is permanently tattooed on my right arm as a reminder. When we are home we are always hiking, skiing, or playing in the mountains with our dogs, and through those hours of moving and meandering through the Rockies create even more endless inspirations.

4. What is your creative process like?

I start with a small notebook and pen when out and about or traveling, this allows me to sketch in an instant, and get the gist of the idea down. Then I take a picture of it with my ipad to then sketch it fully with the apple pen. This device has changed my world. Having been a graphic designer for years, I love being able to tweak things, or experiment without the permanence of a pen. The ipad is perfect for that. Now I can have 10 different versions of the mane on the horse before I decide on exactly the one I like. From there I take it into the computer to finish it, and pick colors for our clothing. Then I get to hand it off to my husband and our good friends at Trick Threads where we get to print everything. When I have the time I even get to go in and print myself which is a blast, but luckily I have other amazing people to help with this part.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Trust your creativity, especially when you think it looks like poop...its like a challenge that you get to figure your way out of. Oh and take a freakin' leap. You are talented, trust it!

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

My newest favorite things...I have been doing elaborate watercolor paintings of our travels and turning them into iconic hats with the painting embedded into them. You have to see them! Also tons of tank tops and layering pieces to wear through the rest of the summer and into the fall. Knowing me there will be one or two new designs by then as well.

7. Where can we learn more about you?

Check out our site: www.velaapparel.com or follow us on insta @velaapparel

1. How would you describe your style? 

I strive for a balance in my work. My style is loose and somewhat raw without being too messy. Thematically my work expresses feelings of isolation, loss, and grief balanced with innocence, hope, and strength.  If art can make people feel less alone, and more united in our existence, I believe it is successful. 

2. What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by dreams, animals, nature, dance, music, dolls, colors, patterns, and beauty in general. People inspire me who stay strong and positive despite the debilitating challenges that life can deliver. I'm also inspired by people who live boldly, often going against societal norms in order to express their personal truth, and give voice to those who have been marginalized.   

3. When do you feel the most creative?

I'm the most creative when I can let go of fear about the outcome of a painting, or the fear of messing it up. When I can work in a state of freedom, my creativity flows.

4. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

You will see many original paintings ranging from very small to large, as well as a large selection of prints. 

5. What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

I coolest artistic tip I have received was in my early months as a painter, I had a short conversation with an established artist friend about the background of a painting on which I was working. He described the background as being responsible for creating the world in which my character would live. This incredibly simple, and yet obvious, idea revolutionized my understanding of the backgrounds in my work.

Find out more about Jen Herling at: http://www.jenherlingart.com/

How did you start in the handmade community?

While living in Tulsa, I had been doing a lot ofart shows, displaying my paintings and photographs at galleries, and other venues. There was an art festival that happened every year that focused on local artists and handmade. People kept encouraging me to do it, so I gave it a go, and loved it! 

What or who inspires you?

Oh man, with the internet at our fingertips, inspiration is ENDLESS...but I've always been heavily influenced and inspired by the works of Warhol, Lichtenstein, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey, as well as Ralph Steadman. Music and nature also provide great sources of inspiration for me. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

I love taking familiar, as well as unfamiliar images and breathing new life into it, giving it a fresh look, and a spontaneous dynamic... I think I'm able to capture a subject's soul through color, composition and texture in a way that sets my work apart from others.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair?

You can expect prints and originals, smaller items like postcards, and buttons. And I'll be launching a new product, my "art you wear" necklaces! 

Shop Point Blank Art & Design at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on August 12th & 13th at Anderson Park, Wheat Ridge CO

Fore more, visit: 

http://www.pointblankdesign.net

http://www.facebook.com/pointblankdesign

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pointblankdesign

How would you describe your style?  

My stuff appeal to turtles, mostly. Humans like the stuff sometimes too, but most of the time it's just because they want to show their turtle the work because they know the their turtle will enjoy it. 

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
I think maybe the fact that it appeals so much to turtles is pretty unique. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I am inspired by the realization that if all of this doesn't work out I will be completely screwed, as I don't have any real skills in the workplace. That inspires me to keep doing this well.

When do you feel the most creative?
Probably in the morning and late at night. It really depends on the day. The creative ebb/flow is really inconsistent. I really just try and capture the artistic flow whenever it hits.

What is your creative process like?
It really depends on the project. But I would say coffee and exercise play a big role in stimulating my creativity and keeping me engaged and productive.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
Probably to just keep making stuff and turn off the fear and insecurity. It will never be as good as you want/envision, so the pressure is off, in a way. I enjoy just creating and having fun with it all.

Where can we learn more about you?  
My website, www.mountainvsplains.com, would give you some more insight perhaps. 

Shop Mountain vs Plains at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on July 25th & 26th at EXDO Event Center.

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I would say my work is a rustic, modern combination. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I am inspired by my every day, my life! I have the opportunity to experience so many people, places, ideas, and adventures, all of which I completely adore. With in each of those I find unique inspirations. 

When do you feel the most creative?
Ahh... in the mountains. Smile.

What is your creative process like?
My process starts with a 14ft. piece of wood and ends up with a handful of smaller pieces of art work. Creating the original paintings, grinding and sanding the wood, cutting it all up and transferring my paintings involves a lot of hands on kind of love. By the end of the entire process it most definitely feels like a very unique and custom piece of art. I love every step!

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
Enjoy the process of what you do most. 

Where can we learn more about you?
http://www.sage8studio.com
www.facebook.com/sage8studio
www.instagram.com/sage8studio

Shop Sage 8 Studio at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on July 25th & 26th at EXDO Event Center.