Behind the scene of Artifact Bag Co.

I'm glad to today have chance to have Chris from Artifact Bag Co to share his design story with us, I love Canvas bags and leather bags a lot, specialy leather bag, after years and years of use, they change to be a beautiful vintage color and texture, same like canvas material too, they have their own personality. Let how I start to notice his beautiful work on Etsy store.

Let start see how Chris start his design journey!

Q: Would you share with us how you started to create your art work?

I started drawing as a little kid and I never stopped. Now my illustrations are product designs. I am inspired by antiques and things that are well made.

Q: What's story behind your brand?

Artifact started in my basement when I was between jobs. I set up a shop on Etsy and things took off from there.

Q: What is your working schedule like?

Monday through Friday from around 9-5 my helpers are in the shop sewing, etc. I generally work later and on weekends with design work, prototyping, etc. I basically work all the time.

Q: Which type of material do you like to use the most and why?

I love leather. It’s fun to work with and looks beautiful.

Q: Which piece is your favorite or sells the best?

My favorite piece does not exist yet. I’m still coaxing it out of my mind. Aprons, tool totes, and lunch totes have been long standing good sellers.

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?

Everywhere. I see beautiful things constantly in architecture, natures, apparel, technology, craft…

Q: Do you remember when you sold your first item and how you felt?

It was a tote in 2010. I felt self conscience, but I cannot give things away and still support my family.

Q: What's the hardest part of your design career?

Craft came fairly easy to me in comparison to the challenge of building a scalable, sustainable business. Completely different skill sets.

Q: Which part of working do you enjoy the most?

I love that moment when you are prototyping a new design and you reach that point where it’s ready to be released into the world.

Q: What it your next project?

Right now I am working on backpacks and accessories.

Q: What kind of books do you like to read, and what kind of music do you like?

I am currently reading Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard. He’s the founder of Patagonia and an inspirational entrepreneur. His heart is in the right place.

Q: If you were not a designer, what do you think you would be?

Unemployed.

Q:.If young people want to follow the same path as you, what would you suggest?

Be honest with yourself and others. If you do not like something, or feel it is wrong, don’t do it. Exercise self discipline. Focus. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them. Try to have fun.