Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Tammy Brackett lives and works in Richmond VA and owns Moonstruck Promotions and specializes in music business consulting, writing and tour publicity for artists across the US. Tammy is the author of Fifty Ways to Tour Without Getting in the Van, a guide to touring your music but not yourself, Backstage Pass: Organize Your Band and Backstage Pass: Book Your Band and Fifty Rules of Rock, a collection of music survival strategies. She is also the co-author of Another Nightmare Gig from Hell: Musicians Tales of Woe and Wonder, with writer Nick Zelinger and the book won an 2012 EVVY Non Fiction Award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Another Nightmare Gig Volume II is in the works. Tammy creates handmade books, journals and cards from recycled materials like cereal boxes and greeting cards. She also builds fine miniature fairy furniture, doors, pixie portals and creates all manner of fae and fantasy art. She's the proud mom of two young men and one very large dog and has been happily domestically partnered with a fascinating guy for eighteen years.
What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I face is how to stay true to my creative self while promoting and marketing myself as an artist. I've learned to diversify my talents and create different streams of revenue other than art. To make finances work, I practice simple, sustainable, mindful living. I'm able to enjoy life as an artist because my needs are small and my wants are few. It also helps that I create most of my own art supplies to make books (THANK YOU JENNY) and draw from nature's bounty to create my fairy art. I'm also really lucky that many of my friends routinely ship unwanted items to my door! Last week I received old greeting cards, cereal boxes, beads and stickers. I am every grateful for my friends.
What other issues to you overcome to accomplish your art?
Time constraints create a lot of pressure in my world. I'm a freelance writer with deadlines, a published author with another book in the works and I manage my company. I also have a part time day job three days a week. So it seems like my biggest challenge is time and money! I love making things and finding time to devote to unbroken hours of creativity is daunting.
My heart's greatest desire as an artist is simply to make others smile! It's the coolest thing in the world to watch children and adults view my miniature fairy pieces and marvel and smile. It really warms my heart and lets me know I'm on the right path as an artist. I give my books as gifts and they are so appreciated. I love to make others happy and rediscovering my art has really allowed me to do that in unique ways.
Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
About my art: http://etsy.com/shop/alunachicstreasuresAbout me: http://moonstruckpromotions.com
My blog: http://alunatunes.wordpress.com
My books: http://nightmaregig.com
My self help books for musicians:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003YP2CAE
Thank you so much Tammy =D it was really interesting to get a glimpse into the mind of an artist who's work means you have to create regardless - whether it be words or art it still takes a lot of creative thinking, and can certainly see why that would mean staying true to your creative self is a task within itself. Thank you for sharing and I simply adore your miniature creations ~ just beautiful. Would you like to be a featured artist on Tell All Tuesday? Email me @ jennibellie@yahoo.co.uk if you feel up to sharing.
Another great interview. I'm going to hop over to Tammy's blog and shop and check out her fairy art!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on time going so quickly its untrue, although I too am in the UK and had enough heat thank you - it might be wet often, but also rather warm, Autumn cant arrive soon enough for me.
ReplyDeleteAnother great artist to entertain us and inspire, thank you.
Hi Jennibellie! I look forward to finding out more about Tammy's art. Thanks for introducing her to me. :) Richmond, VA was very close to where I lived for about 30 years. How cool is that?!? I just watched your newer video - the one about saving every drop of paint and I applaud you for not only being artfully frugal but also in keeping our planet clean. I do the same with my paint...only onto fabric...or into my art journals or altered books. When I'm done with the brush / tools...I put them into a bin of water and then soak up the tinted water with a piece of fabric. Love seeing what you're up to!
ReplyDeleteTammy is such a beautiful person! I am so very thankful that I know her personally! She is incredibly talented, with her artwork and her writing. Her creations are amazing, and I always enjoy seeing what she is making next. And the part about making people smile...well she is very good at that. Not only in her art and her creations, but with her sweet personality. I adore Tammy as a person and as an artist!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! We're so proud to know Tammy!
ReplyDelete(The boys from Roshambeaux)
Oh my gosh, the fairy furniture is adorable!!! It reminds me of a book I love, Afternoon of the Elves, about kids who make a whole playground for elves.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I'd love to be a featured artist! For some reason, I got an error message when I tried to email you. My email address is sarahsequins(at)yahoo(dot)come. <3
Loved this interview, and her art is so inspiring! Love the fairies too and the miniature escapes and the magic of it all!
ReplyDeletegreat interview. Different and wonderful art work that makes me smile. =)
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