Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Ludwitzke.
Hi Samantha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi! Thanks so much for chatting with me. My name is Sam Ludwitzke. I started my business, Samantha’s Doodles, in 2016 after buying an iPad on a whim and getting really into digital art. I opened my shop with a whopping total of 3 sticker designs and the idea that I could at least put the money towards craft supplies if they sold. Fast forward a few years, and I’ve grown to offer over 150 different sticker designs. I added a laser to my business in 2020 to offer a different array of items and then got into designing files kind of by accident after posting some of my creations in a laser group on Facebook. Since then, I’ve added over 400 different files to my shop for other laser owners to purchase and create physical items. I started a Facebook group with weekly drawing tutorials, have a digital file subscription club, and even offer in depth courses on creating designs. I find drawing to be very calming and am proud that I have turned my passion into a growing business. I’m growing every day and can’t wait to see where this year takes my business!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been a process for sure. Whenever you add a new piece of equipment, there are definitely hiccups and a bit of a learning curve. I had to send back 2 lasers due to shipping damages, but ultimately have to say that working with the Glowforge service was helpful to get a replacement unit and I’ve been up and running since. I am actually waiting on the arrival of an upgraded industrial laser (Aeon Mira) this spring to help streamline my workflow!
In addition to learning the machines, figuring out how to draw with the purpose of creating vector images was a big change from just drawing my sticker doodles. I had to learn how to take my raster-based Procreate images and convert them to vector files and optimize them for laser cutting. This involves a lot of editing and testing and learning the ins and outs of vector programs like Inkscape and Illustrator.
Another issue for a lot of businesses with lasers is that the price of material has absolutely skyrocketed since the pandemic, which has caused some stress over pricing changes, being able to get supplies, and wood shortages across the board. Even with all these curveballs, getting a laser has truly changed the course of my business for the better, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Even though I work in a variety of different mediums, the one constant in my work are my “doodles,” which is where the name Samantha’s Doodles came from. Whether I’m working digitally to design stickers, painting murals, or creating laser files – there is always some consistency in my style. I love working with cartoon-ish characters, pretty flowers, and funky patterns to create whimsical designs. One of the biggest projects I’ve done to date was a mural in my bedroom at the start of 2020. It took me about a month of painting in the evenings, but I filled an entire wall with bright, colorful patterns. I’m so beyond proud of it and only wish I had done it in a part of my home that was more visible.
One of the main things I’ve worked really hard at while growing my business is making sure my work is unique. I pride myself on my art being recognizable as mine. I love scrolling through my Instagram feed and seeing other laser owners sharing the pieces they’ve made with my files or seeing people carrying cups or laptops with my stickers on them.
This is part of the reason I’ve switched a large portion of my focus to educating others, because I want other artists and makers to feel the same excitement about creating and to feel accomplished and proud of their work. Creating something from nothing is such an incredible feeling.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m hopeful that it will continue to grow. There has been a boom of people starting creative businesses during the pandemic, and I see it only growing and getting bigger and better as time goes on. I’m excited to continue exploring the new technologies and programs that come out and I hope I can continue to work on educational materials as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samanthasdoodles.
com - Instagram: instagram.com/
samanthasdoodles - Facebook: facebook.com/
samanthasdoodles and Facebook.com/groups/ Samslittlegroup - Youtube: youtube.com/c/
samanthasdoodles - Other: www.samslittleshop.
etsy.com
Image Credits
Erin Dayhaw
