(photo by Rachel)
This week I am writing a new F.A.Q. page for my blog. I'll cover all the usual repeat questions, but wanted to open it up to suggestions too. What are you curious about? I might even turn a few questions into a blog post! If it's easier, you can tweet me a question too… @elsiecake XO. els
81 Comments
I would love to know how you got started in the art world. and what’s your favorite “go to” art type project for fun?
This is very random! lol But I was wondering what your favorite nail polish color is? I’ve noticed that you often have your nails painted very fun colors.
Thanks! ♥
What’s your whole day consist of? When you wake up to what you do before you head to bed.
I’d also really like if you named some of “your favorites” 🙂 Can’t wait to read pretty girl.
love.
yay! can’t wait to read this! I have a few questions!
How do you come up with ideas (for things to make/blog posts/photo shoots etc? Do you sit and brainstorm or do they just come to you cuz you’re awesome? 🙂
Can you explain your personal “rewards program” – you’ve mentioned it before but I’d like to hear what warrants a reward, how do you make sure you only get the reward if you do that task, etc?
How do you stay focused and not get distracted when you’re being creative? Is that why you always work at night?
What was your high school experience like? What sort of classes did you take/your personal style, ect. I’ve always wondered!
xo
I’m really interested in finding out how you fit everything into your day/week? Is it down to very early mornings or great organisation?
Cathy
xoxo
I’ve seen all of your trip posts and they look so magical! Do you have a good roadtrip mix you like to listen when you are travelling? I would love to listen to that!
I’m with Cathy. I always feel so spread thin. But then I see you tackling so many amazing things in one tiny day. You’re like a super hero : ) How do you do it?
i have a few questions!!!
1, what is next for red velvet? wat would u like to make or do next?
2, this mite e a bit personal but wht will happen to red velvet store if u and jeremy have a baby?
3 where would u like to visit in the world
4 are u all american or are u made up of different nationalities? and if so could u tell us a little bit ore about ur genetics!!! lol random”” xx
RANDOM QUESTION: where is the one place you’ve never been to and would love to go visit in a heartbeat?
what is your favorite thing(s) to photograph?
I have a couple 🙂
1. Did you ever go to art school and / or college? Or did you start your business right after high school?
2. Where do you draw inspiration from the most? Religion, Nature, Movies, Friends, Dreams, etc.?
3. Where is Jeremy’s family from? I know you get to see your family all the time, just curious where your future in-laws live 🙂
This has probably already been asked, but I would like to know:
Did you go to college? If you did, did you finish? What did you major in?
Thanks Elsie! 🙂
I am curious about your pictures that you use on your blog..You post so many pictures, and use the same ones sometimes, so how do you find them?
I find it very tedious to upload pics to my computer and so I am wondering how you keep track of them all so you can use them again and again without having to spend hours naming the pictures or putting them in hundreds of folders.
Do you upload pics to individual files for each day you blog?
And also, do you have help with instructions on how to make your blog buttons, banners, picture borders, etc. or do you just know html tricks? I am so dumbfounded when it comes to computer stuff!
Thanks!
How did you spread the word about a Beautiful Mess when you first started (and now)? Thanks and love your blog!!
Is there any possibility of you coming to Atlanta? If so…when? haha sorry! jw(:
id like to know what the most successful way of advertising and networking has been for you in the craft/art world or how you became “known” in the craft world. (besides the obvious reason of being fabulous!)
Hi Elsie! I’m your typical Junior High school girl who would love to incorporate as much handmade possible into my life. I don’t have too much money (as to be expected) and savor trips to my local arts & crafts store. I really want to make handmade gifts for my family this Christmas, any ideas? -Kristen
Who was your biggest influence in life? Who taught you how to become such a positive person? Who taught you how to make a dream book and write goals? Did you learn this on your own or did your parents teach you all these? Thanks!
Elsie! You are fabulous and are one of my artistic & design heroes!
my question is this: How do you save your digital photographs? Do you save them as jpgs? pngs? or another type of file? And do you back them up to an external hard drive of some sort? I would be interested to learn more about your process for digital media like this! xo.
I love your blog so much but whenever I try to blog I run out of inspiration after 20 seconds. How do you plan your posts? Do you use a diary or calendar or make them up on the fly? How long do you spend on your blog posts and do you post them straight away or edit them before posting? Soooo many questions to work out your magic formula! Love you!
