LisaMarie's Story : Spray Can Artist

LisaMarie, hard at work on a beach scene.

Care to introduce yourself?

My name is LisaMarie Lundy and I currently work in a restaurant, act, model, nanny and am occasionally paid to paint personalized artwork with spray paint during college festivals nationwide.

How did you get into creating art with spray paint?

My lovely boyfriend, Joe runs a business performing spray can art acts for colleges and private parties. He decided to teach me and take me on the road as his partner.

So, did you go to art classes or something?

I have never had artistic skill aside from writing. Kind of amazing for someone else to see the creative talent hiding behind low self esteem. This skill has been learned without a teacher but it is so much easier to learn someone else's techniques and make them your own with time.

What do you like about painting?

I'm happier and more confident when painting. It's an amazing feeling to be able to create beautiful pictures.

What are the downsides, if any, to being an artist?

It's unstable as most art related jobs seem to be. We don't have a constant flow of shows at certain times of the year.

How do you combat the downtime?

Emailing and calling colleges, as well as going to conferences to showcase for potential schools and private parties.

Describe your typical work day in 4-5 sentences:

We pack up the truck with all supplies (500 lbs of equipment) and drive to wherever the job may be. Hotels at night, early breakfast then off to unload the equipment at the school. Shows are 4 hours of spray painting with a small break every hour. Students line up for hours while we create a custom painting every 5 minutes.

Is this your only job?

Sadly no, I hope one day the work will be constant enough to be my only job. I work in a cafe, act, model and babysit as well. New York City is a constant hustle.

What resources would you recommend to a new person getting into this line of work (books, websites, classes, etc)?

Sadly there aren't a lot of books, and probably no classes, but I have known people who learn from YouTube. Joe is in the process of writing a "How To" book about his 16 years in this line of work. He currently has a GoFundMe campaign for the book and future documentary.

Do you have a website, book, or portfolio you'd like to share with Alt Cash?

Our booking site Spraycanartists.com and [Joe's] GoFundMe link.

Thank you so much for telling AltCash about your work; it was a real treat.

Kim's Story : Exotic Animal Breeder

One of the baby hedgehogs born under Kim's care
meeting his new family. 

Hi, Kim. Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Kimberly White and I breed exotic pets, mainly hedgehogs and Peterbald Cats (a hairless breed much like a Sphinx). 

A lot of people would love to be able to say that. How did you get into breeding exotics?

I've always been into animals and when you do enough rescues, you definitely deliver a few babies. So when I started having health problems that took me away from normal jobs I need something I could do at home . One of the things I was still doing daily was talking care of my animals. I remember someone once telling me "find what you like doing and find someone willing to pay you for it. That a job you'll never regret." It's true that I love my animals. 

Is there anything NOT to like about being a breeder?

There are downsides. People believe my job is playing with animals all day, or [that] it isn't a real job because there are so many "backyard breeders"* who basically just throw two animals together and hope it works. I haven't figured out quite how to make people understand the difference. I guess time and education will help. 

How does a typical day go for you?

...My day starts sometime earlier then most normal jobs. It depends deeply on what's going on. I break my job into three time periods: 1. Pregnant animals, 2. Babies are born, and 3. The rest of the year. 

Non babies season is mostly down time. You take the animal for regular checkups. Have genetic testing done on new animals track down and acquire new blood lines. Feed, play, bath, socialize, and maintain the animals. The easy part. 

Uh-oh. When does your day start during baby season?

Baby season is... a lot harder; say good bye to sleep. The day begins at 3 a.m. with bottle feeding an extra bottle to the kitten whose mother's milk didn't come in or isn't producing enough milk... If you feed them with out the mother you'll be doing this every 2-4 hours - you learn to sleep around anything. 

At 6-ish feed the parents or your adult animals and again at 8. Some where in there you have weighing and socializing hedgehogs, etc. So what I am saying is the typical day non-baby season is maybe 15 -20 hours of work, [while] baby season (which is about a 5 month period) you work round clock. It's worth it. 

