We were lucky to catch up with Reed Mann recently and have shared our conversation below.
Reed, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
We definitely got influence from other local artists in the Memphis area. Once we started to make the art that we display today, it just sort of took off. We suddenly had dozens of ideas for new pieces. I’ve found my purpose through the reactions from our customers and friends. When they see what exactly we do, they fall in love with it just as much as we did.
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?
In the most simple terms, we create bone art and sell antiques. But to us, it’s so much more than that. It’s our creativity manifesting in a brand new form that neither of us understood that we harnessed until it began.
After dozens, we only have one market left this year. We plan to take January and February off from events so we can rebuild our inventory and really focus on our art so that we’re putting our best possible pieces out into the world come March once we’re back in it.
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?
The most useful thing I wish I could have told myself from 6 months ago is: stop being so dang shy, girl. Networking with your fellow artists in the community really is the greatest thing you can do. Not only are you making friends, you’re also making important connections for other events and things you can do to expand your own business. I’ve definitely been forced to come out of my shell a lot this year because of this new venture.
No ideas are bad ideas when it comes to art. You may absolutely hate a piece of art when it’s finished. But you never know how people will react to that piece. That could be the piece someone has been searching for for ages. Don’t be afraid to mess up. There are no mess ups in art.
It’s okay to seek inspiration from other artists. So long as you’re not outright copying them (duh). I spend hours scrolling Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook looking at other bone artists’ work to see what pieces they have created that I love and see what I could do to make a technique that they’ve used or a specific bone they’ve used my own.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My husband, by far, has pushed me the farthest with my art. He inspires me every day. When I feel discouraged, or my imposter syndrome rears its ugly head, he is always pushing me to change my perspective and try again. I truly wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://evileyeoddities.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evileyeoddities
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093699997193&mibextid=LQQJ4d
