Made in Chicago: Le Photique

By Jess D'Amico in Miscellaneous on Oct 25, 2007 2:25PM

Last week, we introduced our “Made in Chicago” feature about local artists.

This week, we bring you Jacqueline Sourvelis, 28, of Le Photique. Jacqueline grew up in Detroit and has been in Chicago since summer 2004. We love all her local themed jewelry (like the Chicago Skyline necklace, pictured right).

We asked Jacqueline to share her Etsy secrets:

Chicagoist: How do you make your art stand out from everything else on Etsy?

Jacqueline: I think of images that are interesting and apply it to a necklace. If I am excited to wear it, then I am sure someone else feels the same. I think someone may find my Le Photique and say, "Oh! This would be perfect for my friend who loves old cameras, Eames furniture, images from Prague, the transit map of Tokyo..."

C: Where do you want to go with your art--where do you see yourself in five years?

J: I dream of a life where I wake up every morning at my studio in Bucktown, make my photographic necklaces and develop new ideas for photographic products and accessories. I still need to figure out whether I would like Le Photique to be an actual brick and mortar shop or maybe it's better to remain an online shop.

C: How did you first get into DIY?

J: I did not even know what DIY was a few months ago. I am a photographer and have had these ideas about combining my photography with products, something that was stirring in my head for years but did not know where to go with it. A friend of mine (Pearl and Marmalade) introduced me to Etsy and I thought 'This is where I will begin!'

C: What's your artistic process look like?

J: My artistic process once involved pen and paper, but now I spend so much time manipulating images and designing in Photoshop, probably 10+ hours a day. When I am designing my jewelry I need plenty of alone time. I am thankful that I have a great boyfriend who puts up with my constant pacing and messy workspace and me.

C: What's the Chicago DIY scene look like?

J: I could throw a brick at the corner of Damen/Milwaukee and North and hit someone who has a DIY business. Hmmm...maybe that would eliminate competition. No, I don't mean to sound crass. I just know a lot of people here in Chicago who run a DIY business.

C: Where do you see DIY culture going?

J: Sites like Etsy have opened the doors for artistic entrepreneurs who need exposure. There is definitely money to be made selling online or doing consignment or wholesale, but not sure if everyone will be leaving their day jobs. It can get overwhelming to work for someone else and then go home and fulfill orders all night.

C: Lastly, do you have any advice for other crafty people wanting to sell their goods?

J: I have a friend who has a great idea for a DIY shop, but becomes hindered by small things, 'where will I get a tax ID number for buying materials? My apartment is small so where I will I store my assembled products?, why would someone buy this?' I don't think anyone should over think it. If you thought it was a good idea then others will too. It can take some time to get going, but well worth the effort.

Got a favorite local artists or crafter? Let us know: madeinchicago@chicagoist.com