I would like to know where do you find out about the states sales around you? Do you know any website to find good ones?
Thanks
Paola
How did you go from writing a blog your friends and family read…to a blog that is so famous and popular?
thanks (:
emily
I just want those cupcakes in mah belleh!
Do you find that BECAUSE you are creative you have to be organized?
And does organization come naturally or do you have to work at it?
I struggle with this b/c I naturally just cringe at the word “schedule”, but if I don’t “pencil things in” I don’t get anything done. B/C I’m “creative” if If I don’t have structure, things just kind of fall apart. Like, I have to have structure to allow the crazy artistic side to flourish. I have a love/hate relationship with organization.
Do you feel that way?
I’ve already seen this question a couple times in the comments, but did you go to college? If so, what was your major? I went to Missouri State in Springfield for two years and LOVED that place!
I was wondering how do you discover or find out about swaps or craft fairs?
What kind of computer do you use? What type of photo software do you use?
Do you create your backgrounds for photos or go out and scout places?
I absolutely love your blog and was wondering if you would ever create your own e-course more hands on re: photo’s, digi photos, how to store ideas, how to manage time, how to find out what’s going on in “your” town, and etc.
Thanks-
I have a few of questions about different subjects :).
a. What other jobs have you had? Do you miss anything about them?
b. What names had you thought of before deciding on “Red Velvet Art” and “A Beautiful Mess”?
c. Do you ever check your followers’ blogs?
d. What pisses you off (or don’t like) about blogs? E.g. I hate it when I open a blog and music starts playing. That totally discourages me from coming back.
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Oooh, What’s been your favourite hair colour that you’ve dyed your hair?
I am curious how you came upon the name elsiecake. Is it a nickname given to you by family, something you made up, or …? 🙂
Im asking the same question as Kat did 🙂
What have you found is the most successful way of advertising and networking in the craft/art world or how you became “known” in the craft world.
Oh & also, do you ever have bad hair days? From all the pics ive seen of you, youre hair always looks amazing!
– krystal xo
When did you begin to draw pictures. And have you ever attend some art school.
Besides, I find that your skin is so wonderful, too. Do you have some suggestions about how to take care of skin?
Hey!
My name is Andie and I am from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I really want to know when was the exact moment you knew that you loved Jeremy? What was it exactly? How did you know? Thanks!
Love your new posts Elsie…sumtimes i dropp here 2 c the news and your pretty site … have a great week.Congratzz!!♥
I’d love to know more about how you got Red Velvet started. Not only the business itself (online) but also how you got artists/crafters interested in selling with you?
One other question, what are some of your best tips on promoting a blog, store, online course etc?
Really appreciated the informative posts you did on vintage clothing and cameras/photography. Would you post something similar on creating a blog and an Etsy shop? Technical advice from you, a trusted and respected source, would be so helpful and appreciated. In the alternative, could you suggest a person/agency in the Springfield area that would be good consultants, hand-holders, for someone who has ideas but not really strong technical computer skills?? THANKS !!!
I know you’ve been to Italy and Holland, where else outside of the U.S. have you been? Where is your favorite? And why?
How did you break into the craft world? I own your scrapbooking challenges book, and I am dreaming big…how do I get published, how do I attract followers to my blog?
Since you live in the hometown where you went to high school, I was wondering if you’ve stayed connected with high school friends? Do you see old schoolmates much? Do they know how big-time you are on the internet? 😉
I’ll just say ditto to all of the above…
Are you coming to the Renegade Craft Fair in SF this December? It will be my first time going to one and I can’t wait! I’d love to see some Red Velvet stuff there 🙂
here is my questions: what famous person do people say you look most like?
Do you have a playlist for cleaning the house/apartment? I’m in great need of a cleaning playlist!!
I think someone else said it somewhere in here — but I’d love to hear about “a day in the life of…” YOU!
I know you have tons of great readers-friends-fans so I was wondering, how long it took for your blog to have the first 1000 followers?
Thank you
I’ve been wondering if you majored in design? Or just have the knack for it?? You are so successful and accomplished already at such a young age and though I have an idea of how you’ve reached here I was wondering I’m curious if you would say college had anything to do with it. Thank you!(: Lots of love<3
i slightly remember you mentioning something about your grandma coming from South America. Where abouts is she from? did you ever learn spanish? Do you consider yourself to be latino?
I’d really like to know what kind of camera you use??
