
I've been hesitant to post on this topic for a few reasons today (not the least of which being that I'm supposed to be packing up the studio to move into the new work|shop today), but I've been mulling + mulling... Here goes...
If you'd prefer to have a random towel that you traced artwork that isn't yours onto with (what's more or less) a sharpie in your kitchen, so be it.
Professionally handmade work isn't for everyone. If you don't want to buy a towel that I hand printed through Anthropologie's website or through my own website (where I've been selling these towels myself for years), I probably can't stop you from making a cheapie version for your own use.
However, you should know the hours upon hours that I've put into sourcing the very best floursack towels (100% floursack cotton, in what I've deemed the best size ever, milled in the US, that gets softer with wear) and that I've honed my style of illustration for years as my little tiny business has grown (I don't have an MFA, rather a degree in Architecture, but that's a whole other story). I've printed thousands of towels over the past few years for a living (hereby making me a professional). Most importantly, I've worked so very hard over many, many long hours to build my little business and perfect my products.
But if you'd prefer your traced-on sharpie version, knock yourself out.
I stand by my work. And I support my peers - other independent artists - whenever and however I can. I buy less, but sleep easier at night, knowing that how I spend my money is aligned with what I believe.
Those who know me (virtually or, gasp!, in person) know I've been doing this for some time, and that I'm a real person (brutally honest at times, and with a weakness for locally crafted beer). I work really hard and I'm generally pretty nice. While I've been more than fortunate in enjoying some unbelievable successes lately (seriously, pinch me!), I certainly won't be wallpapering my bathroom in benjamins anytime soon. So if you'd rather make your own cheap knock off than support someone who has inspired you in even a tiny way, and if that gives you satisfaction, so be it.