Meet Michael Adams

We recently connected with Michael Adams and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

When folks think of fabric artists, they typically think about quilting, tapestries, or some other kind of wall hanging art form. I come from an entirely different angle, working on 3 dimensional pieces that are created from fabric. I specifically use fabric from upcycled suit coats that are unlikely to be worn again due to blemishes. I create what I term “beasts” from the suit coat parts and fabric. While I do use other fabric, I challenge myself to use as much from the suitcoats as possible. This is a limitation, but also a method to force myself to think creatively. Instead of just finding someone else’s pattern, I have to have a clear vision of where I’m going or abandon myself to experimentation. I look everywhere for inspiration. Nature, pop culture, other artists work, and even imaginings from readings. I have worked with several artists in a sort of back and forth process where the 2d artist creates an image of their own in “beast” style and then I try to recreate that artwork as a soft sculpture.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I started Suitable Beasts(R) unofficially over 15 years ago when my oldest son was still a little one. My favorite suitcoat got damaged and I hated to just throw it away when there was so much cool fabric that was still in great shape. In looking at the coat, the pocket immediately struck me as the gaping maw of a creature and I decided that I would create my son a stuffed beast that was absolutely unique. At that time I had only the most meager of hand-sewing skills. Needless to say, it took a while to get that beast completed but, surprisingly to me, I really enjoyed this act of creation. I decided to make another, then another…eventually getting a secondhand sewing machine and teaching myself how to use it. From there the sky was the limit. I have continually pushed myself to create new types of beasts, refine my skills, increase the amount of detail, and challenge myself. I also like to keep things available at a variety of price points. I have simpler beasts and much more complex beasts. Recently I’ve been exploring faux taxidermy and have made a goblin, an elf, and was even commissioned to do a Predator! I hope to continue along this road for awhile, honing my skills at creating more detailed and expressive faces, even if they are hanging on plaques!

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?

I’d say the three most impactful qualities were curiosity, perseverance, and belief in what I am doing. Curiosity led me to explore an idea and see where it went. Perseverance allowed me to be patient with myself while learning an entirely new skill. Belief in what I am doing has helped me keep exploring new avenues, looking for new markets, and seeking customer feedback, without the feeling that I need to appease anyone but my self.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle for me is production of my creations. I work full time and this is a side project. Sewing, especially the hand work on details, takes a lot of time. It is difficult juggling these time constraints and still living a balanced lifestyle. I have recently found an individual who is starting a career in the fashion industry and is looking for sewing practice. I have started having her do piece work for me on things that don’t need a lot of detail but are time consuming. I’m hopeful that this will help me balance my time!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuitableBeasts
• Instagram: @suitablebeasts