Artist Highlight, Giveaway and Discount! Melanie Caskey Photography

Just in time for Black Friday Shopping... check out this great interview with Melanie of Melanie Caskey Photography!  She's offering a discount and giveaway and her shop is filled with great wall art for everyone on your list!

2012 Calendar

 Besides all of the photography you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?I have this odd fascination with nature, the figure, and how those two things interact. So a lot of my work outside of photography is centered around the human figure in its most natural state. Gestural line drawings with watercolor washes really speak to me! I also have a degree in ceramics. So my interests are in a variety of places, but photography is my greatest passion. 

What first drew you to photography?
My parents bought me a Nikon N60 when I was in high school. After that, I took two years of classes (all film, of course) and decided I was going to go to get an art degree, focus my time in photography, and build a life out of it. Little did I know, the school I wanted to go to so badly did not have a photography program, but one (very talented) photography professor. So I dabbled in a little bit of everything, landed in ceramics, and now I'm back to where I started & loving every second of it! 

Tree Bark

Where do you find the subjects for your photographs?
I google "parks", drive to the one that is closest to my current location, and I hope I find something interesting. You would never know it, but most of my photographs are taken in heavily populated urban areas. I find a section of a tree, flower, anything that catches my eye and work around it until somethings beautiful happens in my camera. I just hope the people around me don't think I look too ridiculous crouched on the ground, walking in circles. 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
Do what you love. I heard this somewhere once, "If people see that you do what you love, they will love what you do". Also, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and brag a little. Learn how to talk about your work and surround yourself with it! Most of all, don't get down on yourself if you don't meet your goals the first time (or the second time). No one ever said being an artist was easy, it's our determination that keeps people coming back. 

Vintage Book

Where else can we find you?
Let's see... My blog is here: http://melaniecaskey.blogspot.com/

My Flickr is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniecaskey/

My Twitter machine is here: https://twitter.com/#!/MelanieCaskey

My Etsy Shop is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelanieCaskey 

 

In addition to such inspiring words, Melanie Caskey Photography is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! Melanie will be giving away an 5x7 print of your choice. 

White Wild Flowers

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on November 28th so be sure to get in your entries by then!


To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Melanie Caskey Photography, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Melanie Caskey Photography to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!


In addition, until December 8th she will be offering a  15 % discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.