I’ve been doing pyrography professionally for about five years now, and over that time I’ve learned a lot—often the hard way. I read the books, followed the experts, and picked up plenty of valuable techniques, but there are still some lessons you only learn through trial and error. Looking back, there are a few foundational …
Choosing the Right Markets as an Artist This is a very interesting question—mostly because the answer I would give you two years ago, or even last year, would be entirely different from the answer I would give today. When I was starting out, my philosophy was simple: quantity over quality. If a market accepted me, …
A practical guide to building your core toolkit One of the most important parts of being an artist is knowing your tools. A painter understands how different brushes create different lines, textures, and marks. The same principle applies to pyrography. Each tip (or nib) produces a distinct effect, and mastering them allows you to work …
Starting this year we will select a theme that guides the artistic direction of our new, limited edition seasonal collections. For Winter 2026, the inspiration came from being invited to participate in the CIAF CLTure Day + Night Market celebrating Lunar New Year. This invitation carries personal meaning. As a Pacific Islander, much of my …
Making art is my passion. But above everything else, my health and safety come first. When I first started doing pyrography, I loved it. The slow burn, the detail work, the transformation of wood into something meaningful. But after longer sessions in the studio, I began getting headaches. Nothing drains your creative energy faster than …
Product vs. Commissions: Finding Balance as an Artist Being an artist is tricky business. You want to create what you love—what inspires you—but at the same time, you need to make a living. The phrase “starving artist” didn’t come out of nowhere. So how do you avoid becoming one? For most artists, sustainability comes down …
There is a lot of debate around what qualifies as handmade versus mass produced. Some people believe an item is handmade as long as it doesn’t come off an assembly line. Others argue that nothing is truly handmade unless the artist is involved in every single step of the process. At BZ FurFur, we believe …
When you burn professionally, your equipment stops being a “tool” and starts being infrastructure. I burn 12+ hours a day, often for multiple days in a row. At that level of use, the things that matter most are not flashy features or starter bundles — they are reliability, durability, consistency, and heat stability over long …
When starting a new art form, it can be daunting to walk into an art supply or hobby store and see the sheer number of materials and tools available. When this happens, you usually do one of three things: a) Start researching feverishly, trying to figure out what you actually need for your first projectb) …
The new year is always a time for reflection—a moment to look back at what worked, what didn’t, and what lies ahead. That reflection spans both personal and professional life. As an artist, a business owner, and a creator, standing still is not an option. Growth requires intention. This time of year gives me the …
