Clay Sculpting with Dear Beasties
Have you ever seen an adorable beastie and wondered who made it and the story behind its creation? We’ve got a wonderful interview for you today from Dear Beasties where Paola talks to you about how she started Dear Beasties, where her ideas for each little one comes from gives new sculptors some tips, and much more!! After the interview, we have a list of places sculptors can join or find more resources about being a sculptor, places to sell your work, and help build your own sculpting community. :)
By Michele of VAMICreations and Paola of Dear Beasties
How did you start Dear Beasties?
I started Dear Beasties not intending it to be a small business. Originally I just started creating because I just enjoyed making little figurines from clay. I only started my little online business when my family said I should sell my little creations. So I did! I’ve been enjoying making little figurines and earning a little bit on the side ever since.
What gave you the idea/inspiration?
What inspires me the most in creating these little beasties is my love for animals. Growing up, I always loved being around animals. I think growing up in a farm, surrounded by cows, goats, chickens, and our dogs and cats has been the reason why I’m a big animal lover.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My names is Paola Camille, but most of everyone who knows me calls me Camille. I currently 32 yrs. old, happily married, and we have two beautiful kids. I am a full time stay at home mom with a little side line with my little beasties. I enjoy sculpting, drawing, taking pictures, dancing, and riding my motorcyle.
How long has Dear Beasties been around?
Dear Beasties has been around since 2016. When I first started, my little shop used to be called “The Crafty Teddy”. I recently changed the name to “Dear Beasties” last year because I can feel like my shops theme can relate to this new name more.
How did you get started sculpting?
I actually ran across polymer clay purely by accident. I was watching some YouTube videos when I saw this video about polymer clay on the suggested videos section. I got curious and watched it. From then on I was hooked! After seeing a couple more videos about it, I went to an art supply store right away. I purchased a few blocks and started playing with it. After that, I didn’t stop making little figurines. I’m so glad I ran across this medium.
How do you choose the sculptures you create?
I don’t really have a process on choosing a subject to create. I usually just go with what I feel like making at the moment. I’m sort of the go with the flow kind of person.
What has inspired you to create different sculptures?
Variety is the spice of life, right? I found that when I keep repeating creatures I made over and over again, I tend to start to get really bored and I would stop working. So to keep things interesting, I always create different creatures every time.
What would you tell a new sculptor for encouragement?
Do not get discouraged. You will make mistakes, but that’s okay. You won’t learn unless you make mistakes right? Just keep doing it again and again and you will get it!
What is something you are passionate about and why?
At the moment, I’ve been enjoying a newish hobby of mine, learning to ride a motorcycle. I’ve been riding for a year now and I still have plenty to learn. It was a little scary in the beginning but the rush you get when riding has been pure fun. Hopefully when I get a little more time for myself I will be able to go out and ride more.
If you had one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur, what would it be? What would you encourage them about?
Keep at it! Show them what you are made of. Don’t let what other people say about you affect your work.
What is a lesson learned for being a woman entrepreneur that you wish someone has told you when you first started?
Be proud of your work. Do not hide what you are capable of. Show the world what you can do! These are things I would tell anyone who is afraid of maybe showing their work to the world. People will judge no matter what you do so why bother caring what they would think?
What is you dream for Dear Beasties to be (where do you see Dear Beasties in 5+ years)?
I’m not looking to do anything big in the future. All I want is to be able to do what I am doing right now and just keep going. I’m just glad that people are enjoying my work and that I am able to spread a little joy out in the world.
Is there anything you would like to talk about that we did not ask about?
Here’s another little advice I would like to give to anyone who is thinking about sculpting or starting to think of starting their own online business. You have to enjoy what you are doing, or else it wouldn’t be as fun or as rewarding. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing or creating, you are taking yourself on a path where there isn’t much satisfaction for yourself.
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Thank you for joining us with the interview of Paola from Dear Beasties and thank you to Paola for the interview!!
Below, I’ve included a list of several sites for clay sculpting guilds worldwide that sculptors could join or even find local sculpting classes.
International Polymer Clay Association is a great organization where you can search for guilds and groups worldwide, join and connect with others worldwide specifically through their zoom chats several times a month and so much more. They also have retreats and other membership benefits available to include many discounts from The Blue Bottle Tree and other places to buy clay equipment and other accessories.
Sculptors Guild is an organization in New York City where you can join and take part in several events that they host or take part in to include virtual events and art fairs/special projects. Their mission is to support and advocate for sculptors with personal interaction, professional development, community outreach, and exhibitions.
National Sculptors Guild in Loveland CO is a place where you can submit your work and also find some resources in their FAQ page about other places to submit your work.
Arizona Artist’s Guild is an artist’s guild that supports artists in Arizona and provides several resources for the budding sculptor. They have an art supply exchange as well as a page for opportunities for artists to include a call for art and events that you could exhibit your artwork.
Krasi Clay Artist Guild in Michigan, has a number of events (to include a nationally ranked Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff) and resources for art at home, art for kids, and more. Their events are scheduled for 2021 but you can also join to become a member and find out more information about a number of other events to include their Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff which has over 200 artists worldwide exhibiting their artwork.
The Clay Art Studios of the Hamptons has a number of classes that members and others can take but most are in New York near Water Hill. They also have speciality classes and membership.
Nevada Clay Guild is in Las Vegas Nevada and has a number of classes and events for both members and non-members and also has a library of resources for learning all about clay and sculpting it using a variety of tools and techniques.
KC Clay Guild in Kansas City is a pottery center that offers a number of classes to anyone in the Kansas City area. They also have pottery studios and events for showcasing your clay sculptures.
The Compleat Sculptor is a site focused resources for the sculptor. The main page has a number of links for magazines, organizations, and schools all supporting the sculptor to include places to buy online clay equipment and tools.
Thank you for joining us for this interview. I would love to see what DearBeasties artwork you have - tag me on social media and i’ll share what you send my way :). Please let me now if there is a maker you recommend be highlighted and interviewed here by emailing me or commenting below. Thank you and have a wonderful and safe day!