Please note that this episode has audio difficulties. We did the best we could in post-production, but it’s not ideal. Please accept our sincere apology. Sarah was awesome.
On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about making a living as an artist and surface pattern designer with my guest, Sarah Golden.
Sarah is a painter and surface pattern designer living in Sacramento, California with her husband and 5-year-old twin girls. She paints abstracts, lots of plants and is a fabric designer for Andover Fabrics.
Sarah Golden in her studio.
Sarah grew up in a tiny town in California and, although she was highly creative as a child, she considers herself to be a late bloomer when it comes to the visual arts. Sarah spent many years making music, singing, and writing songs and playing the guitar. Traditional schooling didn’t work so well for her so she moved to L.A. and got various jobs in coffee shops before becoming a music publicist. That job taught her a lot about the strategy behind what often appears to be “easy” or “quick” artistic successes, and many of the lessons she learned during that period she still employs today albeit for marketing her own visual artwork.
Tiger Plant, Sarah Golden’s second collection for Andover.
Sarah discovered artmaking in her 30s. When she had her twin daughters she took an online printmaking class with Jen Hewett and learned how to create surface designs by carving stamps, a process Sarah says appealed to her immediately. She began sewing and printing and has really never looked back!
“Layers no. 18” by Sarah Golden.
One of the things Sarah did around this time was to convert her Instagram account from a personal account used to share photos of her life into a business account used to exclusively share images of her art-making process. I ask Sarah to explain how she did this and the effect it had on her business. One of the results of this transformation was her first fabric line with Andover.
For a long time, Sarah worked out of a converted garage attached to her home. Just recently she began renting an outside studio space where she can focus on painting. We talk about the impact of this transition on her thought process, it challenges and rewards.
“Monstera Obliqua no. 1” print by Sarah Golden.
And, of course, I ask Sarah to recommend great stuff she’s enjoying right now. Sarah recommends:
- Airtable
- How to Make It
- Having a creative hobby that’s not related to your business
You can keep up with Sarah on her website and follow her on Instagram for daily updates.
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This episode is sponsored by BrewStitched Fabrics.
Located online at BrewStitched.etsy.com, BrewStitched Fabrics offers fun and modern fabric for all of your sewing and quilting projects. Now carrying the all-new Ruby Star Society collections. Check out the Preorder and New Arrivals sections for the best selection. Use the code ABBY25 for 25% off fabric, notions, patterns, and gifts through July 31st. Most orders ship next day and orders over $70 ship for free in the US! Check it out at BrewStitched.etsy.com
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Hi Abby,
I don’t know if it’s my computer or not, but I am having a really hard time hearing Sarah in this recording and I have my volume settings all the way up. It might just be my computer but thought I would let you know. Keep up the great work; love your podcasts and all of your work!
Christine
No, it’s the recording. I’m so sorry. We encountered some challenges that couldn’t be overcome. It happens, but I’m sorry!
I so look forward to your podcasts Abby!! This was the 1st one in which I couldn’t hear your guest at all. Such a disappointment, as your interviews are fabulous!
I know. We had some pretty major technical difficulties. I’m sorry and hope you’ll hang in there for the next one.
Hi, I somehow was able to hear this and it was wonderful. Sarah is inspirational and so talented. I began following her on Instragram and her feed is remarkable., beautifully curated and relatable. She does beautiful work but also provides a real demonstration of the importance of showing up and doing the work on a consistent basis. It’s so easy for me to get distracted with side issues as an avoidance technique. Your interview with Sarah provided an invaluable and humbling lesson.
On a side note, I had thought your blog title somehow alluded to you napping and still managing to get so much done. Laughed out loud when I saw it was while the children napped! Much more relatable and a complete gestalt. Thanks so much for a great blog. Enjoy Craft Alliance as well.
Ha! Well, I do most of the napping now that my kids are 8, 13, and 15!