Spring 2023 - 47

BEHIND THE SCENES: LE ARTISAN STUDIO
Laura Elizabeth is the creator behind LE Artisan Studio.
Mincey, a current Georgia resident, is passionate about
animals and wildlife, and she always wanted her career to
positively impact them. In college, she initially looked to
pursue veterinary studies or marine biology but ultimately
opted for creativity over science when she realized she could
create an impact via art.
LE Artisan Studio's stickers feature whimsical, colorful
illustrations of animals, often inspired by Florida's wildlife
scene. Some examples include manatees, hammerhead sharks
and even snow monkeys.
Mincey's playful approach to her art includes beautiful,
watercolor-like drawings; some feature cheeky sayings while
others showcase animals donning silly outfits. The company
also expanded to offer apparel, pins, totes and even keychains,
featuring laser-cut woodworking.
" I really liked doing the woodworking, " she said. " With the
laser-cutter, I can cut out small designs and then transfer on
from what is already made onto the wood. It's fun to make. It
feels like I'm crafting more, and it's just a different change of
pace from making stickers for the last couple of years. "
She started by selling to local gift shops and online. But
as Mincey began receiving orders online, she noticed orders
from faraway places such as Hawaii and even France, a sign of
positive reach and growth. Additionally, Mincey wholesales to
zoos and sells on Etsy.
LE Artisan Studio donates 10% of its profits to various
conservations and partners with organizations to help promote
such causes.
" With each [illustrated] animal, I want to help its real-life
counterpart, " she said. " I also do volunteer work by making
the artwork for organizations free of charge to promote their
conservation efforts. "
Ultimately, Mincey aspires to become involved on a larger
scale for the causes of wildlife, ocean and land conservation.
" I'd like to get more into content creation and working
directly with conservations, " she said. " [I'd like to] work more
with bigger organizations like wildlife, parks and zoos. Because
if I can get more people to see what I share, I can have a bigger
voice in the conservation community and share the work of the
places that I support. "
LE Artisan Studio's mission is to advocate for wildlife while
giving back to the animals and people who care for them.
Mincey hopes her products not only inspire people to educate
themselves about the illustrated animals but also that her
sweet, punny illustrations brighten their days.
" All the best-case scenarios are that they learn about the
animal or the cause that I've illustrated, and then maybe take
action in their own way, like either buying more sustainably or
sharing conservation organizations on social media, donating,
etc., " she explained. " But if [nothing else], I would like them to
get a smile or giggle out of it. "
GIFTSHOPMAG.COM 47
http://www.GIFTSHOPMAG.COM
Spring 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2023
