We recently connected with Stacey Vest and have shared our conversation below.
Stacey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Often artist aren’t valued. You’re probably wondering “what is a wearable artist?”.
We make couture, custom, handmade sculpted garments and headdresses to fit out clients’ theme.
Sometimes when people hear, “custom costume or garment” they might think it’s something coming from a big box store. This is fine and all but it’s not the case with us.
We provide a service that elevates experiences with thematic performances, custom interactive displays such as strolling hors d’oeuvres tables and champagne skirts that hold 100 glasses.
From the initial thought process and design to finding the best interactive talent for the event , we translate and execute our clients themes and ideas into reality. We bring the party!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have a background in graphic design which gave me the knowledge and craft of true design. Since I was 12, everyone always asked for help with their costumes, dress and hair for special occasions. After working as a professional graphic designer for 10+ years, I realized people (and friends) respected me as an artist! I love to tell the story of Halloween whenI was dressed as a cuckoo clock (complete with working parks on headdress) and one friend said to me, “You should sell that!”. Never would I have thought someone would want to buy a wild costume online in 2001! So I started posting wigs and costumes on ebay (pre-etsy). In 2005 my ebay customer in NYC introduced me to etsy where people not only bought the wigs, costumes and headdress, but asked if I could vend or perform at their events. At this point, I could quit my “day job” and do what I love, work with my hands and personality! However, it wasn’t easy. I worked longer and for less money because at that time I didn’t know my value…BUT I LOVED IT!
As I progress in my industry, I’m always motivated to improve and impress as a mother, consultant, artist and business owner. With my team, we strive to bring the best ideas, talent, makeup artists and fabricators for our projects.They are truly works of art!
Working with event planners, our service offers unique products that break boundaries, resulting in more social media and advertising reach before, during and after our clients’ events, making it even more memorable!
Do you want to WOW your guest? Let us know your theme and we can take it from there!
These interactive conversation pieces draw patrons’ desire to be a part of our customers’ unique celebrations.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Someone sent me a graph recently that was very inspirational….Said no one ever…but here it is.
Should I make art?
Do you have a formal arts education?
Yes – Super! Use it
No – Doesn’t matter
Do you know someone in the arts scene?
Yes – Great! They can help!
No – Doesn’t matter either
If you haven’t made are before, listen, not all art has to be in a gallery, book or on stage. Just make something for yourself or a friend. Make and appreciate art because you’re ALIVE and contributing to the masterpice of humanity.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I was a graphic designer and loved it. I also sold residential real estate and loved a lot of aspects of that. The money was great in both careers, but my heart just wasn’t there. I was trying to juggle both jobs and sell my waes online. I was spread so thin I couldn’t give the time and attention to my life and family. Focusing on my passion gives me constant welcomed challenges and I’m my own boss.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.easttovest.com
- Instagram: @easttovest
- Facebook: @easttovest