Intro to Evan Webster Ink

By Evan of Evan Webster Ink

Hello world! My name is Evan Webster and I'll be introducing myself to you in this blog post. I did a little self-interview, check it out:

1. About YOU:

- Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Evan Webster and I'm from Brookline, MA. I currently live in Brookline and anticipate staying in the Boston area area for a bit. The area has given me so much and I have a lot to give back to it. But it's cold here.

- What is your background?

I have a background in Hispanic and Latino Studies - that's what I studied in college. I spent a formative year abroad in Argentina learning about others, myself and steak. I have two great parents and a little brother who goes by "Muffins". While less important to who I am than my family, I have had jobs before. I worked at the CVS down the street when I was in high school. In that job I learned something that has been reinforced every moment since: it's hard to make money while keeping your sanity. During college I worked as a host at a tapas restaurant and started to be aware that communication matters as much as action. After college I worked in an office in Cambridge which to put to rest any aspirations of a traditional corporate life - most especially when they laid me off. I currently work at Evan Webster Ink where I'm learning creativity and empathy from the best teachers in the world.

- Apart from creating things, what do you do?

This is a difficult question. Most of what I do is create. I'll change the question and ask myself "Besides creating things professionally, what do you do?" Well, I like to hike and bike, ideally combined with cooking, hopefully with my girlfriend, friends or family. And I'm hoping this year to get better at swimming and to brew a batch of beer.

2. About being an artist:

- How long have you been doing your artwork/craft?

I received a book about screen printing on December 25th, 2008. That's when it all began.

- What first made you want to become an artist?

Being an artist is merely something I've fallen into while trying to improve myself as a person. So I guess that means that becoming a better person first made me want to become an artist because artists create invaluable gifts.

- What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

The first thing I created by hand was probably a sand castle. I probably made it because I couldn't think of anything better to do with my hands. When I was small moving small objects like grains of sand was an exciting feat. Today it's equally impressive.

3. About your artistic process:

- Please describe your creative process.

The majority of the work I'm associated with is made by squeegeeing ink through stenciled mesh onto knit cotton. I do this every week and it's still interesting to me, amazingly.

- What are your favorite color combination(s)?

Red, black and white or Blue, blue and orange.

- What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from the desire to create solutions. I'm inspired by people who work for themselves along with space, the environment and libraries.

4. About your work:

- Describe your work.

I work at Evan Webster Ink, where I try to take customer's visions and make them into something tangible. The ability to listen is my most valued tool.

- What do you love most about what you make?

I love that they are completed. This to me is a great success. And it allows me to move on and pursue future successes.

- What is your biggest obstacle with it?

My biggest obstacle with my work is my next idea. And I'm always thinking of new things, which is a major problem!

- Are there other mediums you’re not working in that interest you?

Not at the moment.

5. About your business:

- How do you promote your work/business?

Primarily by doing good work, being empathetic, charging enough to allow me to do a good job and thinking about ways to solve my customer's problems. I also write a blog, post on Twitter / Facebook, participate in events and would like to start a garden to promote my business.

- What advice would you give to someone starting a small business?

Get customers first. Read what the experts say but then trust yourself more than anyone else.

7. Randomness:

- Name some favorites: books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites

My favorite series of books is The Golden Compass, favorite movie is The Usual Suspects.

- Tell us something we don't know but SHOULD know about you!

I don't think anyone should know how bad I am at singing. If you ask to hear me sing I will refrain out of concerns for your safety.