Featured Artist From Etsy "monkeyminddesign09"

1. Name and a little background information about you and what do you sell in your shop.

My name is Anita Ashfield-Salter.

I have been a graphic designer for 13 years in the advertising agency world. I recently left my job to pursue my new venture. It was time to get back to my roots. I love design, paper and making things with my hands. It's been two months and I love it! I hope to create designs that are positive, inspiring and fun.

2. When and how did you get started in your craft?
At an early age art was my passion. It was very clear the path I was supposed to take. I also graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. Of course, years of experience in print give me an advantage. And as I mentioned, I love paper and printing!

3. Could you explain a little how is your creative process?
I love to window shop and look at installations for inspiration. I take in color combinations and styles. Anthropologie is a perfect place to lose yourself visually. Then an idea pops up and I get to work. But I usually end up with something totally different than what I started with. And I am my own hardest critic and hardest client to please.

4. How long have you been selling your craft?
I have only been selling for two months. And trying to learn as much as I can as fast as I can. I also started selling my cards and calendars at the same time at a boutique gift shop in my neighborhood.

5. Do you have a favorite item from your store and why?

More Than Words Calendar - It was a major decision to leave my job and pursue happiness and a dream. I needed encouragement and inspiration. I spent many hours trying to find the right quotes with courage and change in mind. When I am having self doubt... I read the quotes. I am proud of myself and hope to encourage others to pursue their dreams.

6. What do you want to achive from Etsy?

Happiness doing what I love... and one day the pay day to go with it. I give everything I do 120% and do it with heart and soul. I hope it shows in my work.

7. Where else can we find you?

Twitter: http://twitter.com/monkeymindesign

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Monkey-Mind-Design/264507218759?ref=ts
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/monkeyminddesign09

Hearts For Haiti From The Etsy Community

I'm very proud of belonging to a talented and humanitarian community as Etsy.
I copied from their  fan pafe in facebbok to help promote this noble effort to raise money to help people in Haiti.

Here are their guidelines:

This is an Etsy collective of donated items from hundreds of Etsy shops to raise money to rebuild Haiti. 100% of the proceeds from this shop (minus Etsy fees and Paypal fees) go directly to DoctorsWithoutBorders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org ) in bi-monthly increments. This shop has permission to use the DoctorsWithoutBorders name and a separate bank account and Paypal account have been opened to maintain the integrity of this shop.

Items have been donated from many individual shops; each shop has included their particulars ( country, shipping time) in each listing. All items include seller-donated free shipping (most worldwide, see individual listing) because the need is SO great, we want you to buy and help support Etsians helping Haiti. The theme for the next few weeks is on heart items but we have more than just that. Please browse our sections to the right and know that your purchase in this shop not only gets you a great Etsy item but it also helps alleviate the needs in Haiti through donations to DoctorsWithoutBorders (MedicinesSansFrontiers ).

If you would like to donate an item to HeartsForHaiti.etsy.com, please send an email to etsyforhaiti [!at] gmail.com for a copy of the donation guidelines.

We can make a difference, together :)

www.HeartsForHaiti.etsy.com

Currently raised for Doctors Without Borders (after fees): $10,037.37
(as of 8:30 EST 1/21/10)