Sue Smith is the proprietor of ComicSalvage, an etsy shop that gives vintage comic books a second chance. Her husband Chris is an illustrator and comic book artist. They met in art school 16 years ago and now have two boys. The oldest loves comics ( just like his dad ) so, Sue says she’s always surrounded by them! Sue has donated to this year’s Geek Gala and recently had this to say in an email exchange.
Your jewelry is made from distressed comic books – so cool! What got you started?
It was an idea I had rolling in my head for a couple years before I actually started. I have two kids, so I wanted to find a job that was creative and still allows me to stay home with my boys. I wanted to recycle the distressed comic book I have always seen when going to flea markets and garage sales. They weren’t very valuable to a collector, so I thought it would be neat to give a new life to them. I wouldn’t walk around with my favorite comic book everyday, but I thought it was a neat idea to get some of those iconic characters and fun quotes onto something you could wear.
I know you said your husband is a comic book collector. Do you like comics too? Do either of you have any particular favorites?
I actually did collect and read comics when I was younger. I’m a child of the 80’s, so I loved Muppet Babies, Rainbow Brite, Popples, Betty and Veronica anything geared towards girls. My husband’s favorite comic would have to be The Fantastic Four, he’s been collecting them since he was young.
When you are not working on Etsy items – what’s your favorite pastime?
I love spending time with my boys. Making memories, taking way too many pictures, going for walks and enjoying the changing seasons. I started scrapbooking about 4 years ago, so I really love making books for my boys and family to enjoy.
Any advice for beginning crafters?
Don’t give up! The first couple of months was really hard for me. You have to work out the kinks and make your product the best it could be. The most important thing is to keep your customers happy and always communicate with them!
For this year’s Geek Gala, our theme is Friends & Foes. If you lived in a Comic Book Universe – who would your archnemesis be?Wow, that’s a hard one. I would have to say Magneto from X-Men. His whole idea of one species being superior than another doesn’t fly with me….I’m all about equality.
Find out more about the Sue Smith and ComicSalvage online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/comicsalvage.
