Crafting A Career

Jen Bennett Gubicza

For a long time, I worked as a graphic designer at Big Blue Dot, the design studio that branded Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. 11 years later, my business card no longer reads “Creative Director” but “Stuffed Animal Designer.” I’m currently working with a group of people in Brooklyn to develop independent businesses that make a living making things. There are so many materials that are discarded that can be upcycled into something amazing. I have made animals out of vintage kimono remnants and fromdiscarded fabric sample books. One of my other studio mates makes bags and pillows out of old sails. Together, 15 of us are looking to build on the following ideas: Upcycling, Shop Local and Co-Production.

I got my start on Etsy, the 24-hour international online craft fair where you can always meet someone new, learn something new, and buy handmade goods. Social networking does translate into real-life friendships and business contacts. I can travel to any major city, and there will be someone who I can connect with from the Etsy community. It’s actually how I was able to take the leap into taking my stuffed animal business to the next level. I will also be building my own robust web site with original content and promotional tools for my business.