Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Romero.
Hi Cristina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began Howdy Ceramics right at the beginning of Covid. Like many others, I had lost my job as a graphic designer and took this time to finally get back to clay after falling in love with ceramics in college. As someone who had spent most of their creative time staring at a computer screen, I always gravitated towards working with my hands in order to give my eyes a break. I ended up receiving a grant from Future Front Texas (Previously known as Boss Babes ATX) and also had the opportunity to be featured in their craftHER Market Stay Well Box which definitely helped launch Howdy here in Austin. As more people ordered the box with my planter included, I was able to connect with the awesome creative community here in Austin and it’s been nonstop since then!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think for the most part, I’ve been lucky enough to have a smooth-ish road. Since I am traditionally a graphic designer, I knew the creative side of things came to me fairly easily, I have also worked as a social media manager for other brands so that part was also very familiar. However, the business side of things definitely came with a steep learning curve. Kind of regret not taking any business classes while in college, but you live and you learn! I’ve been super fortunate to have friends and mentors along the way that have helped me with any questions I’ve had from what the heck a SKU was to how wholesale order pricing works. I think it also helped that a lot of small businesses began due to Covid so it’s been awesome to grow alongside other friend’s business whether they be local or people I’ve met online.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would say that I’m an illustrator who fell in love with clay. I specialize in whimsical illustrations peppered with quippy sayings or even just silly poems/passing thoughts I have. Because traditional ceramic wares are usually seen in earthy tones and organic shapes, I loved the idea of creating work that really stood out and contrasted that. I love using bright pinks, blues, and yellows as well as using special tools to add intricate details to my work. I especially love it when someone’s eyes light up and they pick up a piece that really speaks to them at a market. They’ll often say something along the lines of “omg that’s so me” or thats so *insert friend’s name here* and that is the best compliment I think I could ever receive. There are definitely moody undertones to my work, inspired by the many emotions that have come up both due to COVID and also the challenges and triumphs that come with starting your own business, so to hear that others can relate and that my art helps them be able to laugh about it is an awesome feeling.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I would love to connect with other ceramic artists here in Austin! Either reaching out to me over Instagram or email would be awesome. As far as support, helping share my work on social media is a great way to get more traffic to my website as well as a fun way to meet others.
Pricing:
- Mugs range from $50-60
- Planters range from $50-90
- Prints are usually around $20
Contact Info:
- Email: howdy.cr@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/howdyceramics/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howdy.ceramics/?hl=en
Image Credits:
Terrellyn Faye
