Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Rodriguez.
Hi Vanessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was working as a teacher’s assistant for several years before deciding to go back to college to pursue a degree in Fine Arts in Education. Becoming a full-time student was a big step, and while my husband took on two jobs to support our family, I still wanted to contribute financially and ease some of the burden. That’s when my best friend suggested I start selling my spooky-themed art at local pop-up markets.
The idea immediately clicked for me. Pop-ups were typically held on weekends, which fit perfectly with my class schedule. I began investing in the essentials: a canopy tent, cashbox, table, table cover, display stands, and trays. Once I had the setup, I jumped into creating soooky themed artwork.
In addition to my artwork, I started designing jewelry with a gothic and horror-inspired aesthetic, creating themed earrings using bulk charms to keep them affordable. As an enamel pin collector myself, I also began sourcing horror-themed pins in bulk to resell at my pop-up shop. Horror movies have always captivated me—the special effects, the makeup, the suspenseful storytelling. Growing up in a strict religious household, I wasn’t allowed to celebrate holidays like Halloween, so horror media became a secret escape and a source that intrigued me as a kid. It opened a door to a world I wasn’t allowed to be part of, but always felt drawn to.
Icons like Morticia Addams, Lily Munster, Vampira, Elvira, and the Bride of Frankenstein became my personal muses. They embodied beauty, mystery, and power—elements I strive to reflect in my own work. These legendary women, often referred to as part of the classic “ghoul gang” in horror culture, deeply influenced my aesthetic and creative identity. Inspired by them, I adopted the artist moniker Vane Von Frankenstein, which later led to the creation of my shop name: Vane Von Frankie’s Shop of Horrors. Through my art and small business, I’ve found a way to celebrate the things I’ve always loved while building something meaningful, empowering, and entirely my own.
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?
Owning an art pop-up shop definitely comes with its challenges. My first pop-up taught me valuable lessons about customer behavior and the nature of small markets. Unlike galleries or studios, pop-ups—especially those in less established locations like empty parking lots—draw in casual passersby. These shoppers are often more interested in affordable, eye-catching items than in investing in high-ticket art. I quickly realized that to succeed in these settings, I needed to adapt.
That’s when I started condensing my work into smaller formats. Painting on tiny 2×2-inch canvases allowed me to create more quickly and offer lower prices while still showcasing my style. This led to the creation of my signature “Lil’ Boo” Paintings—tiny ghost-themed pieces inspired by the comic strips I used to race to read in the Sunday editions of The Dallas Morning News. Artists in that section inspired my love for visual storytelling.
Another challenge was the aesthetic of the the spooky themed pop up shop in a regular market. I know horror and goth styles aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I’m never guaranteed to draw in the whole crowd—but I do catch the attention of curious onlookers who appreciate the effort I put into standing out. Over time, I’ve received positive feedback from people of all ages, even those who never imagined themselves wearing goth-style accessories. The setting, mood, and curiosity seem to pull them in.
One of my tricks for attracting attention is using a distinct visual theme. Just like bees are drawn to bold color blocks, I use black and white stripes throughout my setup—my canopy, table covers, and even the paper bags I use all follow this pattern. This uniform look acts like visual hypnosis and it draws in the viewer. It’s always amusing when someone, like an older lady, is charmed by the beautiful, clean presentation—until she realizes she’s wandered into a horror-themed shop and instinctively clutches her pearls. Some people love it, some are timid, and a few are genuinely spooked.
Another challenge is the skepticism I sometimes get from fellow vendors at more “normie” markets (that’s what we lovingly call non-goths in our community). Early on, other vendors often assume my booth won’t do well—there’s a noticeable air of judgment. But then the crowds show up, drawn in by the aesthetic, and by the end of the day, those doubtful looks usually turn into surprised respect. I’m not the only spooky vendor out there, not by a long shot, but carving out space in general markets where our style is misunderstood can be tough. Still, it’s worth it every time someone new connects with the weird, whimsical world I’ve built
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around goth and horror-inspired art, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, nostalgia, and character. One of the pieces I’m most known for is my signature “Lil’ Boo” Paintings— a little ghost character I created, often placed in spooky or whimsical scenes. Each painting captures a mood or a theme, sometimes referencing pop culture or personal memories, and they’re meant to be both eerie and endearing. The small size makes them accessible, collectible, and perfect for those dipping their toes into horror-themed art.
I specialize in creating artwork that blends creepy and cute—a balance that pays tribute to classic horror influences while keeping things light-hearted and approachable. I draw a lot of inspiration from vintage horror films, comic strips from the Sunday paper, and iconic macabre women like Elvira and Morticia Addams. My goal is to make horror feel fun, charming, and visually inviting.
What sets me apart is the distinct personality in my work and the world I’ve created through it. The Lil’ Boo character has become a mascot of sorts—he represents the curious outsider, the soft-hearted ghost in a scary world. I’ve had people of all ages connect with him, even those who don’t normally gravitate toward spooky art. That kind of unexpected connection is what I’m most proud of—it means the weird little ghost did his job.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing both as an artist and an educator. I recently completed my degree in Art Education and I’m actively seeking a teaching position (if anyone’s hiring—let me know! LOL). Once I begin teaching, my pop-up shop will shift to a seasonal schedule, which feels right—after all, goths weren’t built for long days in the sun!
Even as I transition into the classroom, I plan to keep evolving my art business. I’ve already started expanding my merchandise beyond paintings and jewelry to include goth-themed accessories like purses, patches, sunglasses, bandannas, and t-shirts. I also offer a range of spooky stationery items like stickers, bookmarks, and postcards.
In the long term, I’d love to open a storefront and turn it into a one-stop spooky shop—complete with art, accessories, and goth fashion. It would be a space where people who love the dark, the weird, and the whimsical can shop, feel seen, and be part of a creative community. I’m dreaming big—but all great things start with a ghost and a paintbrush.
Pricing:
- Price range is 2 -35
- All enamel pins are 5 dollars!
- Some exclusive purses like the pumpkin and skull bags are 60 dollars
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All images are taken by me please credit my artist moniker Vane Von Frankenstein Art.
