Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Cooper
Hi Steven, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started creating spooky dolls for my first major Halloween party that I was throwing in 2017. The theme of the party was childhood nightmares so I went with spiders, clowns and dolls as decor. After that I kept making the dolls because I found it cathartic and it kept me in the Halloween spirit all year long. The next thing I know I have more creepy dolls than I know what to do with. In December of 2023, I was with friends at Krampusfest in the Milk District and I saw how spooky Orlando is all year round. That was when I decided to make my love of upcycling porcelain dolls into creepy zombified dolls a business. Then June of 2024 was my first ever market selling my artwork.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Finding the markets where my art is appreciated has been a struggle. When I started doing markets, I would sign up for all the markets I could find to gauge if my form of art was even something people would want to buy or if people would think it’s good. That was definitely a learning experience. My art isn’t something for the every day market attendee. I had to find the more oddities/horror/fringe art enthusiasts. Everything started going a lot smoother once I figured that out (it didn’t take long after a couple markets where I couldn’t get anyone in my booth and didn’t even make back my booth fee).
Another thing that was hard to get over was that I wouldn’t sleep the night before markets when I first started because putting myself and my art out there was so freaking scary. I am a very anxious perfectionist who over analyzes everything and will laser focus on the smallest details. My self saboteur kept me awake at night telling me that what I do isn’t worth anything and no one will want to spend their hard earned money on my doll art. It took time and a lot of reassurance from my friends, family, fellow vendors and everyone who has adopted one of my little nightmares, but I have finally been able to sleep most of the night before an event again.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an upcycle artist and turn unwanted porcelain dolls into something creepier than they were before. My signature style as a doll artist includes a skin texture that I use. When I was experimenting with the texture, I wanted to make a crackle appearance without actually doing crackle like other doll artists. So I figured out a way to make a skin texture that looks really cool.
Another signature of mine is the overgrowth over the eyes of the dolls. I got this idea with thinking of how the dolls could look so lost and forgotten that they have started to grow into themselves. All of my dolls are one of a kind art that takes between 3 to 5 days to create. Each layer of paint, texture or varnish needs to completely dry before adding the next coat. And if I add clay to extend the brow area, add horns on the top of their head or to change the shape of their mouth, that adds an extra day to completely dry before I can add any paint.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to my art style of upcycling dolls, I watched a lot of videos on YouTube. I have met a few doll artists in the area and they have given me great advice when it comes to the dolls that I try to keep in mind. The best advice I received was that not everything is going to be perfect. Don’t make yourself go crazy over some small imperfection that only you as the artist will notice. As a perfectionist, that is something I have to remind myself all the time.
Pricing:
- Dolls range in price from $45 to $200 depending on the size of the doll and how much work went into creating it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/nightmare.nursery
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/NightmareNusery13/
Image Credits
TheOrlandoInfluencer
ScaryCraigPhotography
QuickTourMedia
