Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Geist.
Hi Samantha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely. My start mostly overlaps with the anecdotes we discussed during our last interview (https://canvasrebel.com/meet-samantha-geist/). I was an artsy kid who got the impression art wasn’t a viable career, but I found one anyway by studying Graphic Design. Like many of my college peers, I was never overly interested in graphic design. My favorite college courses were the ones that took me away from the screen, like figure drawing and oil painting. Regardless, armed with a BFA in Graphic Design, I ventured into the job market in 2011 and was lucky enough to secure a junior-level designer position just six months out of college. A few years into that same position, I began dabbling in cosplay, which served as my creative outlet. The hobby quickly reignited my passion for creating art. In just five years of starting to cosplay, I began my business selling resin art and commissioned props. In another three, I left my full-time design job and began working full-time for my business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel I’ve been fortunate throughout my journey, not only with my initial design career, which taught me so much about time management, client relations, and the importance of balancing the level of effort with a budget, but with the support I’ve had both in and out of professional careers to allow me the space to still be creative on my own. Not everyone can ask their employer to swap to a part-time role for a few months while they build a business—as I am so grateful I had the opportunity to do so. That doesn’t mean I didn’t face some challenges initially, but they truly feel inconsequential compared to how it could have gone.
Keep in mind, I was starting a business right before the pandemic hit in late 2019, early 2020. The shutdown was a bizarre mix of a blessing and a curse. All the live events I wanted to attend to sell my work had been canceled, but on the other hand, it gave me an opportunity to gradually build up my website, an Etsy shop, and dabble with my first few products. Then, as shows began to open up again in late 2021, I came in as a new vendor applicant with a fresh slate. At those first few shows, I was excited to discover attendees were eager to spend money on non-essentials, like my art. The wait and work I had done expanding my shop during the shutdown was finally paying off.
Show sales have gradually declined since then. With the cost of living being what it is, attendees have less to spend on non-essentials and usually have spent most of their excess income to attend and enjoy some concessions at the show. Figuring out how to balance my expenses for attending shows as sales have declined has been challenging, but I hope I’ve finally grasped it. Expanding my shop offerings and focusing on the items that sell best has also helped a lot.
The biggest struggle about running a one-woman business is the constant time it takes to run every single aspect. I’m not only hand sculpting my artwork, molding, casting, sanding, and painting each piece—I also have to keep my website and Etsy shops up to date, apply to shows months in advance within the application window, pay my business taxes monthly, keep all my shop supplies and materials in stock, respond to inquires from my online shops, post on social media OH, and keep my commitments to family and social life! It’s just constant work and nonstop planning ahead.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dovah Design?
Under the “Dovah Design” banner, I specialize in crafting fantasy-themed sculptures, props, and wearable art. What sets me apart is that I meticulously handcraft everything I sell, primarily from original sculptures that I mold in silicone and then cast in urethane resin. My unique approach to creating these items has garnered recognition in the Propmaker and cosplay communities. I take my creations to conventions and Fairs across the Southeast US, where I set up and sell in person. Additionally, I accept a limited number of private client commissions per year, adding to the variety of items I keep in stock for my shop.
I currently operate my entire business on my own. I have no employees—although my husband might argue otherwise (hah)—and make, sell, set up, ship, and manage all on my own. It’s a lot to manage, but I enjoy accomplishing so much independently and making every decision. It’s empowering.
I’m known in the Propmaker community for sculpting, molding, and casting. I’m also known in the cosplay community for detailed, mixed-media armor builds, which I entered into cosplay competitions. I’ve also been a cosplay guest at various Florida conventions over the past few years, where I sometimes judge the competitions. It’s been interesting to combine my brand into a cosplay identity and a literal business name—probably not the best branding strategy if I’m looking at it from my graphic designer perspective! But I am the same, with lots of overlap in my shop offerings and cosplay, so I don’t feel the need to separate the two.
I want readers to know that as an artist and maker, I put my whole heart into every piece I make. I want to make unique items that spark joy and make you feel like a little slice of the fantasy realm is now in your hands. I’m always trying to expand my offerings in my shop, and I can customize almost all of my items on demand if there is something special you’re looking to have made.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
I enjoy making fun and unique items and making each one the absolute best possible. I pride myself on the quality of what I make and put out into the world. I’m honestly saddened by the number of cheap, mass-produced items consumed in huge quantities. While I can understand the appeal of more people being able to enjoy what they want to enjoy and would never begrudge someone that opportunity, I take pride in offering something artisan, handmade, and made with love. And feeling the appreciation back from my shoppers makes it even more worth the effort I put in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dovahdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dovahdesign/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dovahdesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-geist-4b199539/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dovahdesign
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dovahdesign
- Other: https://dovahdesign.etsy.com
Image Credits
Eivor cosplay Stage photo — Logan Javage, CSM Studios, https://csmstudios.com/ Eivor cosplay clostup photo — Alexandra Lee Studios, https://www.instagram.com/aleestudios/ Other product photos — All taken by myself for portfolio & shop purposes
