A.C.M.

When I created A Calculated Mess in 2018, I knew it was the perfect business name for me. I like things organized, but have a hard time keeping them that way, and frequently end up with a mess on my hands.

I can’t even keep the sink clean, and it pisses me off.

I wanted a business name (as opposed to just using my real name) because I was nervous about showing my work and it felt safer to hide behind an alternate name and just see what happens. I didn’t even tell anyone other than Junior for a while!

I have trouble with the term “artist.” I know I make art, so that makes me an artist, but I don’t think it’s ALL that I am. I like to make all kinds of things, and I’m interested in ALL THE THINGS. Here is a small breakdown of the types of skills I have (some beginner, some intermediate, some advanced)

  1. Painting

  2. Drawing

  3. Papermaking

  4. Printmaking

  5. Silkscreen

  6. Lithography

  7. Photography

  8. Jewelry Making

  9. Bookbinding

  10. Stickermaking

  11. Collage

  12. Woodworking

  13. Scrapbooking

  14. Figure Drawing

  15. Digital Drawing

And there are so many “family tree” subjects behind all of those subjects.

AND I LOVE DOING THEM ALL.

I signed up for a craft fair in December at my son’s school. I knew it was time to break out my Glowforge and start thinking of some fun stuff that I think kiddos would like for their family members as gifts at a price point that was manageable.

I made the CUTEST canvas board drawings with Georgia that I hope kids will love to draw and gift

Isn’t this the most adorable little elf??

I knew I needed some sort of branding on the packaging so people had a way to reach out if they liked the items, so I quickly made up the sticker you see above.

The front has my business name and “what I call myself”, and the back has all of my contact and social media information. I made smaller ones for the mini paintings as well. I felt fancy AF.

It wasn’t until later in the week when I was framing one of my mini paintings to keep for myself (I can’t get rid of ALL of them <3) that I saw it.

Do you see it??

__________________________________
A
Calculated
Mess
__________________________________
Artist
Crafter
Maker
__________________________________

***insert all the “mind blown” emojis***

It was just another way of showing me that this is what I’m meant to do.

And I’m here for it.

Jessica FacchineComment