second storie indie market: a visit with: Rachael Hetzel of Pistachio Press

Over the next few months leading up to our November market, Tuesday through Thursday we'll be showcasing one of our 2012 market artists, their work, and a little peek at where they make the magic happen. We hope you'll enjoy this new series, where we'll ask the same questions of each of our makers.

You'll get to know a little bit about our talented makers and what inspires them, read about their favorite ways to recharge their creativity, and learn what experience has shown them to be an invaluable piece of the puzzle in selling their work. Come November, won't it be great to walk into a room filled with inspiring, familiar faces? We think so, too!

We're happy to wrap up the week by spending some time with one of our very own, talented letterpress designer and printer, Rachael Hetzel of Pistachio Press...

a visit with:

- Rachael Hetzel -

What first inspired you to create/make what you do now?

I got my BFA and MFA in printmaking and was fascinated by letterpress printing. I drove to Ohio and bought my first press and started to learn the process. It was a way for me to bridge printing with my increasing interest in craft. I started with a small card line and making invitations for friends and then it snowballed from there.

Your advice for someone just starting out

and wanting to sell their work?

Just jump in. Stop thinking about everything that might hold you back and go for it. All of the lists and plans that you're making might be keeping you from actually making the work - don't use them as an excuse to start. Don't be afraid of failure. You'll learn the most that way even though it's scary. And make friends with people who are also makers. They'll push you when you need it, they understand what you're going through, and they can give you advice that really resonates.