Is breeding your only job?

Yeah, this is my only job.

What advice would you give to someone reading your interview, saying to themselves "I want to do this"?

To anyone getting or trying to get into this line of work, I recommend finding a mentor. Most enthusiast groups TICA (Cats), AKC (Dogs), HRI, etc. have a mentor programs.

*"Backyard breeding" is a term used by rescue organizations and professional breeders in reference to individuals breeding their animals without full knowledge of the health of the animals, their genetics, or proper breeding practices. These individuals may or may not have obtained state licenses to breed animals. A license is a good thing to ask to see when choosing an animal from a breeder, but you should also ask to see the areas the animals are kept, meet the animals parents, and ask questions to make sure the breeder and his/her program are on the up-and-up.

Kat's Story : Fursuit Builder

Thanks for agreeing to this interview for Alternative Cash. Let's start with an introduction – what is your name, and what do you do for a living?

My name is Kat Leith and I am a student working in retail. I aim to finish my writing degree so I can be an editor. I've also considered teaching. I am returning to college in January.

How did you get into making fursuits?

I'll replace "job" with "hobby" here, though I do hope to one day make it a source of real income. I used to be really into Japanese animation and I was actively on the internet participating in fan sites and the like, when I came across a different kind of fandom called "furries" who put more emphasis on anthropomorphic characters (like Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse) than human ones. I thought it was pretty interesting so I started to do art and make my own character but I didn't get really active into the costuming aspect of it until a couple years ago. I tried making my first costume just for fun, but I didn't have anywhere to take it or use it so it didn't see much action. Once I outgrew that character, I sold the costume and that was kind of a rush! I loved that someone liked my creative work enough to buy it, and I have been interested in doing that ever since. Then, I met my now boyfriend who encourages me to pursue my artistic interests as a whole! That includes fursuit building.

Did you need any special training, or did you have a background in this kind of hobby?

Nope! Anyone can build a fursuit. All you need is a basic knowledge of shapes (for carving the head and feet shapes) and sewing (for making the body and tail and furring the head and feet) and a ton of patience! Just like anything else, all it takes is patience and practice.

What do you like about it?

It allows me to be creative and to make something others can enjoy! Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing someone frolic around in a costume you made specifically for them and genuinely enjoy it.

What are the downsides, if any, to your line of work?

It's difficult to break into when you're first starting out (like I still am) as far as getting people to take commissions.

How do you overcome that particular hurdle?

Keep posting your work for people to see to try to gain a sort of audience for your work.

What sites are the best for building an audience for furry art?

I would say Furaffinity, SoFurry, or Tumblr.

Describe your typical work day:

Spend 6 to 8 hours a day carving foam and sewing fabric. Not much to it, really.

What resources would you recommend to a new person getting into this line of work (books, websites, classes, etc)?

(I recommend) http://www.matrices.net/fursuiting.asp and http://fursuit.livejournal.com/ .

Just research it and see what other people have done! That's how I learned ALL of what I know about it. Then, take what you get from them and put your own efforts and creativity into it.

Do you have a website, book, or portfolio you'd like to share with Alt Cash?

Not much of a portfolio to speak of just yet.

*To check out Kat's work or commission her, follow THIS link.

Hopefully you'll be getting some commissions soon. I'd love to do a follow up with you.

**While Kat doesn't have a wide range yet for her portfolio, I have seen some of her work from the past year. She's come a long way with her craft, and gets better every time she makes something new.

Matthew's Story : Musician

Matthew before practice with his band mates.

How about an introduction?

Well, my name is Matthew Freeman, and I'm a musician.

How did you get into music as a career choice?

I guess I got started in high school by joining the marching band program. From there I got into the jazz band where I learned to play on a drum set as well as started learning keyboards and some brass.

What kind of training do you have?

I think I already kinda answered that, but the beauty of music, or any art form really, is outside of some natural talent there are plenty of ways to learn the skills you need to be successful. As far as music there tends to be three main ways people learn. There's the self taught, the Internet makes this a lot easier. There's how I started out which was through a school program. Finally, there are private lessons, the most expensive of the options but worth every penny if you find the right tutor.

