Maker Spotlight: Tia Tieman of Quack + Beans
Ignite Studio’s “Maker Spotlight” is back, this time to highlight Fishers artist and illustrator Tia Tieman of Quack + Beans. Tia works with a variety of art media to bring her illustrations to life. You can even find one of the four children’s books she has written and illustrated in the library’s catalog. We asked Tia about her work and process.
Q: When did you first become interested in making things?
I filled sketchbooks when I was little and was always a crafty gal.
I’ve always loved making things, and I fell out of it a bit once I got a job after college about 11 years ago. Chris (aka Ducky, my husband) encouraged me for a long time to continue what I loved doing – illustrating and playing around with art.
Q: Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
I have formal education in visual communications through IPFW, focusing on graphic design, and in my day job, I’m a senior art director. I’ve learned a lot along the way in terms of graphic design and advertising in that sense.
I fell out of illustration for a little while, but decided to get back into it in 2020, so I had some re-learning to do. I usually seek out classes that involve hand lettering, lino printing, screen printing, Riso printing, etc. – anything different that I can use/apply my illustrations to in a different way.
Q: What kind of things do you currently make/ favorite types of things to make?
I’ve been admiring Riso printing for a while now, and we just recently made our holiday cards using the Riso printer at the Ignite Studio.
In addition to Riso, I’ve been taking monthly lino print classes where I illustrate and hand-carve a stamp to use for greeting cards. I’m leaning more into physical forms of making – less digital art – because I’m able to play and experiment more. For example, the other day I was making illustrations on Shrinky dinks to make into silly hair clips for myself!
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from many of the things I love…cats (of course), dad jokes, nature, or just fond memories that I can recreate into stories or silly illustrations.
Q: How long has it taken you to feel confident in your making abilities?
I will say I’m more confident now in my making abilities, but I still get imposter syndrome. There are so many amazing artists and makers in the world, and yes, I do sometimes compare myself to them. But I know I’m growing and learning because I see how I’ve progressed.
Q: When did you decide to turn “making” into a business or sell items that you have made?
When I started illustrating my first children’s book on Twitch during COVID/2020, I planned on producing my book once it was completed. The art community was so supportive, and people were encouraging me to make it a real thing.
From there, I went to a few art and author events. I toyed with the idea of making a small business for not only my art, but Ducky’s art as well. I even had a name and a logo started, but I kept putting it off – and then, Ducky created our LLC!
So, our small business has been running for 2 years now, and we use it to not only sell the items that we make, but also to challenge and encourage us to come up with new, fun ideas to see if anyone would like them.
Q: What is the business side of art making like?
It is a lot of tracking! Financial tracking, product tracking, sales tracking, event tracking, etc. We have 15 – 30 events that we apply to and attend each year to sell in-person. Then, we have consignment shops that we supply our art/products to.
The real trick is how to balance that business side of art making with the actual art making! (I’m still working on figuring this one out.)
Q: Where can people view your designs/art?
Most of my designs and art now live on my small business’s social media and website.
Social media: @quackandbeans on Instagram/TikTok
Website: quackbeans.com
Q: What drew you to the Ignite Studio?
I love knowing this is a place to experiment with tools that might not be something I can just go out and get whenever I want. I also REALLY wanted to use a Riso printer again (I took a paid class at Cathead Press in the past year). The Riso printer itself is something I hope to maybe invest in someday, but being able to have access to it to play with and create with is amazing. This allows me to learn and grow without having the expense of buying a big piece of equipment.
Q: How has the Ignite Studio helped you further your goals in art and making?
The Ignite Studio makes me excited to try new things and different forms of art/making. I’m already planning a few new projects based off tools in the Ignite Studio to play with. It allows you to play in a space that is away from home, and you have what you need to play.
Q: How easy or hard was it to learn the equipment you use in Ignite?
Very easy to learn, and the staff in the Ignite studio are very helpful!
Q: Any advice for those interested in making things?
Just play! Try it out and have fun with it. I think we all forget to let the making happen, let the play happen. Ignite Studio is a great place to start – they have the tools, and some starter supplies to help.
Thank you Tia for being in our Maker Spotlight!
