June Shin of June Shin Designs

Shop: www.juneshin.com
Blog: juneshindesigns.blogspot.com

Tell us about yourself?
My name is June Shin live in Atlanta, GA with my fiance. No pets or kids (yet). I graduated with a degree in Psychobiology from SUNY Binghamton (it's in upstate NY), and used to work in IT.
What do you make?
I make jewelry using bead and wire using a range of items from semiprecious stones to vintage findings.
What inspires you & what is your creative process?
Generally, it's my supplies that inspire me. I look at the beads and charms and think about how I want to put them together. A lot of it is trial and error because what I picture doesn't necessarily translate well when physically put together.

Where is your studio and how has it evolved? What is your plan for it in the future?
Right now I make all my creations on my kitchen table. I live in a one bedroom, so space is limited. I can't say that it's evolved except that I have a lot more beads and findings and supply boxes. In the future, I plan on having a separate room just for my crafting (I also knit and have a yarn stash). Something in a basement or an old garage would be great, because I also do some metal work, but just don't have the space right now to incorporate that into my designs as of now.

What tools & equipment do you use?
I just the typical pliers for all the wire work, hammer, bench block and ring mandrel. I just bought a mini torch for metal work, but I still haven't opened the package yet!

What else do you do? Is this your full time gig?
Right now, I work in a really great yarn store part-time. I am working towards making jewelry a full time gig.

What do you hope to get out of this, what are your goals?
I have been taking classes on metalsmithing and want to eventually do more of that as a jewelry designer. It would be great if I can get to the point where there is a "Quit your Day Job" article on me in Etsy!
How do you promote yourself?
I have a blog where I show my pieces, have contests, and run special promotions for my readers. I also read other blogs, post in the forums, just joined Twitter, (though I'm still trying to figure that out) and pass out my business card whenever I can.

Any tips for fellow crafters/artists?
If you're selling online, take great pictures. There's always room for improvement. Network online and off, keep doing what you love and just stay positive.