We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Prescott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I find myself lucky to have the best of both worlds in my professional life. While working full time and remotely as a graphic designer, I”m also able to devote time to my art/small business. Personally I believe that this system makes me happiest and keeps me from burning out as a creative. I also find that this situation helps me feel less stressed overall as I’m not relying on my art form as my sole source of income. I understand that it is very much a privilege to be able to have this work/art separation that affords me financial stability and keeps my love of fiber art alive and well!

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 Sarah Prescott (she/her), I’m an Asian-American fiber artist and business owner of Lucy Lane LLC. I started my business in 2021 crocheting cotton tote bags for my friends. From there, I began taking commissions and moving on to creating apparel pieces including tops, hats, skirts, etc. I dropped my first collection on my website in April of 2023 and am currently writing my first crochet pattern which is in the testing phase and will be released in September 2023.

My small business story followed the same path as many other artists: started as a hobby, turned into an obsession, and now I’m lucky enough to sell my art. I am also fortunate to be able to have a full time job apart from my small business. At times this does make my life very busy but I’m personally grateful for this separation of income and art at this time in my life. I graduated from college in 2021 and with all of the expenses of being a young person in today’s economy, it would be very difficult for me to enjoy my art if I were relying on that income to pay for student loans, my car, medical costs, etc. At some point in my life, if it is financially feasible i’d love to make art full time.

I find that my creative process is not very complicated and is mostly inspired by pieces that I wish I had in my closet. I often find myself finishing a piece and being sad to see it go to a new home (but absolutely grateful and ecstatic it sold!) Because I make clothing based on my personal fashion preferences, I also find that I tend to have a lot in common with my customers. That might be my favorite part about selling my art, meeting amazing people that share my love of art.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I recently decided to start writing crochet patterns. I got many requests along my small business journey from people wanting to make their own pieces and at first I was closed off to the idea. My original vision was narrow: selling my handmade unique pieces. I was afraid that helping other creatives ‘diy’ would take away value from my own pieces but I realized that there was a market for both. Those who wanted to crochet their own pieces could buy my patterns and those who would rather buy the finished pieces could continue to do so. This pivot has so far brought me a lot of joy! I find that interacting with people who share my love of fiber arts is therapeutic and inspiring.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

As a person in today’s society, I understand and feel the pressures of shopping fast fashion like anyone else. The majority of my fashion comes from large corporations. There is a lot of negativity and I often feel overwhelmed like i’m not doing everything I can in my lifestyle to help the environment and independent artists. People today love to put down others for not being perfect. My attitude is to just do your best. No one can be perfect in lowering their consumption or saving the earth but little things can help. It’s also not helpful that fast fashion is often much cheaper than handmade/small business products. The best thing that society can do to support artists is do the best they can. You have to pay your rent and buy your groceries so just appreciate and buy art when you’re able to! No one should expect perfection, a little goes a long way sometimes.

Contact Info:

• Website: lucylaneshop.com
• Instagram: lucylane.crochet