Today we’d like to introduce you to Luka Shanahan.
Luka, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My entrepreneurial journey began in the wake of the pandemic, where my experience as a barista was cut short due to chronic pain and fatigue. Returning to the Maryland Institute College of Art for in-person classes, I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain about my future.
Concerns about my ability to sustain a conventional workweek without triggering health issues prompted me to reflect on my earlier college experiences. During my freshman year pre-pandemic, I realized that much of the work I produced was merely to fulfill assignments and lacked personal significance. This introspection led me to shift my focus towards creating things that resonated with me on a deeper level.
My foray into the world of fashion emerged organically as I began crafting clothing that I loved. A pivotal moment occurred when I showcased a collection in one of my classes, and to my surprise, classmates eagerly purchased pieces from me. It was a revelation that I had stumbled upon something extraordinary—a niche that not only brought me joy but resonated with others as well.
Emboldened by this positive response, I decided to take my creative pursuits more seriously.
Throughout my sophomore year, I refined my skills and launched a business. This past year I sold at conventions, pop-up shops, and local events to test the market for my art. I’m especially excited to be one of the top 8 finalists in MICA’s UP/Start venture competition, highlighting the growth and potential of my venture.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has had ups and downs, wins and losses but my passion for what I’m creating keeps me going and excited to do more. I consider these hurdles as valuable learning experiences that guide me in the right direction.
Occasionally, some markets or events don’t unfold as expected, providing insights into areas that need improvement. It could be a matter of insufficient advertising, a mismatched audience, or the need for a better table setup and display.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my senior year at the Maryland Institute College of Art, I’m pursuing a General Fine Arts (GFA) major with a minor in Printmaking. My focus has been clothing, but I also want to create environments for the people who wear my clothes. To meet that desire I began etching mirrors, crafting accessories, and making jewelry.
What sets me apart is my commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, with the majority of my work—both clothing and art—crafted from sustainable materials, amounting to 80-90% found/recycled parts. My creations have garnered descriptions ranging from punk and gothic to romantic and dark. Finding a specific label for my brand as a whole can be difficult since there can be a lot of variety, but labeling my brand as an alternative allows me the flexibility to encompass the diverse elements within my work that may not fit neatly into a single category.
I take pride in my dedication to sustainability, size inclusion, and affordability. These aspects, combined with the eclectic nature of my creations, define my brand and contribute to its uniqueness within the creative landscape.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As an artist and small business owner, the risks I’ve embraced might not be groundbreaking, yet they hold significant weight in my journey.
A recurring challenge entails the uncertainty of whether a design I create will strike a chord with customers. Thankfully, my genuine passion for what I create provides a silver lining—if a piece proves challenging to sell, it becomes a cherished addition to my wardrobe. Fortunately, these instances are infrequent, but when they arise, resisting the urge to keep my creations for myself becomes a struggle.
As I am growing the business I find myself taking bigger risks. Ordering supplies in bulk, attending bigger markets, and deciding to create an online store. These are calculated risks based on my experience and my passion for growing and affecting lives other than mine.
In the realm of art and business, risk-taking appears inherent and, at times, unavoidable. While I may not label myself as a risk-taker per se, I do consider myself someone who enjoys experimentation, constantly seeking new ways to express my creativity and connect with my audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadbeat.devil/
- Website: https://deadbeatdevil.com
