Behind the Scenes: Work at Home Designs

In our first Behind the Scenes column we'd like to introduce Maree of Work at Home Designs. Maree actually worked as our graphic designer, creating the amazing logo, Etsy Banner, Blog Header, and all the other Clover & Violet graphics you see on our sites. So, as you can imagine, we were thrilled when she agreed to be our first interviewee.

Basic Graphic Package $30

1. When did you start doing graphic design? I have been dabbling in graphic design since I was about 18 years old. The first thing I ever created on the computer was a haunted house using MSPaint. How funny. lol

2. Are you self-taught or did you attend school? I'm completely self taught. It's been a lot of online reading/reasearch, tutorials, frustration and trial and error but it's what I LOVE doing and it's been so worth it.

3. How did you find etsy? Actually...one of my online friends started selling her crafts on Etsy and when I visited her shop I just fell in LOVE with the whole concept! Etsy is an amazing place! After awhile...I decided to give it a go myself (mainly because I could NOT make myself go back to my 9-5 job after my third child was born..but we needed a second income to survive). I started out with hopes of being able to sell my handmade illustrated cards but when I discovered that Etsy allowed the sale of graphic design...I jumped at the chance! I KNEW that was certainly something I could do (I'd been doing feelance work on and off for several years).

Premade Etsy Set $20

4. What does your daily routine look like? Oh my. Hmm. Well, I wake up...and check my Etsy convos and email first thing. I then make plans about what orders I'll work on that day and answer any inquiries I may have. Thankfully I have a great husband (who happens to be a stay at home daddy right now due to a lay off from work several months ago) to help out with the kids or I'd be lost! lol Then I play with my youngest little guy (18 months) for awhile...then it's time to go to work. I usually have a decent workload so I work most of the day (on and off) like I would with any regular job. After the older kids get home from school I usually try to stay away from the computer so I can make dinner and help with homework or play games and so on. Then once everyone's is fed, bathed and cuddled a bit...it's back off to work for awhile (on most nights) then a shower and bedtime. Wow, not very exciting huh? lol

5. When is your most creative time of day? I'm a total night owl. I LOVE to work at night when everyone is asleep. I can actually hear myself think. lol

6. What has created the biggest challenge for you? My biggest challenge has certainly been finding a balance between work and my normal family life. When I first opened my Etsy shop I knew I'd have to spend a lot of time working and promoting if I wanted to have any chance of being successful. So...I worked 7 days a week and sometimes up to 15 hours a day (and paid myself a LOT less back then by the way lol). It got old...quick. I finally realized that if I didn't slow down my kids were going to forget who I was. lol Not to mention the housework was falling way behind. I finally decided to set shop hours and take weekends off. The balance still isn't perfect...but we're getting there for sure!

7. What do you do when you're not being a mom or a designer? I love to craft! I love to make cards and scrapbook, create unique decorations for my kid's rooms and um...*blushes* browse Etsy. I LOVE looking at all of the wonderful handmade items. I can lose hours searching through Etsy and not even realize it. I also adore a good Stephen King book from time to time.

Custom Character $50

8. What do you do when you've had a bad day? If I've had a REALLY bad day I'll just send my husband out to get dinner and then we'll watch a movie together with the kids. The fact that I don't have to cook and do dishes (even though my hubby helps a LOT) is a real comfort to me and watching a movie helps me forget whatever has happened that day to upset/annoy me. Oh, and bubble baths and chocolate are good too!!!

9. What kinds of things do you shop for on Etsy? I am a handmade soap ADDICT! I absolutely love it and can't get enough of it. I seriously have a ton of handmade soap in my bathroom just waiting to be used. I also love to shop for unique children's toys. I've gotten my little ones some of THE custest little treasures from Etsy.

10. Do you have a favorite purchase? I actually have two favorite purchases. I can't choose just one.I LOVE my Family blocks from A Sign of the times. Then there's this fabulous illustration from Marisa at Elegant Snobbery. I actually bought three different prints for the baby's room but this is my favorite. Not only is Marisa incredibly talented...she is the sweetest, down to Earth gal EVER. I just adore her.

Premade 2 Inch Printable Sticker $3

We could not be more pleased with the work Maree has done for us, I imagine anyone else would say the same.  Even if you don't have an Etsy shop, if you like to blog Maree does custom blog headers and cutsom blogger templates as well.

The Giveaway:

Maree is graciously giving away not 1, but two free premade 2 inch printable sticker designs.  These would be great not only for an Etsy shop, but also for a birthday party, baby shower, other event, and even address labels.  To enter, visit Maree's shop or banner portfolio and come back here to leave a comment with a favorite item.

To earn extra entries (make sure to let us know in your comment):

• Follow our blog
• Follow Maree's blog
• Tell a friend and have them leave a comment

You have until 7am on Monday, May 3, to enter, and the winner will be announced later that morning.  We hoped you enjoyed getting to know Maree as much as we have.