Artist Profile: Julie Bean

When we here at Beadaholique realized that we needed another designer on staff, we were a little panicked.  Our job requirements weren't just about demonstrated technical skill and creativity--although those are important.  We wanted someone who could 'play,' not just manufacture.  We were looking for someone who "got" our aesthetic, but could bring their own point of view, too. How do you interview for serendipity?  

So it was our lucky day when Julie Bean walked in.  After experiencing her enthusiasm, her bubbly personality, and seeing a few samples of unique multi-media jewelry pieces and re-purposed vintage elements, we were convinced.  

Julie's been working here for long enough that we now feel comfortable asking her probing questions and making her as uncomfortable as possible (kidding!).

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Q. How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?  

A. I started as a miniaturist (making dollhouse miniatures) when I was 15 and have continued making them to this day (although in a much reduced capacity), supplying over 200 stores in the process. As much as I love making miniatures, several years ago I started feeling the need to branch out my creative activities. I distinctly remember seeing a necklace by Israeli designer Ayala Bar in a shop window in Paris and being awestruck. That was my "Ah-ha!" moment and I have been avidly obsessed with jewelry design and making jewelry ever since.

Q. What is your educational background in the arts?  

A. My education focused on history and English rather then on the creative arts, so that left it up to me to pursue outside artistic activities on my own. I tended to seek out classes and workshops in the towns I have lived, ranging from wheel throwing and hand building pottery, to jewelry design, to screen printing. I have also been fortunate enough to travel to many wonderful places and have gained an incredible education by seeing and doing. 

Q. What inspires your creative process? 

A. Rummaging through old black and white photographs or looking at the intricate pattern of handmade lace from the 1800's inspires me. Old advertising and paper goods with their "vintage" color palette and period aesthetic also are a constant source of inspiration. 

Q. Who inspires you/your creative process? 

A. My husband, who works much harder then anyone I know at his own art, inspires me to constantly do better, push my art further, and stay on path.

Q. Do you work best in chaos or an orderly workspace?  Are you a morning person or a night owl? 

A. I work best when I have all my materials out and readily available, which tends to be messy. I don't like having to stop the creative process to find an ingredient that is buried under 5 other boxes in another room. I have always been a morning person but am learning to be a night owl.  


Q. How do you arrive at the color palettes in your jewelry work? 

A.  I usually draw off the past for my color palettes; vintage color schemes are the most appealing to me. I might find a vintage dress or old postcard to work off of. My favorite colors are sepia tones, muted golds, bronzes, browns, black, grey, and ivory. 

Q.  How would you describe your design aesthetic?  

A.  Eclectic and vintage with a bit of Steampunk thrown in.

Q.  What are your current favorite materials to use for making jewelry? 

A.  I love working with old gears and watch parts, antique buttons, and salvaged antique jewelry pieces. I am also obsessed with resin at the moment and trying to push its limits further.

Q.  Is there a jewelry-making technique that you are currently fascinated with/using a lot? 

A. I just discovered Gilders Paste and have started to use quite a bit of it. For such an easy technique it has a very dramatic result. 

Q.  Is there a jewelry-making technique that you haven’t tried yet but want to try/learn/use? 

A. I am fascinated with metal working in jewelry. Creating an intricate setting or design out of just a piece of sheet metal or building your own bezel settings is very intriguing to me. 

Q.  Are you or have you been actively involved in creating work in artistic media other than jewelry? 

A.  My dollhouse miniatures were my main artistic activity for the longest time. In addition to them, I have also made handbags, fascinators, and screen printed items. I love to sculpt and have taken several of my husband's drawings and created sculptures from the designs.  


Q.  What is the favorite piece of jewelry or art that you own? 

A.  My favorite piece of jewelry that I own is a pearl and rhinestone necklace from the 1920's with a large cluster dangle that artistically hangs off the front. There is also a matching cuff bracelet. 

Q.  Who is your favorite jewelry designer/artist? 

A.  I find the most inspiration and happiness from Elsa Mora and Stephanie Lee. Both artists produce amazing work but they also seem to have an excellent grasp on life, what's important, and how best to live it. They share not only their artistic work with the world but their inner thoughts and lives. 

Q.  Are there other areas of your life that you feel are or have been enriched by your creation of jewelry? 

A.  Allowing your artistic side to flourish enriches every part of your life. I am a much happier person because of my jewelry design and that has postitivly affected my marriage, sleep, self confidence, and personal contentment. 

Q. Where can people can see and/or purchase jewelry or artwork that you have made?   

A.  You can see a gallery of my work at my website: www.bluepigdesignhouse.com I do shows and cons but am also slowly starting to list on Etsy. My Etsy store is bluepigdesigns. My blog can be viewed www.bluepigdesigns.blogspot.com