Welcome to Tracyville!- Introducing Artist Tracy Viverretta

Introduce yourself in two sentences or less: Hi! I'm Tracy - self-taught artist, illustrator, recycling guru, utter diy-er, peddler of handmade goods and blogger at Tracyville

How/ when and where and when did your artistic journey get started: Since childhood. As a child, I was always making things by hand – dolls, pillows, embroidery, etc. I don’t remember always drawing when I was young, but I do remember ALWAYS making fun and functional things. As a junior in high school, I did do some drawing, but that was it for my art (not crafty), inclinations until 1994.

I didn’t know that 1994 would mark the beginning of me finding my absolute passion. In that year, I launched a monthly children's publication (which I found out many years later was known as a “zine”), called Kid’s Press. It was created to encourage inner-city children to develop a love of reading. Since I wrote, illustrated and edited all the content, I thought I was on my way to becoming a writer of children’s books, but what I didn’t anticipate was falling crazy in love with drawing and illustrating. My sweet, little children’s publication lasted for 7 years and then, I guess you could say, my art career officially started.
Where do you get the ideas for your illustrations? Where does your inspiration come from?

Faces, (I love faces), words, language, unique characteristics of different faces, people who love themselves as they physically are, letters, books, children’s literature, positive things people do...almost everything inspires me, but I have to say again happiness and kindness. If you notice, my work is very happy, colorful, sweet and lighthearted - a true representation of how I like my world to be.
Your style is so unique: how did it develop over the years. Firstly, thank you for that compliment. Secondly, hmmm...good question. Well, I never went to art school or even had an art class, so I would have to say that my style developed into where it is today.

Since I'm totally self-taught, my style was rough and raw in the beginning - very much resembling children's artwork, which, by the was was fine with me because I LOVE and appreciate children's art. I've tried different mediums acrylic, pastels, mixed media, textiles and more, but my current favorite is pencils and it's perhaps my all-time favorite. I also love to experiment with strange looking characters and irregular features. Sometimes when things look a little to ordinary to me, I feel the need to 'weird them up' a bit.

On your blog, you describe yourself as an extreme recycler. How do you incorporate recycled materials in your products?
My recycling is a bit out of control. Luckily, I'm a very neat and organized person, so everything goes neatly in its place. If I make a doll, I make it from gently used clothing.

I make paintings on burlap from coffeeshops, I make body products for myself and store them in empty containers from food that I've purchased. I make journals from cereal boxes and other foodstuff boxes. My friend no longer throw things out. They call me up first and ask if I want such and such. I'm telling you - it's out of control. (LOL) But I LOVE it!
What are some of the main business lessons you've learnt since opening your online shop.
I've learned that social media isn't everything and it truly isn't a magic wand. I have also learned to think out of the box and to not discount the power of being offline. Competition is high and everyone's trying to get a slice of the pie.
People think that having a handmade business is easy. They don't realize the inordinate amount of time it takes to market, promote, develop, grow and operate a handmade business, as well as conceptualize, design and manufacturer one's own products. I have seen many handmade businesses come and go because it is a huge amount of work and a huge commitment. I commend all of the creatives out there who are doing it.
What advice would you give to young creatives in terms of marketing their art to the world.
Firstly, confidence (not arrogance), is everything. Be confident about your work and the price/value of your work. If everyone is going in the same direction, consider getting out of the line and going the other way. Use your creative mind to think of creative ways to market your work. In this highly competitive field - think out of the (marketing) box. Research how to market your art and commit yourself to it. Don't half-step. Be a consummate professional by returning emails, phone calls, etc. Find out everything you can about promoting and marketing both your work and yourself.

Where can we see more of your work?
You can see my work at the following locations. Also, I would love some likes on my new Facebook page and I will return all of your likes. Thank you! Blog: http://tracyville2.blogspot.com/ Shop: http://tracyville.storenvy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyville2 Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tracyville2
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Sure! I would like to encourage folks to support handmade businesses and small businesses. It's good for the mind, spirit and economy. I would also like to thank you Patricia, for introducing me to your readers. I truly appreciate this opportunity. Come visit me at Tracyville! :)