diydivas.myfastforum.org

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:45 pm

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Mara Franklin, and I live in Albuquerque, NM. I'm one of those people who finds direction from within. Rather than follow the crowd, I'm usually doing the exact opposite, and having much more fun.

My style is highly eclectic. I'm influenced by the 80's, Goth, Bohemian, Art Noveau and the unusual. Even though I've studied many different art forms, I enjoy creating wearable clothing and accessories because it satisfies my need for form and function. I'm also slightly eccentric. If you look at my profile on Etsy (link below) you will see that my educational background is quite varied - I had a hard time deciding when enough is enough!

What do you make? What are your favorite materials to work with?What is your favorite color?

I like experimenting by creating different things. At the moment, I make clothing, accessories and jewelry. Lately, I've been combining my love of metal with clothing. You'll be seeing more of that on my sites soon.

My favorite color is turquoise, and I put it everywhere I can get away with!

Where can people purchase your goods?

You can buy my goodies at:
http://indiscretion.etsy.com and http://stores.ebay.com/Indiscretion

I also have a website: http://www.indiscretion.us
and am on:
http://indiscretionss.livejournal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/indiscretions

What inspires you to create?

I find myself inspired by almost everything. Often when I am out and about I end up either drawing or photographing something that will lead me to create a new design. Shhh, don't tell, but sometimes I will follow people for a little bit if I see they are wearing something that I find intriguing.

I'm not sure how long I've been creating art, but I would guess as soon as I could hold a crayon. I come from a long generation of artists and jewelers, and art has always been a large part of my life. My early work consisted of several portraits of Cookie Monster.

what is your favorite thing you have ever created?

One of my favorite outfits I've created was a "Geisha" outfit I put together for my first fashion show. I created the kimono and obi based on a small collection of vintage kimono and obi that I've collected over the years. I purposely made the skirt out of PVC to contrast with the softness of the kimono and obi, and added a headdress with metal and Korker ribbons, as a departure from a traditional Japanese headdress.

What is the worst thing you have ever created?

My least favorite outfit has to be my pink dolly outfit. I made it along with two other outfits for a photographer who wanted to do a "Lolita" shoot. I was being silly and really went overboard on the pink outfit. I think I've said enough about this one!

Who is the most important person in your life?

The most important person in my life is my husband. He's supported and inspired me to finally follow my dream of designing. And this is from a man who can't even match his socks - you really have to appreciate that!

Do you have any advice for other DiY designers?

Long-winded advice to other DiY'ers:

Do what you love, and do it well. Look to see how successful DiY'ers sell, and see if you can find a pattern to their success (but never EVER copy their items!). Most who do well sell a certain kind of item(s) and become known for them, but also don't get stuck in a rut. Make the best quality that you can. If an item isn't made well, and you sell it that way, it can affect your reputation. It doesn't hurt to take sewing classes or have reference books to expand your knowledge base. I like to think I help Amazon.com stay in business *wink*

Take good pictures (outside in daylight is best, no flash) or find someone who can. Most times (I've noticed) people prefer to see clothing on models (yourself or another willing victim) except for earrings. Also, get to know your computer's image editing program well!

Use free online advertising as much as possible (LiveJournal, MySpace, etc.)

Get business cards and pass them out to anyone and everyone!

Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox now...

Who is your favorite DiY designer?

Amy of Shrinkle is my favorite DiY designer. She has many of the qualities I mentioned above, plus she's super cute and friendly! It's my goal to one day win one of her auctions. Smile

What is your favorite film/music/book/artist?

At the moment, my favorite film is The 40yr Old Virgin - there are lots of little jokes in it that you miss if you only watch it once.

Favorite music - alltime favorite - Depeche Mode

Favorite book - Merck Manual - I'm a bit of a hypochondriac...

Favorite artist - Georges de La Tour - very tongue-in-cheek paintings.

Contract Indiscretion on Diy Divas!
Indiscretion

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:46 am

Thanks so much for the interview! I'm off to email Amy and tell her about this cool site Smile

Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle

I LOVE your clothing. You're so talented. Your models are awesome too

Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Albuquerque, NM

Thanks

!