Moose Spotlight: Spreading Love, One Jewelry at a Time
"To be creative is to let little pieces of your heart go and place them into each project you make."
- Pat Bravo
MEET THE JEWELRY ARTIST
@zacktolles_designs on Instagram
Meet Zack Tolles, the jewelry artist behind @zacktolles_designs on Instagram. Based in Sapphire, NC, he has been creating with silver for 7 years now!
THE JOURNEY TO CREATING JEWELRY
For Zack, what got him started with is seeing some work and stones his friends were working with; he got into it initially. The jewelry and mineral community got him hooked shortly thereafter.
The first few years for Zack was not a piece of cake. He recalls how it was a struggle for him to stay consistent and feel happy with all the work he was making. He remembered he would spend some hours and create something awesome, but he didn't have an understanding of social media marketing and he wasn't vending yet, so his creations wouldn't sell.
I would get down, I would not work on anything, I would be unhappy with myself or not doing anything, and I turn, so even less, and it went like that for a few years until I got sick of spinning my tires so to speak," Zack said. Now, he feels like he really came into taking this more seriously back in February 2020 and he hasn't looked back since (except to chuckle at myself, he adds!)
"So for anyone out there thinking of putting it down because you're not where you want to be and it's been so long getting nowhere -- KEEP GOING!"
ARTIST’S DESIGN STYLE
Through the years of creating jewelry, one of Zack's AHA moments was when when he started making swinging bails one day on a whim.
Take a look at some of Zack's amazing creations!
Handmade Jewelry by Zack Tolles of @zacktolles_designs on Instagram
THE DESIGN PROCESS
When we asked Zack to tell us about his design process, he had a straightforward answer! He said, it's erratic and largely in my head.
Sometimes, the best ideas come out from the urge to create something! Right?
Zack described his design style as elegant wire wrapping and minimalist fabrication.
Here are a few more beautiful jewelry creations by Zack!
Handmade Jewelry by Zack Tolles of @zacktolles_designs on Instagram
JEWELRY DESIGN TIPS, TRICKS, AND HANDY TECHNIQUES
What's one design tip you one to share with your fellow artists?
"Don't force anything."
Any words of encouragement or tips to those who are starting out in the world of jewelry-making?
"If you love it, don't give it up."
Lastly, here is Zack's message to the universe:
Follow Zack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacktolles_designs/
