Name: Chelsea Gorham
Burning since: December 2017 (but didn't start my business until May of 2018)
Location: Amarillo, TX
Can you tell us a little about your art and yourself?
I'm Chelsea Gorham, owner and artist of CGDesigns where I make and sell woodburned jewelry and art. I am a stay-at-home Mom and homeschooler of my 4 children by day, and a woodburning artist/jeweler by night.
How did you find wood burning?
Quite on a whim. Back in the summer if 2017, I was working as a vendor at our local market as a henna artist. As I finished up a design on my customer who also happened to be a musician, he asked if I could put a "henna" design on his guitar. Knowing I couldn't possibly put henna paste on his guitar, I still accepted his challenge and looked into woodburning as an alternative. The first person I thought to ask was my Mother who has always been an artist, and low and behold, she had a vintage burner (Detail Master IV) that she offered to mail to me. As soon as I got it, I fell in love with the process and began practicing for my first big commission!
Which came first, jewelry making or wood burning, and when did you meld the two together?
They coincided, quite honestly. Because I didn't want to ruin a large, beautiful wood slab, I began by practicing my burn designs on small, affordable pieces. After I had a little collection of them, a good friend of mine commented that they would make cool pieces of jewelry...hence, wearable woodburned art was born!
Have you always done art?
Yes, having been surrounded by art/artists all my life, it feels very much a part of my life. I would say my first memory of making art was when I was 3 years old. I have so many collections of art - from technical design to watercolor, I've enjoyed them all over the years. But...It wasn't until woodburning, that I finally accepted the title of Artist.
What goals do you have for CGDesigns?
More collaborations and expanding my portfolio in the short-term. My own workshop/jewelry shop/makers space in the long-term.
What inspires you?
Surrounding beauty - in nature, art, seasons, life. I love pattern designs, geometry and symmetry - all which I try to blend with my 'technical' design style. I love linear design and just want to make pretty things that hopefully bring joy.
Let’s talk about the earring of the month club! What is it, how does it work? Where do people go to sign up?
The Earring of the Month Club is a subscription service where my customers can sign-up for a surprise themed earring that shows up on their doorstep every month. I created it as a way to streamline a part of my business that allowed me to focus on a set # of earrings and have some fun while doing it. I have 4 subscription options that are all very affordable; VIP, 12 month, 6 month and 4 month options. VIP being the best value. To sign up, go to www.wearcgdesigns.com and click on the Earring of the Month tab at the top.
You have now started a junior line, can you tell us a little about that?
The junior/youth line was inspired by my 10 year old daughter, Allison, who just got her ears pierced this past winter. She has always wanted to try my earrings as she sees me create them, but I told her that we could work on some together, that way she gets them just the way she likes! She sat down, sketched out her ideas and we collaborated on an adorable collection of earrings that all sold at their release. We plan on making it a regular thing now that she got a small taste of entrepreneurship and seeing the benefits of hard work mixed with fun.
There is a design portion of your services. Henna and Booth/Brand Styling. Can you tell us a little about these services?
Henna tattooing is a service that is always available to my customers. (It is after all how I got started!) I am available for private sessions, parties and events.
Booth/Brand Styling is a service I offer any creative who wants to up their market presence at in-person selling events. I take a look at their online presence, ie. shops, instagram feed, logo/brand as it is and base a style off of what 'feel' I get. I basically act as a consultant to get your booth that eye-catching look that makes you stand apart when selling in person. There is a unique art to marketing and design and I love bringing that 'a-ha' moment to my clients with this design service.
I have been loving your new portraits. (please include a portrait photo)
Thank you! I have long wanted to try them and quarantine has pushed me to do these things that I've been putting off.
What goals do you have for your art? Any other new techniques you are hoping to try?
Always want to improve and learn new things. I would love to be able to comfortably finish a large wood piece with only using a variety of burn techniques. Shading/gradient work being at the top.
How much time is spent wood burning versus the rest of the business? What percentage would you give each?
I'd say about 30-40% burning, and 60-70% all the other stuff!
Tell us about these super successful LIVE Video Sales you have been doing? Where did the idea come from? How did you set it up? What suggestions do you have for someone wanting to try one?
Instagram LIVE Market is an idea my creative entrepreneur coach, Kristyn Burney, perfected. I would suggest following her and joining her Facebook Group 'Creative as a Mother' for the best info on a successful LIVE Market. She has so many helpful tips on how to creative revenue and run a successful online business @kristynburney
Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE
Burner: 'Old Faithful' Detail Master IV
Nib: Knife tip - I love clean, crisp linework
Type of wood: Birch
Non-essential tool (but basically essential to you): Dental Pick Thingy
What other tools are essential for you?
Watercolor travel set and Tombow Sand Eraser
What apps/programs do you find useful for your business?
Canva - I use it for so many things in my business.
What are the main types of wood that you use for earrings? Do you have a favorite? And where do you source your wood?
Birch Plywood is my go-to for earrings.
I have 2 wood suppliers/laser cutters I work with for custom/premium shapes.
What parts of the business do you absolutely love and what parts feel like a chore?
I love collaborations, networking with other makers and 'a-ha' moments of my own.
My least favorite part would have to be planning content on social media. It is necessary, but can feel like a long, long chore.
Any advice for newbie woodburning artists?
Play to your strengths. Start with what you know, perfect it, embrace it, make it your own. Don't feel like you have to do what anyone else out there is doing to get noticed. We are all individuals who have our own unique voice and something beautiful to offer.
Watch the recorded live video: