Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Hernandez
Hi Nancy , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I was a little girl, about 3 years old. I started drawing on the walls of my parents apartment, Since then, I had discovered my love and passion for art and being creative. Growing up, I enjoyed anything arts and crafts, poetry, etc… I was always drawing. My father himself was an entrepreneur, so I guess I followed in his footsteps and about the age of 12 I knew I wanted to have my own small business selling my silly, cute crafts. I truly never had the correct resources and connections to get myself out there until last year; 2023. I spent about seven years just making crafts for friends and family, but last year I just randomly started researching craft shows because I realized Farmers Markets were a thing. I’m originally from California, so for me it was a little uncommon to hear about those. So here I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride, mainly dealing with financial issues and not having the right connections can put a strain on the journey. But learning from previous mistakes and taking advice from others who have been in the game a lot longer definitely helps a lot. One thing about my business that I hear time and time again, is that I’m underselling my items. I am aware, but to be honest, it’s not about the money. It never has been. I create my art because I want people to genuinely enjoy and have it. In this economy I don’t want people to choose between groceries or having an art piece of mine. I price my items a very fair and considerate amount. I am blessed with a great normal job, so I do this purely because it’s my hobby, it’s my passion. I want people to enjoy a little piece by Phantom Artistry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a normal, 9-5 job. I work in aviation, a production company if you will. But when I get home and on my days off, I am an artist. That’s truly who I am. I enjoy making unique terrariums. Spooky and cottagecore are my specialties. I love when my art looks like a cute English garden with a spooky cemetery twist. My terrariums are definitely my signature piece that I take much pride in because each and every one is unique and different. I have ADHD so best believe I cannot just focus on one craft. I also draw and print out stickers, I make enamel pins, keychains. My mother taught me how to sew, so I also make little makeup bags or coins purses, and even wristlets. I also enjoy making witchy wreaths! Every piece I work on is made with such love and care.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would say, be knowledgeable and practice your art. Working with different mediums, with any kind of art, calls for trial and error. There are some mediums that were just not for me. For example, I learned I do not like working with air dry clay as much as I like working with polymer clay. I prefer sewing over knitting, etc… Talk to the right people and research how to start out in your community. I definitely wish I would have met like minded people and get me in the game of crafts shows sooner, they’re just so much fun.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: phantom.artistry
