Life and Work with Betse Frail

Today we’d like to introduce you to Betse Frail.

Betse, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Last year, I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design where I earned a degree in fibers. The program I completed was an intersection between ancient craft techniques, textile design, and contemporary art. It was very open-ended and I was allowed the freedom to direct my own practice. Here, I fixated on embroidery. I would say that I started to really practice the craft about four years ago, exploring and perfecting my technique while also studying the history. I started taking commissions while still in school, mostly from friends or friends of friends who wanted patches and other small pieces. Through these jobs, I learned a lot about pricing my work, working with clients, and networking. In a lot of ways I’m still getting started as an artist and business but the most important thing to me is to keep evolving and practicing the craft I love.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Funnily, I also feel like I am just starting my journey. My advice is to remember that every opportunity is a learning experience. So far I have had jobs as an artist assistant, a stitcher in a costume shop, and a craftsperson specializing in embellishments. Each one taught me about what I valued in a workplace, which I can in turn apply to conducting my own freelance work. I have also met so many people who have become mentors and collaborators to me. In fact, a lot of the commission work I have received, before I started actively advertising myself, has been through word-of-mouth.

The other pieces of advice I have been to create a solid workspace for yourself. When I graduated from school, I lost my studio, which was the only physical space I had that offered me the headspace to create. For awhile I had to have a makeshift desk in my bedroom before moving into an apartment with a small bonus room. I still don’t have my dream studio space, but I do have an allotted space to create my work.

Lastly, do not undersell yourself. I think that every person new to freelance does this: undercharging clients for work due to the fear of losing the job. Remember: you need to factor in materials, your time, and even your cost of living into a project. It is tempting to take every job, but it is important to recognize when something isn’t going to pay out or feel rewarding. Even if self-doubt is getting to you, remember that you deserve a fair wage and that your effort is worth it.

Please tell us about your business.
I find it difficult to label myself as one type of artist – I’m a craftsperson, a sculptor, and an illustrator to name a few. However, embroidery is undoubtedly my specialty. Since graduating from school, I have turned my focus towards making detailed illustrations rendered in thread. I am interested in narratives and interiors and creating stories that people may or may not understand. That is my personal work. I also love making patches and small, fun illustrations, like beer and seltzer cans or Sailor Moon characters. The most important thing to me is that my pieces are beautifully made, but still have that handcrafted quality to them.

Who have you been inspired by?
It’s cheesy, but, of course, I need to mention my mom. She isn’t an artist like I am, but she was a regional manager of a large company in the 80’s and 90’s in a field dominated by men. I don’t think she knows how much I think about that because when I was very young she was able to quit her career and raise me and my sisters. I know that at her job she worked to support her fellow female and other marginalized coworkers. She taught me to work hard, treat all people with respect, and to be self-sufficient. I use these as guiding principles to conduct business and live by.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.betsefrail.com
• Email: betsefrail@gmail.com
• Instagram: earthwindandfibers

Image Credit:
Betse Frail

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