Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Mae Ramey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a self-taught artist specializing in Zentangle style artwork. Ever since I can remember I had a pen or pencil in my hand. Whether I was at home or in school, I was constantly doodling on anything that was within reach. Paper, furniture, walls, school notes and even my siblings…and without even realizing it I was harnessing a certain creative style that has become my signature as an artist and has recently become super popular. All of my artwork is drawn free hand with pen and ink on paper and I prefer to do just use in black ink on white paper. Some of my drawings incorporate color, but I think there is something very clean and classic about the look of black & white. My preference is also to do everything by hand rather than the digitally. I feel more of a connection to the art when I’m just using just my hands and a pen. I find something very beautiful in imperfection and doing things free hand adds more character and heart to the piece. While I have been drawing my whole life, it wasn’t until recently that I started the arts festival circuit throughout New England. I will continue to participate in art showcases, arts festivals and art markets in the future and hope that someday soon this will become my full time profession. Nothing makes me happier than creating something beautiful that others are able to enjoy as well. I draw inspiration from everyday objects, clothing, pop culture etc and try to put my own spin on it. I see patterns in everything and do my best to emulate it on paper. Clothing, hair, animals, nature, buildings. Anything and everything is fair game when it comes to zentangling.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Selling artwork is not always easy. Everyone has a different taste when it comes to art and what they like. I’ve had a lot of success at certain arts festivals and a lot of failures at others. It’s completely different every time and it’s hard to gauge what is going to sell. The trick is to just be prepared and stay optimistic. Sometimes you may only sell one thing despite sitting there for hours or even days and it can feel like a total waste of time. It’s hard to see the positive in those types of festivals. I try to look at it as a networking opportunity and think of all the people I met and potential future customers. Maybe I didn’t have something they wanted then, but they’ll contact me in the future, or maybe they made a suggestion and I’ll go home and draw it and they’ll buy it later. My advice is to just keep creating, keep designing, drawing or doing. Do it if it makes you happy and do it for yourself. If you keep the mentality of “I’m doing this because I enjoy it” and not because you “have” to, you’re already a success.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Caseymae Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
I never even knew that my style had a name until a few years ago. I just considered myself a doodler. I’ve always loved intricate patterns or designs and couldn’t stop myself from drawing squiggly lines all over every paper that was in front of me. For a lot of my life I even leaned more towards painting because I never really saw myself as very good at “drawing”. Bright, vivid, cartoonish type artwork on canvas or glass was my go-to. It wasn’t until college when I started getting more into my doodles and a lot of people started commissioning me for my artwork and really started honing in on more of my zentangle designs.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I really like the podcast Anna Faris is Unqualified. It’s pretty hilarious to listen to while I’m drawing. I also like the Johnny Swim Pandora station.
Pricing:
- 11×14 prints are $35
- 8×10 prints are $25
- Set of 4 coasters $20
- 30 page hand crafted journals $10
- Greeting cards, $3 each, 3 for $8, 5 for $10
- Stickers $2 each
Contact Info:
- Address: Watertown, MA
- Email: caseymaedesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: caseymaedesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/caseymaedesigns
Image Credit:
Photos: Casey Mae Ramey, Susan Ramey
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
