Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Zahn
Hi Natasha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been creative, but about twelve years ago, I decided to kick it up a notch and start selling in a more consistent manner at local markets and First Friday events. This fit in well with my lifestyle at the time. It was like dipping my toe into the pool! But over time, I built up a larger collection of designs and a really supportive community of buyers. I started a website and learned about selling online, I developed an annual calendar in addition to cards and prints, and I reached out to a handful of stores and started selling wholesale in a very small way. Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve expanded wholesale to 30 shops in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest; I continue to sell at local markets and online; and I’ve developed art curriculum for teacher professional development and have held art workshops for adults.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today has been filled with potholes–both professional and personal. But in the end, it’s the side roads, mistakes, pleasant discoveries, and family and friends (new and old) that have made it all worth it. I struggle with technology–it consumes a lot of time I’d rather spend elsewhere. I came in with a business plan of “I want to sell some cards” so I’m trying to retrofit my business after I established it. I’m sure this is common with artists–I have some systems set up and others completely lacking! I’m learning to develop workflows.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am definitely a paper gal–I fall in love with finding new products to put my designs on, and I’m known for my “burst of color” cards, prints, journals, stickers, and wrapping paper. I work primarily in pen and watercolor or collage using hand painted papers. I create my work by hand on paper, but upload things digitally to get it onto products. I am proud of how I’ve grown my product line and experimented with surface pattern design using my motifs. It’s easy to stay with what is familiar, but I’ve taken a chance on new products and they’ve been received well by my audience. I believe my style and color make my art recognizable and consistent and sets me apart from others. In addition, my retail sales background means I understand customer service–both direct sales and to wholesale vendors. I like to deliver above and beyond what is expected of me.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh my gosh! I would not be here without my fantastic family and solid group of friends. But specifically-beyond my mom, sister, and daughter telling me they love every design or newsletter I send out into the world, there are some folks who have made a huge difference in my business. At one point in the past, I paid a creative art membership fee and was paired with fantastic women in Hawaii with whom I still meet weekly online. (Read my blog post about it here: https://www.natashazahnstudio.com/blogs/news/from-zoom-to-bloom) These women have supported me, suggested ideas, shared contacts, and generally been amazing. I took classes from and was in a membership with Anne LaFollette and consider her a mentor and guiding light in my art business. Locally, I’ve teamed up with some amazing women entrepreneurs –all in different areas and stages of business, and they have been my saving grace. I get tech support, personal support, collaborations on pop up shows, opportunities to sell wholesale, and feedback on ideas. Elsewhere in the state, I’ve leaned on friends “in the biz” and have gotten great advice for growing my business.
Pricing:
- Cards and stickers start at $5
- Prints run $33- $38
- Paper goods run $7- $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natashazahnstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashazahnstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatashaZahnPristas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatashaZahnStudio/featured
- Other: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/natasha_zahn
Image Credits
Natasha Zahn
Melissa Haffeman