Designer Spotlight: Dank Artistry

 

Any well-dressed fashionista knows that with any ensemble comes a certain vibe.

The vibe is created with a basis (the clothing) and tweaked with a handful of accessories. Each accessory added to an outfit has the ability to take it from blandly thrown together to beautifully worn. While some statements are made with big, bright, and bold, this spring season is about taking the humble approach to chicness; the approach that is elegant, modish, Dank Artistry.

Carbon Magazine: Where and when did Dank Artistry start?

Dan: Dank Artistry began in 2007 after I quit my corporate factory job ‘cold turkey’. I decided I would rather starve to death with a smile then spend another moment being treated as if I was machine and not a human being. Now I work for myself and I work harder than ever before, I am however usually smiling!

CM: What is the inspiration behind your rings?

D: I have always used vintage/found objects to make art. when I started selling my creations the spoon rings and bracelets sold better than anything else I was making. I slowly began to specialize in spoon jewelry, and it’s going great!

CM: What makes Dank Artistry stand out from companies that make a similar product?

D: No one makes better silverware jewelry than I do. I’ve been perfecting the art of spoon bending with every spoon I’ve bent since 2007. I’m always trying to make “the perfect spoon ring”.

CM: What is your favorite spring trend?

D: I love to see girls wearing flowers in their hair and long skirts. It makes them look so fresh and easy-going. You can’t help but like a girl with flowers in her hair.

CM: If you could see your product on a celebrity, who would it be?

D: Kirsten Stewart has been seen wearing spoon rings a time or two. I don’t know if it was one of my design, but she has lovely hands and makes those spoons shine! I would like to see a good underdog personality wear one of my spoon rings, I’m always rooting for the little guy.

CM: What age group is your design directed towards?

A: I have designs that work for everyone. Spoon rings are durable enough for mom’s, comfortable enough for grandma and stylish enough for any trend setting teen. The majority of my customers are 20-somethings who are eco conscious and love a great vintage
find.

CM: Do you have a favorite piece you’ve ever designed?

D: Every time I think I’ve found my favorite I find a new favorite. I just found a new spoon with ‘Billy the Possum’ on it. I can’t wait to see what kind of ring that makes!

CM: How do you keep up-to-date with the latest trends?

D: I am always in contact with my customers and they keep me up-to-date on what is trendy. I love having conversations that show me a slice of my customer’s life, for example they might tell me how their boss just gushed over their spoon bracelet or how they are buying a new spoon ring because their teenage daughter won’t stop wearing their old one. Chatting with customers is one of my favorite things!

CM: How would you describe your city’s style?

D: We are very laid back here in the Midwest. The style in Ames is relaxed, friendly and touchable. We like to hug here and expect to see one or two people we know when we’re out and about.

CM: What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

D: Don’t overthink your designs, let the material tell you what it wants
to become.

I’ve had my share of bold, statement rings. I’ve worn encrusted animals, brass knuckles, pyramid studs, two-finger ceramics, and huge faux diamonds. I think rings are the most gorgeous type of jewelry, so going all out for one while pairing with a neutral ensemble is one of my favorite trends. I noticed Dan’s shop on Etsy and decided to browse. I was instantly, pleasantly surprised by the amount of detail and quality infused into each spoon ring. Dan’s passion to create beautiful jewelry is incredibly apparent in Dank Artistry spoon rings. After rocking one of my own, I’ve found a new love for minimalistic jewelry and haven’t taken mine off since it was received!

Check out Dan’s shop @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/dankartistry ga_search_query=spoon+ring&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&page=1