Meet Debi Akin: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with debi akin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi debi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
my thought process is two fold- I am a people pleaser , I like to make people happy
I am also an artist and found it was time to put my art out there to make me happy- take the risk-be brave
putting my art “out there” seemed to fulfill both

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am still learning the promoting me part…that’s hard… I love paper-old paper-always have …I collage with vintage papers and pieces that perhaps one wouldn’t ordinarily think would go together. while I do make large pieces-i have the most fun with the smaller ones-the greeting cards I do. I love the idea of small affordable art-i love getting mail. I put those ideas together in that. my thought is, “dontcha wanna send a card that isn’t going to be tossed in the trash? something that that special person will think of you every time they see it? in many cases my cards/work ends up framed-i love that! it’s a one of a kind card and gift all in one!! the other part of my work that makes it special is I dress my envelopes! Each and every one of the Eyes Like Wilma cards comes with vintage postage that is appropriate to todays rates. the cards travel in style.
the hardest part for me is doing it all all at the same time. creating the pieces, packaging the pieces, promoting the pieces, selling them and getting them out/shipping….. I have relied on word of mouth, social media-before the pandemic I did pop ups and creatives shows . -I am in a few stores-well, actually due to the pandemic, currently I am in 1 store-which I love-it brings me to people I would not have reached but now I have.
I love the search the creative-i love that it never stops-

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have vintage maps to the stars homes- yes most of them are not there anymore-but its such fun looking and occasionally get a surprise of the home still standing!
that is my next go to when the world opens back up and friends can come visit
old hollywood
I love the coffee shop counter at the Beverly Hills Hotel-the Apple Pan, I know another counter, for burgers-ooh I love the cocktails at Bar Marmont -its so pretty in there- Bordners in Hollywood is another.
really-we live in PARADISE-the Pacific Ocean is a must! any time of the year… Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d have to say Holly Gray, she believed in me /my work. she pushed me to put my stuff out there. to not be afraid. to turn the lightbulb ON.

Website: eyeslikewilma.com

Instagram: eyeslikewilma

Facebook: eyes like wilma card shoppe

Image Credits
debi akin
Personal photo by Jennelle Fong