Our Modern Market series looks to highlight some of the best makers and artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Each one of our vendors embody the Midwest’s unique take on modern living. These artisans are woodworkers, jewelry designers, leather workers, culinary artists and graphic designers.

Sota Clothing is all about celebrating the home that all Minnesotans share. This wonderful, beautiful freezing state is where we all choose to make our homes and it this community that lives in each and every piece that Sota Clothing produces. We at Modern Midwest are proud to call Minnesota home and are glad we can show off our home state love with all of the Sota Clothing apparel.

Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?

I grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota with six siblings and parents who encouraged us to take action on our strengths and creative ideas. The idea of Sota clothing started back in college as I was majoring in graphic design, which was about six years ago. And about two years ago is when I really looked back at what I started and decided to go all in. Before going full-time with Sota, I worked for Spacecrafting as a photographer.  Having the variety of these backgrounds, I was able to do a lot of the different aspects of starting an e-commerce business myself regarding the marketing, photography, and graphic design.  Once the company started to grow, I was able to bring on two of my sisters. One in which is now the director of merchandise and wholesale accounts and the other is specialized in shipping and customer care.

How do you go about creating new apparel design ideas?

I look at things that I like to wear. I also like to look at current trends and I try to find voids within the market or apparel items I would like to see and wear, but also have them align with the Minnesota lifestyle.  

Where do you go to get inspired?

I look at other businesses my size that are doing really cool things and think of what Sota can expand to do.

What makes the Midwest, and specifically Minnesota, unique for makers?

The community of small businesses and the entrepreneurs that started these successful start-ups.  I met an awesome group of entrepreneurs when first starting out that I can say who contributed to a lot of my success.  We all look to each other for support and advice.

What makes shopping local special?

Buying something for someone that is crafted with so much effort and caring behind it makes the gifts you’re giving more meaningful.

Who are other makers in your community that we should know more about?

Solid Manufacturing and Sip Dark

What’s one thing a non-Midwestern native should know about the region? 

The people and the community within Minnesota is what has really helped me get to where I am today. The support never lacks and seeing people get really excited about my brand is instant gratification.

What’s something exciting for Sota that we can expect coming up?

We are creating a new product line, Superior Goods, which is designed in Minnesota and made in the USA.  We will soon be releasing a henley and puffer vest.  We have recently released our Kickstarter sweatshirt and a variety of Superior Goods graphic tees.  Stay tuned to see what we will continue on crafting. ‘

Our Modern Market series looks to highlight some of the best makers and artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Each one of our vendors embody the Midwest’s unique take on modern living. These artisans are woodworkers, jewelry designers, leather workers, culinary artists and graphic designers.

redshoes26 brings the iconic and the less iconic pieces of every state to the forefront of her illustrations. Each illustration provides an opportunity for people to own a piece of their state or city that they hold most dear. We all have landmarks that awaken memories that we hold on to forever and redshoes26 lets us bring them into our homes.

Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?

I grew up in North St. Paul, MN, and went on to graduate from St. Cloud State with a degree in Mass Communications/Photojournalism. I worked as a writer/editor/photographer for more than five years, including four at Mpls. St.Paul Magazine, before deciding to go back to school. I graduated from The Art Institutes International Minnesota with a degree in Graphic Design, and have worked as a graphic designer and artist ever since. I spent five years designing exhibit graphics for the Science Museum of Minnesota before leaving to work for myself full-time. I still write and edit on a freelance basis, but the majority of my time is put into the illustration and graphic design work I do with my business, redshoes26.

Tell us more about redshoes26 and the origin of the name.

I make digital illustrations of U.S. landmarks, which I call State Icons. Each one comes in a small frame that is handmade by my parents. Cute, eh? My dad is a woodworker, and when I couldn’t find the right frames for my tiny illustrations, he said he’d make them for me. That was about six or seven years and more than 9,000 frames ago. Over time, my work has expanded to include zip pouches, note cards, pot holders, candles, and more—all of which feature my State Icon illustrations. 

