We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ling-Yen Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ling-Yen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Embracing the artistry of crafting handmade jewelry in sterling silver adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones, has been a source of immense joy and fulfillment in my life. Over the years, I have honed my skills, passionately creating designs that reflect my unique vision and aesthetic. Despite the inherent challenges of sustaining a livelihood solely through my craft, I have navigated this journey with resilience, often supplementing my income through various other jobs.
These supplementary roles, though distinct from my creative pursuit, have surprisingly proven to be invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. Working in diverse environments has equipped me with essential skills, particularly in the realms of sales and customer interaction. These experiences have been pivotal in shaping my understanding of marketing strategies and cultivating meaningful connections with the public. I have come to appreciate the nuanced art of selling, recognizing that my distinctive designs may not resonate with everyone, but finding gratitude in the markets and selling opportunities that allow me to showcase and share my art jewelry.
While conventional employment offers the stability of consistent pay and regular hours, my entrepreneurial art venture grants me the autonomy to shape my own schedule. This flexibility proves indispensable, enabling me to align my work with my creative rhythms and complete tasks on my terms rather than adhering to external schedules. This aspect of entrepreneurship, though accompanied by the inherent uncertainties of income, is a trade-off I willingly embrace for the freedom it affords me in directing my artistic journey.
In essence, my journey as a jewelry artisan extends beyond the mere creation of aesthetically pleasing pieces; it encapsulates a dynamic interplay between creative expression and the practicalities of sustaining a livelihood. As I continue to evolve in this entrepreneurial space, I am cognizant of the balance between the stability offered by traditional employment and the liberating autonomy inherent in pursuing one’s passion. Ultimately, my work is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of artistic fulfillment and the pragmatic demands of navigating the marketplace.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Ling-Yen Jones, My business name is Ling-Yen Designs. Since 1994 I have been professionally creating and selling individually handmade, artistic jewelry. My creative journey is deeply rooted in the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces and small batches that reflect not only my craftsmanship but also a commitment to education and the promotion of handmade art.
My venture into this industry was catalyzed by the encouragement of fellow artists, such as Katie Enewold, who inspired me to share my work with the public and tell the story behind each handmade creation. Additionally, the guidance of Lynn Guenther steered me towards the wholesale aspect of my industry, a realm where presenting my distinctive work posed unique challenges. Yet, it is precisely this hands-on and unconventional nature of my creations that sets my work apart.
One of my essential values is a commitment to education. Operating a small gallery, Coast Highway Art Collective in Point Arena, CA, my mission extends beyond showcasing my work; it’s about empowering others to navigate the intricate landscape of selling their creations and running a successful artistic business. The gallery serves as a platform for learning and collaboration, echoing the invaluable lessons shared by my artistic mentors.
What defines my jewelry is its handmade nature and the exploration of unusual yet captivating themes. The “Windows of Opportunity” series, inspired by my travels and observations of city buildings, captures the essence of life and weather changes through the metaphor of windows. Another distinctive series, “Unmentionables,” draws inspiration from Ukiyo-e, the woodblock prints of Japan, reflecting simplicity in lines and everyday life.
While I take pride in the uniqueness of my creations, I am most proud of my longstanding service in this field, where I have not only showcased and shared my work but also assisted others in entering this realm. The joy and appreciation expressed by clients, who resonate with the unusual and distinctive nature of my jewelry, are a testament to the impact of my work.
My creations go beyond adornment. Wearing my jewelry is an experience that fosters a unique self-perception and a positive outlook on life. Each piece is designed not only to be aesthetically pleasing but also to infuse a sense of joy into the wearer’s life, serving as a personal and wearable source of inspiration.
As potential clients, followers, and fans explore my work and brand, I invite them to embrace the extraordinary and find in my creations not just jewelry, but stories, emotions, and a celebration of individuality. My gallery stands as a beacon for those seeking not only art but also the knowledge and empowerment to embark on their own creative journeys.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my work lies in the intrinsic value of crafting each piece by hand, a process that allows me to breathe life into my own concepts and designs. This hands-on approach not only defines the uniqueness of my creations but also serves as a source of immense personal satisfaction. My journey in the field of jewelry-making has been enriched by my educational experiences, including studies at Humboldt State University and my roles as a teacher’s assistant and teacher at the Mendocino Art Center. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the craft but also allowed me to share my knowledge with others, fostering a sense of fulfillment.
What I value equally is the support that has surrounded my artistic endeavors. When I have created a piece that I am proud of and someone connects with it so strongly that they want to own it, I feel a great sense of fulfillment and artistic success. Special classes and opportunities in the field of jewelry have also been extended to me, where I have had the privilege of serving as a teacher’s assistant, learning from others, and gaining valuable insights.
While the path to showcasing my work in exhibitions and shows poses challenges, the reward lies in the persistence and dedication required to secure these opportunities. Rejections, though initially disheartening, serve as catalysts for personal growth. The yearly ritual of applying, despite uncertainties, becomes a testament to my commitment to advancing my craft.
The anticipation of the end-of-year reflection on show choices becomes a source of motivation and a chance to strategize for the future. Moreover, it opens avenues to expand my work into new galleries and stores, while concurrently enhancing my social media presence and online store.
Essentially, the rewarding aspect of my work lies not only in the tangible creations but also in the continuous evolution, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence that define my artistic journey.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
In my artistic journey, one of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was the pervasive myth that, as an artist, success would naturally unfold without having to delve into the multifaceted aspects of life. This misconception suggested that my primary focus should solely be on creating art, with little consideration for the myriad roles that an artist must embrace beyond the studio.
The backstory to this lesson revolves around the belief that being an artist excuses a certain level of flakiness or inconsistency in other areas of life. There was an erroneous notion that the act of creating art was an all-encompassing force that would propel me to success, almost as if the art itself held magical properties.
Contrary to this myth, I came to realize that being an artist is not a one-dimensional role. It involves wearing multiple hats, including that of a designer, scheduler, secretary, buyer, manager, teacher, guide, and business manager. To succeed, I needed to be not only proficient in my craft but also adept at navigating the intricacies of running an art business.
Learning my craft was just the starting point. I had to actively engage in promoting my work, keeping my skills updated, and mastering the intricacies of business operations, social media, and sales strategies. The myth of the ‘flaky artist’ was shattered as I understood that success required a holistic approach, balancing creativity with the practicalities of life.
I am passionate about dispelling this myth and educating fellow artists on the importance of taking control of their artistic careers. I emphasize the need to master the skills of selling, creating effective schedules, and setting achievable goals. The realization dawned that being an artist isn’t synonymous with being whimsical or unreliable. Instead, it demands a strategic and disciplined approach to both the craft and the business side.
Unlearning the myth that artistic success is solely contingent on the act of creation has been transformative. Embracing the reality that artists must be adept multitaskers, business managers, and educators has empowered me to actively work towards not only creating art but also making it thrive in the world. Through my advocacy for artist education, I hope to inspire others to recognize the depth and breadth of their roles, fostering a community of artists who approach their craft with both passion and pragmatism.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Ling-Yendesigns.com
- Instagram: lingyenjones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027429056212
Image Credits
Robert Diamante Windows of Opportunity, sterling silver & Jade Robert Diamante Unmentionables Clasp sterling silver & pearls Ben Goodsit Crane clasp sterling silver & tourmaline Ben Goodsit sterling silver & pearl Image of Ling-Yen Jones by Jon E. Handel