I’m seeing so much wonderful creativity on Instagram lately, and with more people staying preoccupied on the app with the current world crisis, I’m taking the opportunity to highlight some of my favorite designers.
The first designer is Gotiska Stil. Gotiska Stil is a handmade jewelry company owned by @brianatron. She’s amassed a pretty faithful following and is very active on the platform. She’s also a native of Buffalo, NY. Read what the jewelry designer had to say in our interview below:
Tell me a little bit about the history behind your brand name. Why did you choose that name?
My business Gotiska Stil Jewelry offers handmade & exclusive jewelry sold to the customer directly from me, the metalsmith & owner. My shop name as well as some of my items are in Swedish; “Gotiska Stil” meaning gothic style to reflect on a large part of my heritage. I chose “Gothic Style” because, since I began, I have been inspired by gothic architecture and calligraphy.
How would you describe your jewelry to someone who hasn’t seen any pieces yet?
Emitting a rustic feel and antique look, each piece is handcrafted using classic metal-smith techniques that will not perish with time. I like to submit an edgy, yet friendly look to catch the eye and to separate myself and my work from the ordinary, everyday look.
What are you inspired by when you begin working on a new piece?
Inspiration is the most important part of my design process. I am inspired by many things, often I am drawn to things some people might find scary or unattractive such as insects, buildings, urban decay, etc. My goal is to alter the feel of an unappealing specimen and to turn it into something someone would desire to wear. I begin with an item or a photo, sometimes I sketch, other times I start right away. Sketching can be a challenge because I work in 3D. There are always bumps in the road during the design process but I can say that there is always something new to learn when a mistake is made.
Is jewelry design your first passion? If not, what would you be doing if you weren’t designing jewelry?
While studying at Buffalo State College in the fine arts department, I knew something was missing; When I walked into the rooms of the metals design department, the loud hammering and flames made me feel at home. Jewelry design is my first true passion. I hope to soon begin more serious metalsmithing such as raising metal vessels and working on larger projects other than jewelry.
Do you have another job or is artistry your full-time gig?
Artistry is my full-time job and I am appreciative to be alive in this era, seeing as the internet has opened doors to countless opportunities. It is wonderful to be able to connect with other artists and metalsmiths while in my own studio.
Do you have any unique talents, aside from jewelry making?
Aside from jewelry making, some of my background includes fine arts, all types of design (2D & 3D), acting, and singing. My passion and talents can be applied to all things visual. If I can alter something to make it unique and change peoples’ views of art, life, and experience, I am happy and inspired to do so.
What are three things people don’t know about you?
Including my work process, I am extremely environmentally conscious. I reuse and recycle many things ranging from composting food, recycling products and recycling metals in my work; I use things in my design process that others may overlook and see as garbage.
Closely related to being environmentally conscious, I do not own a car and I enjoy being a full-time cyclist. I am part of a bicycling community in Buffalo and we are proud to be independent and friendly to mother nature.
I am passionate about animals! I have family members who rescue dogs from puppy mills and give them better lives. I have two cats of my own and they are around when I’m working in the studio. People who love animals are my kind of people!
How has the quarantined life been treating you since the pandemic happened?
The ironic thing about this home “incarceration” is that I already work at home! It is hard not being able to leave the house after work. It has been very cool to communicate with Etsy sellers and other artists on the Instagram platform. I love Instagram because I am able to ask questions and post ideas/thoughts about my work, as well as supporting other metalsmiths by ‘liking’ and ‘commenting’ on their beautiful posts.
It is mutual to like and comment on each others’ posts; it helps us show up more on the feed (if you’re familiar with the i.g. algorithm). So, I am taking this time at home to be more active online and gain followers. Instagram leads to a large percentage of traffic I receive on Etsy. I am grateful for the internet and ongoing communication at this time. God bless the men and women standing at the front line of this pandemic.
What kind of fashion or accessory trends are you currently digging?
What is very exciting about being part of the online community on Etsy is that I have been exposed to many new designs and different pieces of jewelry I was unaware of prior to my joining. “Threader earrings” and “earring jackets” are very unique and modern and they’re something I have discovered recently and would like to look into designing my own.
Do you sell on Etsy exclusively or can people buy your stuff in boutiques, other websites, etc?
Right now, I sell exclusively on Etsy. It is a marvelous communal website to use as a beginner. There are so many options on promoting, selling and purchasing handmade goods. It is the perfect tool to use to get your name out there!
To purchase accessories, visit the Gotiska Stil etsy page.