(i’m sure you’ve probably answered that in the past)
Your pictures are always so lovely and perfect quality.
Hi there,
My name is Indianna and I hail from the land of the sun, South Africa!
I follow your blog religiously and to be quite honest have been meaning to send you a mail forever!
I’m an art director at an advertising agency down here but I want more!
My mom and I have bought a huge consignment of jewelry from the 40’s up and have yet to start selling it.
From watching you on your blog I see that you have gone the exact route I want to go, open up a shop, start an etsy store, do a childrens book as well as apparel, be a freelance designer/illustrator and generally be me…and be creative.
I also run a blog which is still quite small but I have such major time constraints with hectic deadlines!
Next year I am planning on quitting and starting a shop with a friend, and damn am i so scared! But how will I know if i’ll succeed if i don’t try?
What my question is…. is there any way possible that you could share your business plan with the world?
I know you don’t want everyone following it but because you are in such a niche market, I especially would find it so helpful when writing mine?
http://www.indiquirk.blogspot.com
Much love,
Indi
x
ooooh… can’t wait… I love your Q&As! By the way, in the ‘And That’s What Dreams Are Made Of’ post you said there were more q&a posts coming, about different topics, but I’m pretty sure you never posted them… Are you going to? I don’t want to sound annoying but it’s just that I love your q&a posts *so* much…
Thanks a lot! 🙂
P.S. I just saw you added Categories and Archives widgets to your sidebar… thanks! It’s super useful and I missed them after you redesigned your blog 🙂
When you were 8 how did you answer the age old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” How would you answer that same question right now?
Hey, Elsie!
I have a whole bunch of curiosities about the formatting of your blog since I think your blog is too adorable for words. It’s so personal, which is what I’m aiming to do for my next blog coming in 2011. i know how one can get their own handwriting on their page and use it as a button, but…there are so many other personal touches. Any answers addressing formatting, and how you blog, I would love to hear about.
ALSO…I took your 27 Before 28 post from the other to its INSPiRATiONAL HEiGHTS and made my own! I posted about it today on my blog and gave you a shout out as well. take a peek:
http://my2010ishere.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-26-before-turning-27-inspired-by.html
thanks for the idea, and for always sharing! blog away! 🙂
hi! uhm.. this is probably a rather wierd question, but I really need inspiration!
The thing is that some months ago I bought this yellow satchel ( http://www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/ekmps/shops/cambridgesatch/images/13-yellow-satchel-139-p.jpg )’cause i thaught de colour was beautiful and the hole satchel was very nice and so on, but now i find it really hard to use it. It doesn’t seem to go well with anything anymore.
Since you’re very good at this kind of stuff, would you might help me here? Something to do with the satchel itself or just som great colours to match up with, preferably without looking like a drag-queen…
And finally, your blog really is amazing!
♥
I’d also love to hear how you “make” your blog? do you use photoshop? can you point the rest of us in the direction of blog design and photoshop?
Thanks!!
~cm
Dear Elsie,
I am from Amsterdam, The Netherlands and I read your blog everyday. I love it! And I admire for how much you have accomplished.
My question is:
If you are starting a online business accompanied with a blog, do you advice to post only business/product related blogposts? Let’say only about food/cake/recipes etc if you are starting a cake supplies shop and not too much about fashion or other stuff that inspires you. I am afraid if you show too much other stuff, people won’t understand what your business is about.
Or is this fear unfounded?
thank you, Alex
OK so this isn’t anything related to this post, buuuuttt….
I was scouting around looking for inspiration for the new website at work and found this –
http://bestwebgallery.com/page/15/
Did you know it was there?
Love from the UK xx
What makes you feel alive?
I know you’ve covered this somewhere else, but I would like to ask: What are your favorite iPhone photo apps?
Thx!
I have a couple of questions…
but first if you don’t mind, I need to feel you in on my life right now.
I am THIRTY days away from having my Bachelors Degree in Studio Art in MY HANDS.
Elsie, I am OVERLY excited about this accomplishment. I have worked so hard, and given this everything that I have.
So, my question for you is, How can I be sure to to stay on top of my game, staying motivated, and find a “career” that I know will be fulfilling to my personal creative needs?
I do know a few things, I can’t work an office job. There’s NO WAY. I would go insane.
I need some inspiration, and mentoring.
I’m so terrified about not being able to create. It’s all I want.