What do you like about it?

What's not to like? I get to look however I choose, make my own schedule, be creative, and for those who like to be the center of attention, like yours truly, I get to be on stage. Oh, and if you're playing bars, clubs, or catered gigs, you get free or discounted food and liquor, always a good thing.

What are the downsides, if any, to your line of work?

As with any creative or artistic job you have to find someone to buy what your selling. This can be difficult to do in some areas and for certain personality types. Also unless you are phenomenally talented, playing non melodic instruments (non-keyboard percussion, bass, low brass) you are usually playing in a group. While I would never say being in a band is worse than playing solo, it does add complications.

How do you combat the lack of paying work?

Finding someone to pay you to play quite simply is leg work. Make some decent recordings of you or your band playing and start talking to places you know have live music. There is another option and that's street performance. Before you take that route check your local laws. I'd hate for your readers to get arrested for something they didn't know was illegal. As far as groups being complicated, communication is key. If you and your band mates aren't on the same page then things will never mesh and the audience can always tell if you aren't feeling it.

Describe your typical work day for me:

That's kind of a complicated question. There are several different "typical" days for me, there are practice days, performance days, and then there's promotion days. Practice days are spent building chops, developing new techniques, and meeting with band mates to run through finished material and creating new songs. Performance days are full of ritual and habits, each musician is different. For me, gear is packed the night before, if I'm not out of town I go to my favorite music shop and chat with the owner and buy a new pair of sticks (sometimes several). I usually show up to the venue an hour early and eat (Yay discounted food!) then get my gear set up, listen to music, warm up, get hyped with the band, then SHOW TIME! Promotion days are when I will make sure websites, blogs, and Facebook pages are up to date. Go to venues and talk to other bands about upcoming shows.

Is this your only job?

No, I'm also a carpenter.

What resources would you recommend to a new person getting into this line of work (books, websites, classes, etc)?

Well as your readers are well aware, you can learn a lot on the Internet. Your local music store is also a great source of information and advice on books, classes and tutors. I really suggest find a locally owned shop, they appreciate loyalty more than the national chains and usually more plugged into venues and good tutors. As far as private tutors are concerned, I've used them from time to time to learn a particularly difficult style or technique. Look for someone who you are compatible with. Everyone learns different, so find someone who teaches to your needs. Also it's not a bad idea to check their credentials. If the tutor said he attended Julliard, ask to see the diploma (If I went I'd have that thing on prominent display).

Do you have a website, book, or portfolio you'd like to share with Alt Cash?

Unfortunately, not at the moment. I have a new project in the works and will update you when its ready.

I look forward to that. I'm always happy to do follow up interviews, especially if you end up famous.

The band during a performance, with Matthew on drums.

Alternative to Etsy? Storenvy, the new kid on the block.

Storenvy's already been featured on Mashable and Forbes, but hasn't quite taken the digital world by storm yet. Much like its predecessors Etsy and Artfire, Storenvy is a service that connects buyers directly with artists.

How does it work?

Through Storenvy, creative minds (like yours, maybe?) can open their own store, and sell their work for it directly, or...

"When you open your own Storenvy Store, you’re also joining the booming Storenvy marketplace where shoppers all over the world can discover, Envy, and buy your amazing things. Anything you add to your store automatically becomes searchable on Storenvy. This is what makes Storenvy so special. Not only do you get a custom store that is all your own, but you also get access to thousands of customers already shopping at Storenvy. And more customers equals more sales."

- Storenvy 

You're pretty much getting twice the exposure.

Why choose Storenvy over other sites?

Honestly, I'd say it's a matter of opinion. I prefer it (as a customer) because of it's layout and the quality I've seen in the Marketplace thus far. It's not quite as flooded as the older sites are, which is a huge plus for potential new store owners. I also prefer Storenvy's personal feeds.

