stace of spades — Local Undercover

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

I’m a Minneapolis-based fine artist and illustrator. A lot of the work that I do is pop art and portraiture (animals, people, and bottles of beer). I often work with themes of social justice and feminism, too, drawing attention to unfair and outdated social norms. I sell merchandise, like prints and stickers, and do freelance illustration as well. I can’t really sit still because I like a lot of stuff, so I kind of have something for everyone.

What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?

I like a lot of stuff, so I have a little something for everyone. If you know my work, you’re probably familiar with either my watercolor beer paintings, gouache body positive paintings, or pop art.

What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?

Learning how to do everything, haha. As a one-woman show, I’m the designer, creator, customer service rep, salesperson, accountant, marketing manager, shipping coordinator, web designer, and more! I can’t say that I’ve totally overcome it, but I’m always learning and do really enjoy it.

How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?

It’s been a wild ride so far. Before COVID I was working two jobs and running my business. Now I’m learning how to work for myself from home all of the time. It’s been a huge adjustment. I’ve been fortunate to be able to have more time to take on commissions and illustration projects (and that they’ve been available to me), but being a freelancer is always uncertain. The pandemic makes that even more unpredictable, especially when in-person markets & shows aren’t a thing. All I can really do right now is keep making new things & putting them out there, hoping the Instagram algorithm shows it to people! I've focused a lot on giving back & raising awareness, too. Earlier in the pandemic I worked with a few friends to put out fundraiser coloring books for the Twin Cities Music Community Trust (Coloring Books for a Cause: The Big Coloring Book of First Ave, Parts 1 & 2).

What is your favorite part of what you do?

Bringing people joy by doing what brings me joy. It’s super cheesy, but I spent thirteen years in a totally different career that didn’t bring me joy. Creating a special, sentimental commissioned piece for someone feels great. I really love doing art markets too (and miss them terribly this year). I think that I make a lot of relatable artwork, and it’s so cool when I can talk about cellulite or video games with someone in person. We both feel seen, and that’s kind of incredible.

**What is your must do local activity?**

My favorite thing to do, especially during the pandemic, is hiking in our state parks! Minnesota is so beautiful, and the parks are very well-kept. The three things that I miss most from pre-pandemic Minneapolis are going to shows at First Avenue & Icehouse, hanging out at Kyatchi & eating sustainably sourced sushi, and doing art markets at Bauhaus Brew Labs.

Where to find stace of spades:

Website: www.staceofspades.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stace_of_spades
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceofspades/