2 Likes
3 CommentsIf you’re a follower of my blog, you’ll know that I’m obsessed with plush stuffed animals. So, I knew that when I saw the work of Brigette from WeirdBugLady, I had to have her over for an interview!
Brigette is an Entomologist who creates “plush soft sculpture bugs, insects, arachnids, molluscs, microscopic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and extinct organisms” that are biologically accurate. I instantly fell in love her creations- it’s obvious she puts a lot of research and care into each one!
Onto the interview!
Tell me a bit about your stuffed animal philosophy.
As a kid I loved stuffed animals and collected them, but was disappointed in the lack of invertebrates. I had a tiger, otter, skunk, sheep, velociraptor… but how come I couldn’t get a caterpillar? Or a realistic looking ladybug? Of the few insect plushies I have come across over the years, almost all of them have been unforgivingly inaccurate. I knew I wanted to be an entomologist when I was 8 years old, so giving an insect more or less than 6 legs was blasphemous to me. So now, with my business, I provide a service to all of the budding naturalists, grad students, teachers, and scientists in the world who desire a plush version of their favorite unusual animal. Of course there are limitations to working in fabric, but I try my best.
How did you get started making stuffed animals?
My grandmother taught me to sew, and when I was in high school she gave me one of her old Singer sewing machines. I mostly used it for altering clothes until I came across Etsy.com and realized I could make things to sell. During my first year of college I set up a shop with purses and little plush monsters, and eventually felt confident enough to tackle some of my favorite animals. I started with a giant mosquito larva, and I knew I was really on to something.
What’s your typical day like? Any tips for balancing school and a business?
There is no such thing as a typical day! School days revolve around my class and teaching schedule (I am a TA for intro biology labs), I go to crossfit in the afternoon, cook dinner and spend the evening doing homework and answering emails. I usually only have time to sew on the weekends, but tend to sketch and plan out my ideas during the week. My biggest tip to any undergrad or grad student attempting to balance school and a business – school comes first!
Who is the main audience for your plushies?
Other graduate students, and professors. It turns out scientists really enjoy having a plush version of their study organism! I have also sold to biology teachers, public outreach programs, and parents whose children have unusual taste.
You draw too! Do you see a connection between your sewing and drawing?
I have always had a passion for creating art, whether through pencils, markers, clay, a camera, or fabric. My thesis will actually involve quite a bit of scientific illustration of my study organisms (caterpillars), so all of this practice will come to good use! To me, these skills are all interconnected.
Where can we find you?
Etsy shop: www.weirdbuglady.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/weirdbuglady
Twitter: twitter.com/weirdbuglady
Blog about my research: www.caterpillarblog.com
Thanks so much for coming by, Brigette! Love your work!
