We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Hogarth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shannon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I love what I do because I have never thrived in a monotonous setting, it’s so freeing be able to choose what I work on each day based on how I feel. In my world there is always an ebb and flow with the seasons. I sell my jewelry at craft shows in the summer and the holidays, then I go into some slower months before it all picks back up again. It can create some tougher months financially, but I have learned how to plan for those better as time goes on. I do sometimes wonder if having a ‘regular job’ would create more stability year round and in some ways make me more comfortable. I think a lot of artists experience self doubt and whenever the slower months come I definitely deal with that. Thats when the idea of stability seems more alluring. For now I just remind myself that with each year I have seen so much growth and it’s not time to stop putting in the work to keep moving forward.

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?

I got into jewelry making in high school. I took as many art classes as I could at the time and my favorite art teacher, Mrs. Dressig, offered a jewelry making class. It was simple techniques but something that sparked my interest and never left. I went on to Kent State to pursue Fashion Merchandising, but that all changed when I took a jewelry and metals intro class. I loved working with the materials and thanks to another encouraging professor I switched majors and graduated with a Jewelry/Metals & Enameling degree. I tried a few different avenues in the field before settling on the business I have now. I make delicate jewelry in silver and gold with most pieces incorporating natural stones in subtle, earthy shades. Many of my pieces are worn as everyday staples by my loyal returning customers, but I also offer custom jewelry for brides looking for simplistic and modern adornments on their big day. I am proud that I do have returning customers, I think that says a lot about a product and it makes me strive to create new designs for not only the business, but for them.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when you have a spark of an idea out of nowhere and then are able bring it to life in the form of a tangible object. Usually the best ideas happen at the strangest times, and you might have to draw it quickly or write it down on a napkin so you don’t let the idea slip.. (I have a lot of napkin drawings, haha). It really is such a cool and rewarding experience to be able to bring thoughts and ideas into the physical world. I feel very lucky to have the skills to be able to accomplish that.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal with this creative journey is honestly just to be able to enjoy life by doing something that makes myself and others feel good. I can’t imagine a life where so much time is taken up by doing something I don’t find gratifying. I love creating with my hands, and what I love even more is when I see someone pick something up that I made and their eyes widen with joy. It fulfills me to know I am making things that might make someone feel happier or prettier when they wear it. Jewelry is such a cool art form because it holds so much meaning to people. Whether it be for a lifetime commitment or something they picked up on a trip, these small objects hold memories and emotions that are important to people and I love being part of that story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crescentrosecraft.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crescentrosecraft/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrescentRoseCraft/

Image Credits
Headshot photo by Caitlin Fagan All product shots are done by myself, Shannon Hogarth