How did you get into embroidery?

I randomly found a pattern on Etsy and decided to give it a try. I was hooked almost immediately.

Do you have a background in design?

Nope! I was raised in a creative household and was sewing and cross stitching at a young age, but I went to school for business about as far from art school as you can get!

Jen Smith is a fibre artist and photographer living in Los Angeles.

What are some of your favourite stitches?

Satin stitches and French knots are my favourite stitches and pretty much the only ones I use.

Are there any stitches you’re keen on learning?

At times I think about venturing into using other stitches – maybe when I feel like I can’t accomplish what I want to with what I’m currently using.

Where do you get your materials and threads from?

I buy my thread from JoAnns most of the time. I get my hoops from Amazon and Auburn Hoops. On a recent visit my mum brought me my box of embroidery floss from my childhood, and it’s been fun to incorporate those threads into my current work.

How do you start a new piece of work, what’s your design process?

My process varies depending on where the inspiration comes from. But I always draw my designs on my iPad and then trace them from there. Switching to the iPad and using an Apple pencil really improved my process. Prior to that I drew on paper and used a lightbox or a window.

Are you overwhelmed with designs and ideas or does it take time to find new embroideries to stitch?

Depends! There are times when the ideas come fast and times when I just have no ideas whatsoever.  I recently came through one of those dry spells, and I have to say, they’re really humbling. I had frustrating days, sad days, and when I finally accepted it was a part of the process, the ideas started coming again.

Do you embroider for fun or is it a full time job?

I worked a corporate job (advertising agencies, marketing jobs) for my entire adult life, but in June I stepped away and started doing embroidery full time. It’s been shocking (in a good way) to see how much effort I’m willing to put into something I’m passionate about and love doing. My poor hands have days where they are begging for a break, but it’s been really enjoyable to create without the stresses of a 9-5.

How do you find using Instagram?

Like most people I have a love/what the heck relationship with Instagram. On days when a post doesn’t do well, or when I have a spell of frustrating days, I have to remind myself it’s about the work and persevere. For small business owners in the creative world, it really is one of the few ways to reach a large audience without spending money, and I’m really grateful it exists. I also love the embroidery community I’ve found on Instagram – it’s a really supportive, inspiring group of interesting people.

Do you ever worry your work will be copied?

I do worry about that, and it certainly has happened to me more than once. I try to tell myself that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and keep doing my thing. I’m also touched by how often it’s brought to my attention by my followers. How special is it to have a community looking out for each other like that?

Do you ever feel nervous or anxious your followers won’t like your work?

Honestly, I don’t. I have pieces that really resonate with people and pieces that don’t. I have pieces I’ve made that I love that don’t do well on IG at all, but that doesn’t really make me question whether they are good or valid, yet. I recognize that my style and look might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m glad to have a place where I can share it all just the same.

Do you ever feel pressured to post images that you know will get lots of likes instead of simply posting what you like?

The only pressure I feel is pressure from within myself. This may sound crazy, but sometimes a spell of posts that don’t do well can be really freeing. I’ve used those times to remember that what matters is the work, not the likes. That said, at this point I can typically tell how well a post is going to do within a few minutes, and while I often wish more people were able to see some of the posts I’ve really liked, it doesn’t impact what I create. But it may impact my mood that day!

What do you love about embroidery?

I love how tactile it is. I love the opportunity to use so much colour. I love how easy it is to take with me everywhere. It really woke me up to my creativity in a whole new way, and I’m grateful for that.

Follow Jen here