If it's a matter of opinion, why post about it?

Because of the relatively short time Storenvy has been around, I feel it's worth spreading the word around to potential store owners. In a smaller market place setting, getting noticed will be easier (and getting noticed is a key step of successful retailers).

Jay's Story : Professional Writer

"Fantasy authors are the historians of
mankind's imagination" - A. Wilde

Care to introduce yourself?

I'm Jay, and I'm a writer.

That's a popular dream gig. How did you get into professional writing?

I got my current position by following my passion to become a writer. Then I started a blog because I really wanted to write. That became the portfolio I've used to interest others in allowing me the opportunity to write and be published professionally.

Did you go to school for this kind of thing?

I've had no special training to prepare me to be a writer.

What do you like about being a writer?

I like the process and the results. I enjoy the research and then distilling it into "the story". When I'm done it's as much about what I've learned as much as it is the expression I gave it.

Is there a downside to writing on the professional level?

There isn't much downside to being a writer unless you include not getting paid.

That would be a big downside for some. How are you combating that?

I don't combat the lack of salary because I believe I'm working up to the getting paid part.

Tell me about a typical day for you.

I don't have a typical work day because that's not how my process works. I usually write in the morning because that's when my thoughts are the quietest. I alternate between research/writing and doing other things. Taking a break to do something completely unrelated helps to bring what I'm doing back into a clearer focus which keeps me in a creative frame of mind.

Is writing your only gig?

Yes, this is my only job.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

To be a writer you need to have a strong command of the language and a passion for understanding the intricacies of communication. Beyond some basic English classes I'm not certain you need any formal training. There is no class, that I know of, that teaches you to think and feel, or gives you the ability to articulate it, other than life itself.

To read some of Jay's work, check out his music review blog "Off the Charts Daily Dose of Rock & Roll". Jay also writes as a columnist for a pop culture magazine [name withheld].

Rebecca's Story : Adult Entertainer

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Jessika's Story : Alternative Indie Fashion Designer

Jessika modelling her "Life" accessories.

Let's start simple – what is your name, and what do you do for a living? Jessika Whitehouse, and I work in retail, but one of the things that gives me the most joy is making accessories from board games.

That's really cool! How did you get into something like that? Did you need any special training, or did you have a background in fashion? I have always been creative, but got inspired by a drag queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, as she is very creative and we had a lot of the same taste. Her name Is Pandora Boxx and she wore a dress with a racetrack and matchbox cars on it. I was so in love with this dress that I wanted to make something like it. So I started thinking of what materials to use. I ended up coming across a Monopoly board and tried it out. My two friends Stormy and Rachel helped me make bracelets and earrings, while I designed and made my dress and purses. I fell in love with it and kept making stuff. It was not until I met Thom Filicia (from Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) at Rain Lounge in Syracuse, that he asked me if I was a fashion designer and urged me to continue making things. That is when I opened my Etsy shop.

What do you like about it? I like that I have control over what I do. It’s all my decision. It helps me problem solve, trying to figure out how to make a piece fit or move a certain way.

What are the downsides, if any, to your line of work? Cost of supplies and getting my name out there. I have had little to no traffic on my shop, but have had some luck with people I know wanting something from me.

How do you combat that? I’ve created a twitter, Instagram, Etsy shop, and a Facebook page for the stuff I make in hopes to get my name more out there and increase online traffic.

What is your work day like on a typical day? Nothing about this is typical. It all depends on what I am working on, if anything. My being able to make these things is dependent upon my income and how much free time I have.

Jessika, Thom Filicia, and Jessika's girlfriend Natalie.

Is this your only job? I do work for a retail store and I am also a student.

What resources would you recommend to a new person getting into this line of work (books, websites, classes, etc)? Attend a social media workshop, go to local events that have independent vendors and ask them how they started out, and what steps they took to get to where they are now.

Do you have a website, book, or portfolio you'd like to share with Alt Cash?

Facebook.com/GypZsolDesigns

I am also on Twitter, Instagram, and Etsy.