I think it’s important to recognize that while this is a small, one-woman owned art business, and not the usual business model that comes to mind during discussions around racial and social equity or environmental sustainability, we all play a part in the capitalist system that we have built over the centuries, and that we all have a role in dismantling the harmful aspects of this system. It’s with this intent in mind that I have laid out below the ways in which Honey Thistle as a brand will conduct its business & how I personally will strive for equity and sustainability in my art practice.

This is a living document, and will change as I learn more about ways in which to improve my practice.

Design

Cultural appropriation & racism is pretty rampant in the art and design world - and not just something that is perpetrated by big companies either. There’s a fine line between appreciation and appropriation, and it stops right at the point at which someone decides to profit (monetarily or otherwise) off of designs, motifs, techniques, etc. that is culturally significant to a culture that they don’t personally belong to*. One example within the craft-sphere is the number of people outside of the Indigenous communities making dreamcatchers or “spirit animal totems” and selling them with no knowledge of the significance of these items. I use this example because I personally sold about a dozen pins that I called “totems” during my early art days, and only recognized later how wholly inappropriate that was. A quick search of the word “totem” on Etsy today can highlight just how rampant this problem is. Going forward:

• I am committed to being more mindful of what I call and how I market my work, and calling out this type of appropriation online when I come across it

• I will research design & craft techniques thoroughly in order to make sure that I am not profiting off of elements from other cultures (whether consciously or unconsciously)

• If I make a mistake, I will openly receive feedback to shift and improve my practice and make reparations where possible

*By this statement, I don’t mean ethnically since globalization has made it fairly common for people for all ethnicity to migrate around the globe. Ethnicity, in this sense, does not equal culture, although it certainly plays a role (however large or small for any individual).

Materials & Packaging

I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that we’re currently in a stage of overproduction and over-consumption globally. There are many downsides to the current reality that we’re living in, and no real upsides (making billionaires richer is not a upside). But I do believe that there is still a place for art in our society - for art that is ethically created and produced, and for art that can be mindfully consumed. To minimize my personal impact on the planet while operating this art business, I am committed to the following:

• Take time to source tools & materials from small (local whenever possible) businesses that pay its employees a fair living wage and also support an anti-racist, non-ableist & equitable society for all

• Avoid buying from companies such as Amazon and U-Line, as their destructiveness socially & environmentally cannot be overstated

• Package your orders in recyclable or compostable materials if using new materials (basically avoid buying plastic). Please don’t be surprised if you do receive packaging materials such as bubble wrap or peanuts or brown packing paper that look slightly used - I always save and reuse packing materials whenever possible, and encourage you to do the same!

• Minimize my use of marketing materials such as business cards, stickers, etc. and come up with creative ways to offer my customers fun rewards without creating more waste

• Create high-quality work that will stand the test of time, in order to encourage long-term and mindful consumption of my art

Pricing

While this business is how I make a living, and I strive to pay myself a fair salary for the work that I do, I also recognize that buying a piece of original art may not be in everyone’s budget. I also believe that art is for everyone. To make sure that my work is accessible for people from a variety of socioeconomic circumstances, I will always have affordable and free options for anyone to access my work. These options include:

• Art prints, through INPRNT (an artist run printing collective), of my miniature work since buying all of the items within each mini scene may be cost prohibitive

• Tutorials - both free & for a low cost - for anyone who enjoys my work to try creating their own

• Free downloadable background wallpaper files of my work for your personal use (other downloadables to come!)

• Occasional giveaways on my instagram where no purchase is necessary (nor do you have to spam your friends ;))

Reinvestment

To circle back to the first paragraph on this page, I think we all have a responsibility to dismantle the negative aspects of our current capitalist system, and work towards creating a more equitable situation for all. It’s with this intention that I am committing to donate 3% of all sales (revenue, not profit) on physical items, and 5% of all sales on digital items (prints, PDFs, etc.) on a quarterly basis to organizations that are fighting for racial justice, justice for the LGBTQIA+ community, and those addressing poverty at a grassroots level. I will also periodically host donation drives through my Instagram for specific organizations featuring one-of-a-kind work that cannot be purchased otherwise.

The organizations that will receive donations in 2023 include:

• Red Door Family Shelter

• The Littlest Lamb

Donations made in 2023 can be found here. Donations made for previous years can be found here: 2022; 2021; 2020.