Website:  www.hotpinkpistol.com
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN:  Scorpio
Trade:  Hand painted clothing and painting on canvas
Year Your Business Was Founded: 2004.
Other DIY affiliations:  DIY Network: Co-host, Stylelicious; Babes in Business
Myspace URL:  http://www.myspace.com/hotpinkpistol
Favorite Drink:  A fountain Coke in a Styrofoam cup
Favorite Dead Rapper to Paint on a Found Canvas:  That would probably have to be Eazy E, although Biggie Smalls is a close runner up. There are only have a select few with recognizable faces to choose from, so I do tend to do a lot of repeats.

How did you get started?
I had my first solo art show a few years back where I was unveiling my series of dead rappers. I wanted to wear something fan-freaking-tablous and that said “Hey look at me I am the artist”. I ended up painting Eazy E on a strapless prom like white dress. On the night of the opening my dress got more attention than my paintings on the wall. From there I painted more clothing and also started painting purses. My sister encouraged me to sell my purses on her site Naughtsecretaryclub.com while I worked on building a site of my own. I continue to sell purses on my sister’s site while clothing and paintings are sold on my own.

Biggest Hurdle you encountered?
Aside from finding glitter in odd places on my body, I would say the self discipline in running your own business.

Lessons learned the hard way?
If you paint it they will come, no not the case. Not everyone has my kind of sense of humor. Who knew that I was the only one that ever wanted to own a painted dress of a buff, topless tattooed man with a donkey head that’s vacuuming? I thought for sure that was the top thing on girls list to Santa. Also never paint in your most expensive jeans.

Most bizarre encounter with a customer?
I once had a woman contact me and ask if I would paint Eazy E on her wedding dress. Either the wedding fell through or she sobered up because I never heard from her again. .

Do you think there is a distinction between Art and Craft or can they be one?
I would like to feel like I use the more of the “art” side on both canvas and purses. I think typically “crafts” come with some sort of directions that are followed, then applied and ultimately created. Art however by definition has no directions. I do however think the two cross pollinate when one strays away from the “directions” and the craft then becomes art.

Future Projects?
I am in the process of learning how to sew. I would like to at one point have a collection of dresses that I have not only painted but sewn myself. I also have been thinking about a new series of paintings that will involve the art from incarcerated artist. I more interested in the Latin art that is typically done in pencil and subjects that range from Low-rider cars to Latino women that are part clown. From there I want to incorporate something soft, sweet and innocent like a pink Peep of a lavender kitten. We shall see what unfolds with this new series.

Favorite Indie Business(es)?
Made with Sweet Love is awesome. I am also a huge fan sewbooyo.com’s line of T shirts.

Sage Advice?
If you love what you do you never have to work a day in your life.

Best thing about:
Running your own business: Going to work in your pj’s. Waking up at noon and working till 4am.
Knowing how to paint: The possibilities are endless when you can paint, every possible surface turns into a canvas.
Glitter!: I think glitter is the perfect final touch to that not yet tacky enough project you have been working on.
Living in Austin: Being close to all of my friends and family. Austin is also a hotbed for arty/crafty folks so I am constantly meeting new people that are creating clothing lines, music, art, jewelry, dance troops, puppet shows, anything goes in Austin. It keeps me wanting to create.

Worst thing about:
Running your own business: Again it’s that damn self discipline.
Knowing how to paint: Never getting your deposit back because of the paint on the carpet. Always having paint below my elbows.
Having a taxidermed cat named Tanya: Tanya is the bet pet I have ever had. She never meows, I never have to clean a litter box and she has never clawed up my furniture. I have next to no complaints about Tanya other than one of her ears is about to fall off and she scares small children.
Living in Austin: I suppose I could look at the other creative folks as somewhat of a competition. I think that knowing that these people are here have kept me driven and never saying to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that first?”
 
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