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UPSTNY MEMBER INTERVIEW | Christine Walker

AIGA member since 1999, Christine Walker, artist and owner of Concepcioun Handmade Gifts, makes time to answer questions in our first ever AIGA UPSTNY member interview by fellow member and Treasurer, Lori Reed.

CHRISTINE WALKER | Concepcioun Handmade Gifts | www.Concepcioun.com
Specializing in handmade books, journals, notepads, and custom wedding guest books.
Photography By Marc Stress of stressdesign

How do you pronounce your company name, Concepcioun?

Almost everyone pronounces it either with a southern flare to it, or a french couture..."cun-sep-she-own". I pronounce Concepcioun as "cun-sep-shun." So, to me, that is correct way to say it. However, I won’t be insulted by the southern or French pronunciation.

What prompted you to start your own line of products?

Well, I believe IT prompted me. I never saw myself taking Concepcioun that seriously. Once I started making sales, it started fueling the fire. I knew that I had the skills and the creativity to make it work. It is still a work-in-progress. It will be interesting to see what happens.

What inspires you?

Seeing other small businesses flourish because of the web. Seeing and talking to other “indie crafters” that are successful. Knowing that I have the power (for the most part) to make or break my success. Seeing other creative graphic design, architecture, typography, etc.

What role do you think designers should play in going green?

I always consider designers taking a lead role in almost all facets of life. Environment, politics, society. We communicate, persuade, ruffle some feathers, and hopefully evoke change because of it.

How do you manage your time so you can have both a successful design career at a local design firm AND run your own online business?

I am not so sure I do a fantastic job at managing both, but I try my best. I am still learning. When business is busy with Concepcioun, I am working from morning until late at night. Luckily, I like what I do with both jobs. It also helps that my employer is flexible.

What would your top piece of advice be for a designer who has a great idea they want to take to market?

Be persistent. The more often you stay in people’s vision, the better they will remember you. Network with everyone. You never know who might be paying attention. Create a brand for yourself!

In what way does being a part of AIGA enhance your career/being a designer/indie crafter?

AIGA enhances my design career by connecting me to other creative minds. It is great to be able to have a network of people easily accessible through this organization. AIGA events inspire me, and often reminds me why being a designer is so great.

Would you like to be interviewed? Contact us: communication@upstatenewyork.aiga.org

 

Posted by newyorkupstate in Member Interview  |  November 1, 2009