As for the name, that came from my days at St. Cloud State. I played on the softball team all four years, and my nickname there was Redshoes because I wore red cleats (all of my teammates wore black). My jersey number has been 26 since I was a sophomore in high school, and I’m—for lack of a better word—obsessed with that number. So, when it was time to name my business, there was no doubt I’d call it redshoes26. When I started, I was doing custom wedding stationery design, small-business branding, and greeting cards. Over the years, my business shifted and I was making State Icons almost exclusively. So, the name doesn’t really have anything to do with the work I do today, but it describes me, so that’s the name I use right now. There are plans in the works to change my branding, but I haven’t been able to decide on a name. It’s too hard when it’s your own…it’s much easier thinking up brand names for other people!

How do you go about creating new pieces?

I currently have illustrations for 30 states, and I will eventually have some for all 50. The struggle is trying to add drawings to the states I already have while also adding new states to my collection. I try to trade off every other time I sit down to draw. I will never run out of landmarks to draw, which is the cool part. People suggest things when I do events, and I love that. I have a notebook *filled* with ideas of landmarks to draw next.

Where do you go to get inspired?

I go to my overflowing notebook of landmark ideas.

What makes the Midwest, and specifically Minnesota, unique for artists?

I think the maker community is really tight and supportive here. I can’t say what it’s like in other states because this is what I know, but I just think the North/Midwest/Minnesota is really supportive. I feel like we’re a family, us makers.

What makes shopping local special?

It helps fuel the local economy, and supports small-business owners. It’s win-win. I try to only buy things made in the U.S.A., and local when possible. And I also make sure every item I use to create my work is made in the U.S.A. It’s very, very important to me. 

Who are other makers in your community that we should know more about?

Made By Michelle Brusegaard (MBMB), Wooden Spoon Editions, Vandalia Street Press, Karin Jacobson Jewelry, The Elixery, MAI, 3jag design, Skipping Lilies, Blue Henn, Fast Mary’s, ANDA, Lanona Shoes, Leatherworks MN, Oh Dier, Winsome Goods, Hackwith Design House, Minneapolis Chandlery…and so many more.

What’s something exciting for redshoes26 that we can expect coming up?

I’ll be adding lots more State Icons beginning in January, including new states. And I hope a branding change very soon in 2017!

Shop a variety of redshoes26 illustrations at Modern Midwest’s second annual Modern Market in Minneapolis’ North Loop. The Market will feature a wide variety of vendors that embody the Midwest’s distinct take on modern living. Enjoy local food and drink, from Indeed Brewing and Salty Tart while supporting the Minneapolis maker community!

Modern Market

Thursday, December 15th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fast Horse, 240 9^th Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
$10 in advance / $20 day of

TELL US YOU’RE COMING ON FACEBOOK!

Our Modern Market series looks to highlight some of the best makers and artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Each one of our vendors embody the Midwest’s unique take on modern living. These artisans are woodworkers, jewelry designers, leather workers, culinary artists and graphic designers.

Courtesy of Minnesota Made

Minnesota Made allows all Minnesotans to show of their state pride in style and comfort. Their beautifully designed apparel is all made in the USA with materials that will hold up to the coldest Minnesota winters and the hottest days on the lake. There is sure to be a lot of Minnesota pride at the Modern Market and Minnesota Made is right in the middle of it.

Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?

Born and raised in Stillwater I grew up loving the outdoors, music, and art. After high school I ventured north and attended University of Minnesota Duluth for graphic design and photography. Living in Duluth was the only time that I ever lived outside of the St. Croix River Valley. I think the river valley will always be my home. My favorite places are either among the pine trees or next to water. You can always find me next to a bonfire, on the river in our 1970 Boston Whaler, or at a concert. My wonderful husband Dan shares the same love of the outdoors and music. We now live in the small town of Bayport with our dog Roman, and our crazy cat Mr. Wayne.

