I’m in love with Volume Twenty Five’s prints. They have the sweetest messages and the illustrations are so well done. They are printed on archival natural white canvas which is great because it’s bendable, so shipping safely is even easier, canvas paper is stronger and more durable then other papers and the depth and color of the finished product is truly amazing, and very crisp! Read below for more about the artist in a excerpt from our interview in 2008.

How did you get your start?

I started selling my artwork in a previous etsy store called SparksFly last August? I had originally opened the store to sell my photography, but I ended up designing packaging for other etsy sellers, and was staying WAY too busy. It was then that I decided to pick up an old passion of mine… drawing. I really had no photoshop experience whatsoever, but knew how to use a pencil. I listed a few finished pieces, and it turned out people were interested, and buying. It was like a dream come true. I decided in January to take the plunge and start fresh with vol25. I feel very fortunate that things have picked up and stayed fairly constant ever since opening. Many people ask what the story is behind the name vol25. In January of 2008 when I opened the doors to my little shop (via etsy.com) I was 25 years old, and vol25 was like opening a new volume in my life, which in turn has created several new chapters for me.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Being able to do 90% of my work at home in my pj’s, with my daughter in my lap.

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

Thank You! Clothing stores inspire a lot of my color combinations. Lately, quotes have been inspiring an entire drawing. I also have a huge collection of Martha, Real Simple, and Domino Magazines, they inspire me as well. My husband is also a constant source of inspiration, he is always encouraging me to try something new.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

I sure do. Don’t expect the sales to come immediately flowing in… but be optimistic about your work, and believe in its potential. Have a plan mapped out, and definately be prepared to spend a little money advertising. Search blogs that seem to target your audience, and inquire on advertising. Many blogs will host giveaways that bring in a ton of exposure, and you would only be out that one product you donated.

Read my entire interview with Jessica here.

vol25.etsy.com

I’m so excited to be bringing back my interview installment and what better way to do it than with one of my favorite fashion bloggers! Jessica Schroeder takes gorgeous daily pictures of her outfits and features them on her blog What I Wore.

When and why did you create What I Wore?

I was already taking daily photos for wardrobe_remix on flickr and felt like I wanted to go into more details about my outfits. I eventually added other features and it just keeps growing!

What is your gig outside of your blog?

I just quit my job to focus on blogging and working as the creative and community director for weardrobe.com

How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

I majored in Apparel Merchandising at Indiana University and also did an associates degree in Costume Construction Technology. I went on to intern with Betsey Johnson and then worked four years a designer for a small apparel firm doing mass market!

Do you have any formal training?

Yes! The program at IU taught us everything from sewing to pattern drafting, hat making and tailoring. I taught two semesters as an assistant there as well.

Who are some of your favorite designers and fashion icons?

I love any nod to the past so I love Milly and Orla Kiely. I love old Hollywood stars like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn and will always have a place in my heart for the Diane Keaton/Annie Hall look.

You wear a lot of vintage. What is your favorite era and why?

I can’t narrow it down to one, so here it goes – I love the 1950′s housewife (like Madmen’s Betty Draper), the 60s mod chic (Edie Sedgwick) and the 70s Annie Hall type looks.

Name 5 wardrobe staples you think every gal should have in her closet.

Great jeans, movie star shades, go to little dress (not necessarily black), great, walkable high heels and a signature necklace.

What trends are you looking forward to trying this Summer? Any that you will stay away from?

I can’t wait to rock the rompers!! I’m really embracing childlike/naive chic looks like patent leather sandals, friendship bracelets and high waisted bright shorts.

In this economy everyone is cutting back on the non essentials, Do you have any tips on staying fashionable when you are low on cash?

Rework what you already have, shop thrift stores or just go on a spending freeze!

What are your favorite music/books/magazines/blogs at the moment?

I like Lula, Lucky and Teen Vogue for fashion. I like community sites light weardrobe for big doses of a lot of different styles.

What advice would you give to aspiring bloggers and fashionistas?

Take your time and grow slowly. Just focus on what you love, not what gets you a lot of traffic. When the field is so large, you’re going to do the best by being yourself!!

Where do you see yourself and What I Wore in the next 5 years?

I’d love to keep up with the daily photos and eventually do a coffee table book – wouldn’t that be grand??

For more Jessica visit whatiwore.tumblr.com