Thanks
Brianna
[itsybitsybrianna@yahoo.com]
Hello I have some questions about the sweet shoppe actually C:
Did you guys need a kitchen that fit regulations? and how is it running your own treat shop? (its personally my number one goal in life right now)
c:
love this blog so so much!
<3 <3 Caitlin
I know you’re a lover of vintage, polyester-type, patterned dresses but do you have an absolute FAVORITE outfit or any special go to pieces? You always look so cute!
Did you make the dollhouse from scratch – how? DIY???
“I’ll cover all the usual repeat questions”
blahahahaha. Looks like you cover the same sh*t over and over anyway.
Moving on.
Goodbye, sheep.
Hi Elsie!!
I was wondering if you would or will ever get back into scrapbooking? Or would you ever condsider designing your own line of scrapbooking products again?
What is the age gap between you and your siblings?
How much time do you spend blogging??
I find myself blog hopping much more than I spend time crafting & I wish it were the opposite. How much time do you spend looking at other people’s blogs on a daily/weekly basis?
hey! for the last 2 or 3 years (i think?) you / guys have done a big holiday presents class… is that not happening this year? do i actually have to go to the store and buy things for people? i’d much rather make sculpy into journals…;)
also: russia. i’m 1/2 and i have no idea where i’m going with that, but a russia / matrushka / onion dome / sort of thing would be fun… maybe i should develop something myself, but you’re better at it!
-kathryn
My question is about business.
My boyfriend is on the verge of quitting his job to work for his non-profit full time. This goes along with Jeremy’s post about doing the band full time and you with your shop. Can you talk about what that moment was like with you? When did you decide to make the jump? Major obstacles you faced.. Also any advice you could provide would be fantastic. We’re currently in development to expand upon the mission, but you can check it out on megabolt.org
Thanks for sharing your input! I love the blog and belated congrats on the newest store.. looks great!
what do you do when you feel tired or down on inspiration? Do you drink coffee everyday? sometimes I use pineapple juice instead of coffee but when you’re really tired sometimes you just need COFFEE, you know? Do you feel dependent on it ever?
loves! polly 🙂
I love reading your blog and check on it almost everyday for the past year. I really want to ask if there will be a 2011 planner kit in the shop soon? I missed it last year and the kit has been on my mind this whole year & I tried to make my own one but never get to finish it. Congrats on everything and you’re a real inspiration!!
The most memorable posts on your blog are those about the 2010 planner kit, the interview on your dreams & opening RVA & the post about your camera choice & photoshop technique. Will love to see more of those posts & maybe more tutorials & giveaways (wishful thinking)?! Thanks a lot!!
Hey Elsie (:
I have a question; did you ever think about any other job rather than this one? Like a ‘normal’ job if you wish? and were you ever scared just to go for it?
Thank you (: xo
how does the bakery work? do you have to get up early every day and bake everything fresh? things like this fascinate me!! xoxoxo
Do you outsource the money management of your business or do you tend to it yourself? This is something I’ve been trying to decide if I want to outsource after 3 years in business now.
Do you have a minute by minute schedule? (& does it make me crazy that I do?) Do you focus on one project or work on several projects at a time?
Thanks for taking our questions 🙂
I’ve seen some other people ask similar questions to mine, but I figured I would repeat them anyway to give you one more reason to answer them! (:
I have wondered if you went to college and if you majored in business, or what did you think you wanted to do (career-wise)? And how did you go about starting your own business? I am very interested because it is my dream to open my own coffee shop, and you inspire me so much !
I’m also curious about how your blog has become so popular!
Monica
I’d love to hear a summary of your story. I’ve read bits and pieces here and there, but as a creative type myself who wants to escape the 9 to 5 and quit working for someone else, I’d love to know how you do it; how you make your life work, financially and otherwise, and advice or anecdotes for people who are currently where you’ve been. Blogging tips would also be great, especially how to make money blogging.
How open are you to hiring new people at your store? Not right away, of course! But in the future, with people who just want to get involved with Red Velvet, help beyond just purchasing from the store. It just seems like such a great job!
What is your favorite holiday or season to decorate for? I finally have my own place, so I am super excited to decorate for Christmas!
Elsie, do you have a last.fm?
You seem like some kind of super women that can do everything and anything. I’d love to know about a time you failed at something and how you worked past it.
will you sell vintage cameras on your website?
wow. it is unbelievable. I love it so much . Thanks for your sharing. cool .great. I sure I’ll come back soon.
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