Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Vlajinac.
Holly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
On a cellular level I have always had a desire to create. I believe that being a maker is literally part of my DNA make up! Since I was very young, I have been fascinated with making everything from clothing and jewelry to home accessories and so much more. I have never met an art medium that I didn’t LOVE!
My passion for making brought me to MassArt in Boston where I graduated with a degree in Art Education in 2001. Shortly after graduation I was hired by my local junior high school as an art teacher. Being an eighth grade art educator has taught me so much about who I am and the joy of sharing art with others. Still, after 17 years in public education, I feel it’s time to focus inward and go back to developing myself as an individual artist. And that’s where WhatHollyMade.com has come in.
WhatHollyMade.com started as a way for me to document the variety of things that I make but, has evolved into a place for me to blog, share artwork and tutorials as well as sell whatever I am currently crushing on for art mediums. Most of my current work is Mixed Media because I love the flexibility, creativity and playfulness that the medium offers. I believe that you can never have too much color or too many layers in an artwork. My art is often described as whimsical and happy… And who can’t use more whimsical and happy in their life?
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say that it’s been a super smooth road but it certainly has been interesting! Learning about Social Media has been fun and challenging… I grew up in an era without smart phones and internet so reaching people through online outlets has been a learning curve for me. Now I feel much more comfortable connecting with people online. Very little makes me happier than when I see that people have visited my website or followed my Instagram feed.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with What Holly Made – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I would have to say that I specialize in ‘quirky’, unexpected art. My artwork is very colorful, crazy with visual layers and generally has a lot for viewers to look at. When I incorporate images or text in my artwork much of what I include is tongue and cheek and a little silly or sassy. I do believe in a positive message but always try to see the humor in things.
I hope that my love of making also shines through in my artwork. For every new item that I design or think up, I thoroughly enjoy the whole creative process of making it. The material choices, the challenges and joys of making something by hand and the triumph of completion is very special to me. When I make an art object, it is like I am sharing a little piece of myself. It tickles me when people enjoy what I have made and identify with it. That is the greatest gift for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: WhatHollyMade.com
- Email: whathollymade@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whathollymade
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatHollyMade
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatHollyMade
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