As for career background, most of my career has been in product design. I have worked within product design and marketing for over ten years and have expanded my passion for design, art, and trends. I really admire and love creating the interaction of people to products and packaging. There is something special about being a part of that emotional connection. I have been told that my design style can be described as thoughtful, unique, and have an effective storytelling touch, as well as having a twist of hand crafted modern flare. I am a little obsessive, well within reason, but I just like my work to be done as good as possible and I am incredibly organized. Within my career I have had experience with such clients as BRIDES magazine, Martha Stewart, Disney and Nickelodeon. I also have experience in with product and packaging with various clients as Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx, and Michaels as well as product photography and styling. I carry a lot of knowledge in various areas such as product and packaging design, sourcing, typography, illustration, print, signage, page layout, fine arts, marketing, art direction, etc.


Tell us more about Minnesota Made.

The idea of Minnesota Made started a few summers ago when Dan and I attended a Trampled by Turtles and Atmosphere concert in Duluth with a group of friends. I love Duluth and I go back any chance I get. When we were at the concert we saw so many Minnesota shirts! Some of the designs were great, but the quality of shirts needed some help. Then I thought, I could do this. I could create some unique and thoughtful designs on quality clothing while giving Minnesotans apparel they can wear with pride. At the time, I was unemployed, and not too long after that, I started creating designs that Minnesotans could connect with and found high quality apparel that was made in the USA. I still felt as though there was something missing from the shirts and wanted to do something more. I wanted people who purchased a piece of apparel to feel special. That is why today you can find hidden quotes on the inside of all t-shirts. For many years I had created custom shirts for my husband as gifts and would put hidden messages on the inside of the them. Now, I am able to put hidden inspirational messages on the inside of the t-shirts and share them with a lot of people.

 
How do you go about creating new apparel designs?

I like to create designs that are for everyone and celebrate Minnesota. A design that can be for all ages and that have a thoughtful, unique, and meaning behind it.

Where do you go to get inspired?

Music + Nature


What makes the Midwest, and specifically Minnesota, unique for makers?

There is a certain passion, pride, and support that comes from this state. People are proud to be from this state and want to share their love for this state with others. It is amazing to interact with other makers/business owners and see that everyone wants every company to survive and introduce one another to help make connections.

What makes shopping local special?

Shopping local is amazing! You get to meet and know the owners and why they started their business. There seems to be more of a purpose of their business beside making a dollar.

Who are other makers in your community that we should know more about?

Mitch from The VOICE Community. He is a different type of “maker”. He created the VOICE  and it is an online marketplace, where Minnesota companies and customers are coming together to build a better world. A place where you shop, knowing from the start that 7% of what you spend will be given to one of the causes that our community is currently investing in. And you get to pick which one! He has such a passion to help the community and help small businesses.

What’s one thing a non-Midwestern native should know about the region?

We love the outdoors! We find a way to enjoy every season. We water ski or wake board during the summer, downhill ski or snowboard during the winter. We fish during the summer, ice fish during the winter.

What’s something exciting for Minnesota Made that we can expect coming up?

Well, I guess it would be how much I am going to expand. Not many people know that I run this business, all parts, by myself. I certainly will not leave out the help that I get from my amazing friends and family at times, but really, almost everything is done all by myself.

Another big thing that I have been working on is a “Give Back” project. I have been working on a project of a way to help Minnesota waterways and land. Nothing on a big scale, but all things don’t start big, do they?

There is also, The Minnesota made photography project. As we all know there are many talents across this great state of Minnesota. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some very fine local photographers (big and small) that have helped in the creation of Minnesota Made. Minnesota Made is a huge supporter of local artists and I wanted to find a way give back to them in return. So, I did some brainstorming and decided how great it would be to work with multiple photographers and take it a step further and showcase their work on the Minnesota Made website. If you take a look (this is still at the very beginning stages) at the Lookbook you will see that I have not only worked with one photographer, but multiple. Each of their photos displays their logo as well as links to their website link in the stores – photographers area. I personally know how hard it is to get your name out there and thought this would be a great way for people to connect with them. I started out many years ago as a graphic designer fresh out of school and struggled to find a good job. Throughout the years I have made my way through some fantastic jobs, unemployment, and now have found myself here, fully dedicating myself and time to Minnesota Made. It has been an amazing ride so far and it will only continue to grow and transform. This is only the beginning of The Minnesota Made Local Photographer’s Project. In the next few days I will be sharing with the photographers/musicians I have been working with.

