Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa White.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my own business, Designed by Ness, in which I sell t-shirts that I design and custom digital illustrations. I am also an elementary art teacher in Plano ISD. Art has always been such an important part of my life as I was pretty much in an art class at every point of my life. It’s my safe place! I’m blessed that I am able to share my love for art with my elementary art students. As I was entering my fourth year of teaching, I knew that there was something more that I wanted to do with my art along with teaching. I was just not sure exactly which direction to take. I love a variety of art mediums so finding my niche and focusing on a few things was challenging! However, exploring was the best part of my journey in developing my brand.
In 2019 my parents opened up a printing and embroidery business in Plano, TX (Instant Imprints of West Plano), which was so perfect for our family of diverse talents. I come from a very creative family as my mother does embroidery for the business and had her own clothing line when she was younger. My dad is an excellent businessman, and I have learned so much through watching him interact with customers and organize projects. The new business was the perfect opportunity to include my art with their printing services. Between the pandemic and heightened exposure of social justice movements, I knew that I wanted to create a shirt that would help to spread awareness for justice in the black community and would help to support my parent’s business due to the extended closures. I created a Black Lives Matter shirt with illustrations of faceless people, and I got several orders within the first few minutes of listing the design on Etsy! I was so excited, and I was so inspired to keep going.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have definitely come across struggles through this journey! Opening my Etsy in 2020 was my first time truly putting my work out there for people to purchase and to wear, which is scary. There was always a fear that people wouldn’t like my work or that it didn’t stand out against other shops within the same market. Hearing the advice “don’t be afraid of an over-saturated market because the market doesn’t have YOU” really changed my perspective and gaining confidence in my work. On the business side, there was SO much that I had to learn. Several hours and days were put into research, designing and printing shirts, thank you cards, taking my own product photos… so many things! It took such a long time to really get a routine of managing, fulfilling and packaging orders. On top of teaching in person during a worldwide pandemic.. starting this business in 2020 has been a wild ride! Nevertheless, I am so thankful for all of the experiences. It’s helped me grow as an artist and individual.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I design shirts, stickers and create custom illustrations. A lot of my shirt designs come from the inspiration of being an elementary art teacher as I love creating teacher and art shirts. I know what teachers love, and I wanted to create a shirt design that they would be happy wearing in their classrooms. My business slogan is “Design, prints, and more” because I also specialize in custom artwork not limited to shirts. I also create custom portrait illustrations, vinyl decals, keychains, and illustrated stickers. I am so thankful that creating shirts and stickers has connected me with several people contacting me about custom shirts, artwork, and illustrations. The community that I am building through creating and helping people reach their vision has truly been rewarding.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Nothing has been left out. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Pricing:
- T-shirts starting at $20
- Custom stickers starting at $5
- Custom portrait Illustrations starting at $25
Contact Info:
- Email: vanessanwhite@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignedByNess
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedbyness_/
