Alice of Split Mind Plush
- Topic:
Interview & Artist Spotlight
- Article By:
FlyDuo
- Photo:
Split Mind Plush
Meet the visionary behind Split Mind Plush...
Can you tell us a little about yourself? The woman behind the brand?
A: My name is Alice and I’m a 23 year old artist from London.
What is Split Mind Plush?
A: Split Mind Plush is my little twisted brain child. Most of my plushies are made out of old materials. Some parts of the plushies are even made from old clothes or old jewelry. I don’t like to use new stuff. Split Mind Plushies are not something you can buy in your local toy store; they just have to be different.
How long have you been creating your hand made plush animals (aka plushies)?
A: I first started making weird plush toys when I was around 16, and over the years it has grown in to a life time business for me.
What's the inspiration behind their very unique look?
A: I guess the inspiration goes from within… When I decide to make a plushie, I just take a piece of random fabric and start out… and where it will lead? I only find it out when the whole thing is finished and packed.
"The main message behind Split Mind Plush is – its OK to be different."
Is there a message or meaning behind the look?
A: The main message behind Split Mind Plush is – its OK to be different. Even the most bizarre toy can be beautiful in its own way.
What has been the typical response to your pieces?
A: People either love it or hate it. There’s nothing in between.
We read somewhere that you've sold pieces to individuals around the world...
1.) Is this as a result of word of mouth only? Or do you promote world wide?
2.) Out of curiosity, what has the US response been like?
A: It’s a bit of both, I always say to my customers that if they want a plushie sent to the North Pole – I’ll make it happen. Around 45% of all my plushies are sold to the US…
How old is your average buyer/collector?
A: Anywhere between 16 and 35
Your plushies are amazingly detailed and intricate, how long do they typically take to make? (What's the average size?)
A: It usually takes me anywhere from 5-16 hours to make one plushie and the average size is 20cm x 15cm (just about 8in x 6in)
Is Split Mind Plush a side hustle for you or a full time job? (If it's a side hustle, what else do you do? And do you ever see yourself taking it full time? Why, or why not?)
A: Right now it’s a part time job, (I also do modeling at the moment), but one day – yeah, why not, I do see it as something full time.
"...if one wants something bad enough, it’s bound to happen."
It isn't easy starting your own business these days - even side hustles take money and time. How did you make your endeavor a reality?
A: I really really really wanted it. And if one wants something bad enough, it’s bound to happen. Even if you don’t have time or money when you first set out, if you try hard, you'll manage to find both.
What have been your biggest challenges? And how did you overcome them?
A: My biggest challenge of all – is finding time. I really want to create much more art (including splitmindplush.co.uk) , but there’s always not enough time to bring all the ideas in my head to life…
It seems that for most, being a woman in business presents more challenges than it does for their male counterparts. But for others being a woman has proven to be their most valuable asset. In your opinion has being a woman made the experience of starting and running your own business more of a challenge, or less of a challenge? And why?
A: I think in art industry it really doesn’t matter, its equally challenging, both for guys and for gals.
"...I’ve never believed in mass producing art."
If someone were to approach you (assuming they haven't already) and said, 'We love your plush animals! And wanna help you mass-produce them!' ...would you? Why, or why not?
A: Things like this happened already, some companies even try to make similar plushies. But its not the same, all my plushies are hand made, with custom jewelry that is also hand made. They are made as a collectible art items. And I’ve never believed in mass producing art.
For those interested in purchasing one of your pieces where can they find 'em? And what do they range in price?
A: You can find them here: www.splitmindplush.co.uk, they can be anywhere from 35£ to 65£ ($55 to $102 US)
How can we keep up with all the goings on at Split Mind Plush? (websites, contact info., etc)
A: You can find me here: www.splitmindplush.co.uk
Thank You!
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