Laser Cutting for Small Businesses: Cajun Art by Akkika
October 10, 2024
Glowforge Team
The picture rocketed around the internet and around our office, followed by awed whispers: “where did that handbag come from?” The answer: Scandanavia, by way of the Bayou. Designer Annika Miller launched her business, Akkika, with a stunning hardwood living-hinge clutch that captured everyone's imagination.
Here we’ll share our conversation with Annika, and the key lessons about Glowforge for entrepreneurs that we’ve gathered from across the creative community. Let’s dive in!
Our chat with Annika:
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Akkika?
A: “My business is based from Lafayette Louisiana, essentially in the heart of Cajun country. I draw and create each and every graphic by myself, further editing them in Illustrator. Now using Glowforge I can truly bring them to life.”
Q: How did you start your business?
“My business was a long time coming. The culture and history around Louisiana is what serves as the inspiration for all of my art. Being a transplant here from Finland, every aspect of this culture to me is very fascinating. Being able to bring the Scandinavian style and mix it with the Cajun culture has been one of the greatest things for me. The project that started this business was an idea for Cajun Alphabet illustration. The alligator figure for A is the first one I drew for our baby girl. It has since evolved into shirts, wooden figurines, paper dolls and other graphics about Cajun culture.”
Q. What was your making process before you got your Glowforge? After?
“Oh my, I have ALWAYS loved making. Coming from Finland I definitely have a love for the simple and straightforward type design. Since I had the opportunity to use laser cutters while in graduate school, I became obsessed with the precision it was able to give to any design. Once I learned about Glowforge I knew my prayers had been answered.
My graphics are very precise ink drawings with very intricate details, so my Glowforge has been able to give me the same precision in creating new typologies of graphics, while being able to expand and explore new levels of design that would not have been possible before.
Paper is definitely one of my favorite mediums and the possibilities are truly endless with Glowforge.”
Q. How does your Glowforge laser fit into your day? Where does it live?
“It fits perfectly into our daily routines as I am able to teach our daughter about design and we can create toys and projects as a family whenever we want. My Glowforge lives in our living room currently but will move into my upstairs office when I get the Air Filter.”
Q. How has Glowforge elevated your artistry and business?
“Since getting my Glowforge I have been able to create high quality products with a variety of materials without having to use a third party. It makes the design process much more fluid as I am able to test ideas on a whim, adjusting as I need, and I don’t have to worry about wasting material, money, or time.
Now with my very own Glowforge I am able to invent, play, and design beyond limits while finding ways to mass produce projects in a way that would have been impossible before.”
How to sell creative laser-cut products:
Considering taking the plunge into laser cutting for your small business? Here are some pointers we’ve learned from Annika and other Glowforge creators:
1. Try out different materials:
Glowforge works with hundreds of materials, letting you try different projects you’ve never explored before. Take on laser-cut paper crafts, wood laser cutting, or handmade accessories using Glowforge. Whatever you try, know you’re in good hands with Glowforge for precision design and unparalleled speeds.
2. Prototype, iterate, & experiment:
Because Glowforge cuts & engraves quickly (and works with materials like cardboard) it’s perfect for prototyping new products. Use your laser to whip up precision prototypes quickly and efficiently, leaving you with more time to perfect your designs and fewer wasted materials along the way.
3. Build your brand online:
Show off your creations on social media! It’s a powerful tool for reaching potential customers and building a community around your brand.
4. Never stop learning:
Explore art and design with Glowforge like you never have before! Annika's adventure in making custom Cajun art with Glowforge is just one of many incredible stories from the Glowforge community. If you're curious about other creative projects, check out how Holsten creates dynamic, sculptural pieces with his Glowforge.
In the end, whether you're starting a home business or adding to your crafting skills, Glowforge offers a creativity-boosting experience that blends art with entrepreneurship. Let's make something amazing together!
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