Restless Entrepreneur/Designer Creates T-shirts!

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This is what happens when you see so many cute t-shirts design on etsy.com and not so cute ones that you want to create your own…I’m especially loving the Mama/Papa and Baby/Toddler matching t-shirt sets!

For awhile now I thought about branching out to create comfy cute t-shirts with brands like American Apparel because their tri-blend material is so soft! And I really like the heather, rugged, worn t-shirt….they are the best, especially in terms of comfort and visual appeal. I heard good things about the Next Level t-shirts too, but since I don’t own any, I can’t be sure. What are your thoughts on favorite brands of blank t-shirts?

Anywho, the reason I’ve never really pursue the t-shirt making business because it requires a little extra investment and because small screen-printing shops require a minimum run. So, I’m trying to see how many of you loyal readers 🙂 out there would be interested in purchasing a set of these bad boys! It would probably be around $40 – $44 a set (ex. Mama and Baby). It will be screen printed and on quality t-shirt (maybe American Apparel or other comparable brand). Please email me at hmttran@gmail.com and let me know what you think. Thanks guys! And I hope you stay cool because it’s HOT out!

xx

Hanh

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Shoot for the Stars

Wow, I just read the most inspiring email that I just had to go on here and share it. It was from my cousin from the windy city who is a creative like me. 🙂 There are days when I feel stressed about my “new” job…don’t get me wrong…I’ve never regretted taking this step because I make it a point to not have regrets…because those haunt you. But when I read his email about how he wants to follow his passion and start doing things he enjoys…that makes me beyond happy. Because life is short and taking chances are scary and nerve-wrecking as hell but often the greatest risk yields the biggest rewards or something like that. Your job can just be that…your job, a way to fund your life so you can have security, basic necessities, and simple pleasures/adventures. In my case, when I just couldn’t change my mindset and felt like I was wasting all this time at work concentrating on trivial stuff for the workplace and feeling drained and not having enough time when I get home to work on all these ideas I have in my head, I knew I had to do something. Believe me, it took me awhile. And I’m okay with that…I don’t envy those that could make quick decisions and just go with it…I’ve accepted who I am and what I’m comfortable with. After all, at the end of the day, it’s me who have to live with it. So YES, let’s “shoot for the stars” because even if we miss, it will be one hell of a journey! N and P, I’m excited to start this journey with you! 🙂

I’m reminded of this quote I once read somewhere and it really stuck with me….

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners. I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close the gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” -Ira Glass

I once went through these watercolor collection of an artist who’s work I really admired and what I noticed that most of his earlier works weren’t all that good or something I would purchase, but he painted A LOT. There are hundreds of them. And eventually he did find “the thing” that made his art special. That was the moment I started painting with watercolor.

Whimsical Accessories for an Enchanting Moment

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These are probably one of my favorite bloom collection I’ve created so far! I almost don’t want to sell it…but I can’t keep hoarding all these items. It would be a dream to see these on actual people/actual weddings. I love everything about it…the colors, the over-the-top simplicity, if that makes sense…the natural branches, the clear gem rhinestones and the velvet ribbons. I know, I know…I’m one of those people that really appreciate the finer details in objects/surroundings. A lot of people would argue that less focus on material things and more on experiences will create a more “richer” life, and sometimes I agree with that and sometimes I don’t. I guess I believe in both, especially in my case…I really treasured my adventures and my memories and I really enjoyed buying things from those places I visited because it reminds me of those times. Plus how about the rest of the times you are not traveling/going on adventures? Your surroundings play a big part on your mindset too. I know I feel more at peace when my room is not clutter. Sorry, if my thoughts are over the place. 🙂 I might just be writing/typing to myself, but I tell myself, that at least I will have an online journal/post of my process.

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We are not so different, you and I…..

we all have our struggles. It’s how we handle it and treat others in the process that separates us.

I took some pictures today of my sister modeling these flower circlet/tiara/crowns that I have been working on and I’m really happy with the way the “photo shoot” went. I used my brother’s backyard because it has this really natural foliage. I’m still on the lookout for beautiful natural places that I can use as backdrop for my aspiring photography. These will be available on my etsy shop soon if anyone is interested. 🙂 This marketing aspect is the hardest thing about this new endeavor of mine. I have to keep telling myself it takes time. Below are some photos of the flower circlets.

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Update: These ethereal bohemian bride’s crown/tiara/circlet are available on my etsy shop now!

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Keep on Trekking……………

I’m fast forwarding one year from now…trying to imagine what I will be doing…if my new business will thrive or will it fall flat. It has been a constant struggle lately, a lot of self-doubt. I know a lot of people feel that way at the beginning…wondering if they can be successful in their chosen market/career. I’ve been working/designing wedding invitation/suites lately and toying with the idea of printing them on my laser printer to market, but there’s already so many design templates out there that I wonder if people will want my designs. Or am I just wasting my time? Arghhhh! Do any of you ever feel that way? Probably, right?

I got this beautiful navy blue laser cut wedding invitation from my cousin Tammy’s wedding and it inspire me to create this wedding suite. I just love the intricacies of that laser cut folder. Is paper art/design a dying form? Do people still like receiving it? Or do they just tossed it out?

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