We recently connected with Elaine Unzicker and have shared our conversation below.
Elaine, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose came to me while pursuing my Master of Fine Arts degree from Illinois State University. Dennis French, my professor at the time, suggested I learn other techniques. My workshop on chainmail was all it took. I loved the soft, fluid quality of metal in a chainmail format or “Metal Lace” as I like to call it. Even in the beginning workshop, I was creating patterns of various colors of metal which the instructor did not do. I would say it spoke to me on many levels.
Jewelry ideas were, of course, the beginning stages of my business which is celebrating its 30th year. As I continued pursuing my art, the larger scale of wearable art intrigued me. And, I found myself diving into the draping quality it provided. Never mind that I really hadn’t made clothing before. The designs challenged me and as an artist it’s what drives me forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an artist with a business which seems like a mouthful when I write it here, but it’s the truth. Unzicker, the business, offers unique jewelry and wearable art. Many of my pieces are one of a kind items created through the flow of inspiration continually pouring into me. And, I love to work with clients individually to bring their dreams into focus. It’s a gift for me to engage with a client on a personal level; we both grow and learn from the experience.
I’m currently preparing for the Tempe Art Festival in Tempe, Arizona to take place December 1-3 where I will have a large selection of wearable art available. It’s a new event for me which is always a breath of fresh air. New places, people, and experiences are intriguing and it’s an opportunity to embrace the freshness of showing my art yet again. Of course, I’ll have a variety of new items including the “Wings” purse.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Trusting your inner guidance is probably the most important asset anyone can develop. If I hadn’t listened internally so long ago, Unzicker as a business would not exist. My internal compass led me down this path to begin with and I could have easily veered off it many times. But then, I would have missed all the people I’ve met along the way and the creative opportunities that opened up for me.
Communication is also a top skill for my journey as an artist. Art always requires talking with people to explain what you’ve created and why. And, it is a nonstop effort as education is often the beginning of a relationship which may lead to a sale or an exhibition or an interview. The list goes on and on and is never ending. Listening intently is essential as more information comes in to guide you along.
Being flexible is the icing on the cake. Your artwork changes or your business changes or you change what you want to focus on. Shifting into new ways to work with people or alternative markets can be extremely helpful. Growth comes with change even though it can be extremely challenging at times.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
Yes, absolutely use your strengths; they are your biggest assets. However, taking time to improve certain skills will definitely help you become a better business person too. Starting out, I found it incredibly challenging to talk to people about my artwork. And, I found the idea of selling was uncomfortable. I, then, settled into a rhythm of just opening my mouth and talking to others; listening to them respond. I realized fairly quickly I could sell my art if I had a rapport with the person. As time went on, it became easier and easier allowing me to speak comfortably in the potential sales environment. However, I took it one step further and started to really enjoy it.
At an art festival, I met a young woman who told me that she was a painter, but was afraid to show her art to anyone including friends and family. I encouraged her to start showing it to the people she was closest to. I do hope she began the journey in front of her. She didn’t let me know what happened. But, I never forgot her story. Beginning the thing you are most afraid of and attracted to doing may actually take you to places you never dreamed of and it’s important for your own growth as an individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unzickerdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theunzicker
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theunzicker
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEQXzaCcbdyp220jQZNe1Kw
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elaineunzicker/
Image Credits
Deborah Lyon, Donna Granata, Beth Backer, Keith Helmkamp
