Conversations with Brandi Stone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Stone.

Hi Brandi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had some entrepreneurial tendencies. Instead of having a lemonade stand, one day, I set up an “art stand” on my grandparents’ front lawn and tried to sell my drawings. My grandmother was the only one to buy something from me and I was so disappointed because I didn’t feel like that really counted! Even so, it didn’t stop me from wanting to start my own business.

I had several ideas about what that might mean. Throughout elementary school, I wanted to be a rock star, an inventor, or an animal caretaker. In high school, I made plans to start a skate park. Then I started doing indie band promotions for local rock bands. I designed my own website, took photos of musicians, and distributed demo EPs.

I had always planned to attend university, but when the time came I still didn’t know what I truly wanted to do. I took my first semester as an “undecided” major and started taking classes to see if anything struck a chord. I found myself increasingly interested in art and creativity, but I was always told it was nearly impossible to make a living as an artist unless you did something commercial. That led me to the happy middle ground of graphic design, with a minor in photography.

As I was taking the required art classes for a graphic design degree, I started selling my work and doing art commissions. I experimented with a lot of different styles, and I started learning more and more about cutesy art featuring topics like animals and sweets. I was influenced by the Japanese “kawaii” style and pulled a lot of inspiration from Sanrio (creators of Hello Kitty), Japanese mascot design, and anime.

The things I loved about being a child influenced a lot of my work. I think that’s what gives it that nostalgic, childlike feel. My mom was a cake decorator when I was growing up, and I didn’t even realize it at first, but I think that’s why I love incorporating treats like cupcakes into my art. I’ve always been an animal lover, so cute animals are a huge inspiration.

In my senior year, I had to do a big elective project for my Honors degree, and the university would fund up to $1000 in supplies for it. It was a really great opportunity! As I was brainstorming what to do I had this idea, “What if I can use that to start something where I can make more money?” So I decided my project would be to start a business. I designed my branding, wrote a business plan, and designed my first 8 products.

With my funding from the university, I was able to order business cards, envelopes, letterhead, a banner, and my first stocking of products. In June of 2011, Dorky Dino was born! Ever since then, I have been selling online at dorkydino.com and in-person at conventions and art shows.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing my own art business from the ground up has been anything but a smooth road. My biggest struggle by far has been work-life balance and finding time for everything I want to do. I notoriously have difficulties relaxing or giving myself “downtime,” so much so that it’s even come up in therapy. I have anxiety disorder and it can cause me to feel like I constantly need to be productive.

There are times I’ll be fighting with my own mind so much that even if I am “relaxing” I end up not really relaxing because I am thinking about all the other things I want to get done. Since I’m aware it’s a struggle for me, I have been learning techniques to help with it. I remind myself that downtime and relaxing are necessary for doing better work, and therefore it is productive. I’m also learning to recognize the signs of being burnt out and to take a step back before I hit that point. Now if I notice those signs I take a break and say no to tasks for a while until I feel more under control.

I struggle with social anxiety, so the idea of trying to talk to strangers and sell them things was terrifying when I first started. I’ve worked hard to expose myself to my fears, and now seeing people at events is one of my favorite parts! I do still get incredibly nervous the days before a convention, but once I’m there I always enjoy myself. I surprised myself with how much I was able to accomplish by tackling my fears head-on.

I’ve started taking chances that I never would have been comfortable with before. I think it’s important to take those kinds of risks: The ones that scare you but excite you at the same time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make artwork for people who love cute things, with a sprinkling of geekery. I want to show people they can celebrate their dorkiness. I started Dorky Dino because I wanted to do something big with my art: I want to spread happiness. Specifically, I want to make people happy with my artwork, by using bright colors and cute animals to bring nostalgic memories of childhood. I want people to realize they should celebrate their dorkiness, instead of hiding it. Everyone is different, and we should be celebrating those differences!

Dorky Dino is my small art business where I sell my original creations. In my shop at dorkydino.com, you can find original paintings, art prints, handmade jewelry, height charts, patches, stickers, and more! I love applying my designs to different types of products, and I hope to expand to even more products soon.

What makes me the absolute most proud is when people see my work and smile or feel something. That is the best feeling I could ask for! I’ve had young artists reach out and tell me I inspired them to do more art. I’ve had adults tell me they were having a bad day and receiving one of my products turned it around.

I’ve had customers gift products to their Dungeons and Dragons parties, students, and even Girl Scout troops! It fills me with joy every single time.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned that even when doing something you love, it still work, and it can still be incredibly difficult.

There will still be times you feel unmotivated and times you feel like an imposter. However, having passion and a sense of purpose in your goals makes it easier to push through those feelings and keep working.

You’ll know something is right for you if you hit those difficult times and are willing to keep working because you believe in what you are doing.

Pricing:

• Art Prints: $5-15
• Height Charts: $29
• Keychains: $8
• Rings: $6
• Necklaces: $11

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dorkydino.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorkydino/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorkydino
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorkyDinoGifts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT9E2848dQcBrnO_wqrX1bQ

Image Credits
Dorky Dino