Ever since I started my job as blog intern for BOSL, I have been absolutely thrilled for two reasons: The first is getting to talk about and introduce people to some of my favorite things in SL. The second is that I get to introduce everyone to up and coming designers that I believe will leave a big mark on SL.
Today’s interview is also doubly special because I get to showcase not only a phenomenally talented interior and furniture designer in SL, but also my sister Angelista Janick, who owns and creates everything in her store, Deadly Angel Designs. (Just so you know, as much as I love her, if her designs didn’t merit BOSL attention, I wouldn’t blog about it.)
If you have never heard of this store, I encourage you to visit as soon as possible. Her furniture is incredible, and you can tell that she puts a tremendous amount of heart into everything that she does. Now, because she is my sister , I already know just how special she is as a person. I decided to conduct an interview with her so that you all can have a chance to get to know her as well. Take a look at our conversation…and then scroll through the photos of some of her merchandise. I would not be surprised if you hopped on the LM right away to go and take a look for yourself.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sede%20di%20Marte/87/88/38
Occasus: “First of all, thank you so much for taking some time to share with our readers a little bit about yourself and what you do in Second Life.”
Angelista: “You are very welcome.”
Occasus: “When did Deadly Angel Designs [DAD] open?”
Angelista: “Hmmmm… The store opened the first part of September.”
Occasus: “How long have you been designing and building furniture?”
Angelista: “Ever since i started SL I have been changing already built things. Eventually after i had been in SL for about 6 months I started building my own things. I started with childrens furniture, then wedding builds, and finally i opened DAD.”
Occasus: “Creators and designers in SL are some of the most creative people I’ve ever met….what is it that inspires you when you are creating and building the furniture?
Angelista: “Sometimes it will be a texture. There are times i just drop a prim and start changing the shape of it and decide it looks like something. Most of my inspiration comes from my friends, though. Sometimes they tell me things they want or need, something specific for their house, and then i build that for them.”
Occasus: “Most of the readers won’t realize that a few months ago you actually built the house that I’m living in now. I used to go through a new house a month…but I’ve never gotten tired of the one that you built me….If there’s one thing that sometimes is missing from SL builders, it’s heart…and you show a lot of it when you build.”
Angelista: “I always have someone i love in mind when i build.”
Occasus: “And it definitely shows in your designs.”
Angelista Janick blushes. “Thanks.”
Occasus: “What do you want our readers to know about your style of design? Is there something for everyone at Deadly Angel Designs?”
Angelista: “My store is small. There is something for everyone here, but if there isnt, I’m always open to ideas. A few weeks ago a woman came into the shop, and I was working on a throne but couldnt get it to come together quite right. We talked, and she made a few suggestions. From her suggestions I created and named the throne after her. It’s for sale at my satellite location. It’s called the silvermoon throne. I build to please people, to express myself, and, most of all, have fun. For all of my builds I am willing to customize colors to suit a house or room theme. Satisfaction is very important to me.”
Occasus: “I think that’s really great…being open to new ideas and approachable about them is also something that tends to go missing in Second Life. It’s really neat to see someone so friendly and approachable.”
Angelista: “Two of my favorite creators in SL are very much like that. They both are approachable and are helpful, too. I know how it makes me feel to be able to IM them and ask questions or express a concern. I based my business and my customer service on the way they run their stores. I like a feeling of family.”
Occasus: “You mentioned that you used to build children’s furniture and wedding sets. Do you ever foresee DAD expanding into different types of design, or are living room furniture and bedroom sets something you believe you’ll stick to?”
Angelista: “I think eventually I would like to build a few houses, and maybe put some of my older builds up for sale. My inventory is full of crazy designs that i havent done anything with.”
Occasus: “That’s exciting! I know from experience, having had you build my own home, that if you start selling houses, it won’t take long for people to turn to you for both house and interior design needs.”
Occasus: “I’ve spent a lot of time looking around your store, and it feels very homey and warm. I can tell that you definitely love what you do. Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers before we wrap up our interview?”
Angelista: “I would like to thank you for taking time to talk to me and for coming into the store. Most importantly I want to tell you how much your support has always meant to me. I would also like to let the readers know that if they ever have any questions or comments or fun things they would like to share with the DAD’s family, to please never hesitate to contact me. My email address is located in my profile. Thank you again.”
(Angelista Janick, Owner and Designer)
In addition to her stunning shoes, Stiletto Moody has brought us The Hot List of 2009. Thank you to Stiletto for her continued love and support of both The Best of SL Magazine and the Miss Virtual World 2010 competition.
