Interview with Tori from @suburbanshenanigans
Tori is based in Florida and creates unique and colourful illustrations that she sells on her Etsy shop in the form of t-shirts, crockery, phone cases, jewellery, prints and much more. She is also working on creating a children’s book which you can read about more below.
To look at her designs, head over to her Instagram : @suburban.shenanigans
Tell us a little bit about Suburban Shenanigans and how it all started.
Suburban Shenanigans started off as an Instagram account ! it originated as a safe space for me to share doodles about my own personal recovery with a community of like-minded folks, who would kindly provide me with validation through emojis and double-taps. People from all over the world slowly began to express interest in my wiggly wacky little buddies. People started messaging me from New York City, California, The Netherlands and the UK !
@suburban shenanigans has unexpectedly developed into an entire brand. I now sell postcards, mugs, t-shirts, jewellery, hand-dyed garments and many other goodies on Etsy full-time. The most special thing about my shop’s development is that I am able to connect with others in such a unique way ! My art has found its way onto people’s bookshelves, into their kitchens, up on their walls, and deep in their hearts !
What message do you want to put forward with your designs ?
If there is anything I would like people to take away from my artwork, it would be a sense of safety, security and companionship. I want people to see themselves and the entire universe reflected in my little characters’ adventures.
What would you say has been your biggest challenge so far ?
The biggest challenge was getting started. I have had severe OCD since I was a child, so it can be really difficult to simply function on a daily basis. The idea of consistently pumping out art to release to the world for what could either potentially be criticism or praise terrified me. But, the most important thing I’ve learned is that there is no ‘‘right’’ or ‘‘good’’ way to do anything. I could continue putting so much time and energy into believing that I wasn’t a ‘‘real artist’’, or I could follow my intuition, simply create and share when I felt compelled to share.
Do you have any specific goals for the future ?
As far as the future is concerned, I would love to keep creating and creating and creating for as long as I possibly can. I want to travel the world and share my artwork with all different types of people ! I’m currently working on my first kid’s book as well ! So, I hope to make more of those over time.
What is your all time favourite piece of art of yours ?
I have a watercolour piece titled ‘‘magic!’’ that means so much to me. I believe there is magic in absolutely everything we can see, hear, taste, smell and touch. I believe that I am full of magic, and I believe that you are, too !
Do you have any other interests or hobbies, if so do you intend to incorporate them into your business ?
Work and play are a constant overlap for me. When I’m not creating artwork every spare moment of the day, I enjoy hoop-dancing and rollerskating (often at the same time !) It’s a very fun, yet peculiar looking circus act. I also watch TONS of cartoons. Maybe I’ll make a TV show out of one of my kids’ book someday !
What three tips would you give to someone starting their own online business ?
Keeping your audience in mind is important, but at the end of the day, you should be creating for YOU !
Do not get discouraged seeing other people’s shop updates sell out immediately. You have no idea how many people are quietly admiring your work, and actively saving up the money to support you as soon as they are fiscally able to.
Get ORGANISED ! Organisation is the perfect pathway to innovation.