Shop a variety of Minnesota Made apparel at Modern Midwest’s second annual Modern Market in Minneapolis’ North Loop. The Market will feature a wide variety of vendors that embody the Midwest’s distinct take on modern living. Enjoy local food and drink, from Indeed Brewing and Salty Tart while supporting the Minneapolis maker community!

Modern Market

Thursday, December 15th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fast Horse, 240 9^th Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
$10 in advance / $20 day of

TELL US YOU’RE COMING ON FACEBOOK!

Our Modern Market series looks to highlight some of the best makers and artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Each one of our vendors embody the Midwest’s unique take on modern living. These artisans are woodworkers, jewelry designers, leather workers, culinary artists and graphic designers.

Courtesy of Preston Made

Preston Made brings the outdoors inside with its beautiful wooden creations. Their bangles provide substance to any outfit, their cutting boards provide warmth to any home. Preston Made’s designs allow the wood to speak for itself.

Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background?

I’ve been working with wood as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest  memories involve exploring behind the family cabin, axe in hand, harvesting a few small trees to drag back to the cabin where they became benches and side tables. I’ve since graduated to much better materials, but the desire to create and connect with the outdoors remains.

Tell us more about Preston Made.

We believe that the products you surround yourself with should be unique and special. Items used to entertain, explore, and share; handcrafted pieces that resonate with you and your life story. Rather than designing for mass production, PrestonMade wholeheartedly and intentionally creates pieces to be the highlight of your home and your adventures. Using only the finest woods and materials, the pieces we create combine the rusticity of the north woods with the timelessness of the city. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, PrestonMade was founded by Preston and Angela Anderson in 2015 out of their shared love for quality, handmade goods that were thoughtfully designed. Preston has been creating unique pieces of functional art for over a decade, and continues to hone his craft. He has created everything from paddles to tables, bangles to cutting boards, and almost everything in-between.


How do you go about creating new woodworking designs?

I want to create beautiful things, and I want them to be used. They need to be functional, but they should also be beautiful when not in use. Many of our products work well as design elements in the home.

Where do you go to get inspired?

We spend a lot of time outside. At the cabin near the Boundary Waters, skiing, hiking, fishing, and also around Minneapolis by the river and the lakes.  The beauty of the outdoors is pervasive and undeniable. It’s simple, and delicate, with many fine details. This simplicity and beauty is what we try and capture.


What makes the Midwest, and specifically Minnesota, unique for makers?

The makers in our area are very inclusive, and cheer each other on. It’s a friendly environment where people want to see each other succeed. This allows for many creatives to be very creative!


What makes shopping local special?

Shopping local is shopping from your neighbor. The sale may be small, or large, but it helps support the dream of a local creative or family business. Almost every business and idea starts small, you never know what you could be discovering or helping create.

Who are other makers in your community that we should know more about?

I love Guarded Goods. Clean lines, and highly functional leather work. Dust and Form is another favorite. Simple, and beautiful. When the materials, form, and process can speak for itself you know you have a great product.

What’s one thing a non-Midwestern native should know about the region?

There is way more than meets the eye. Explore it and you will find many a hidden gem!

What’s something exciting for Preston Made that we can expect coming up?

We have a lot in the pipeline! We’re excited to introduce a new line of bangles this spring, brining color and texture to one of our favorite items.

Shop a variety of Preston Made wooden pieces at Modern Midwest’s second annual Modern Market in Minneapolis’ North Loop. The Marker will feature a wide variety of vendors that embody the Midwest’s distinct take on modern living. Enjoy local food and drink, from Indeed Brewing and Salty Tart while supporting the Minneapolis maker community!

Modern Market

Thursday, December 15th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fast Horse, 240 9^th Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
$10 in advance / $20 day of

TELL US YOU’RE COMING ON FACEBOOK!

Our Modern Market series looks to highlight some of the best makers and artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Each one of our vendors embody the Midwest’s unique take on modern living. These artisans are woodworkers, jewelry designers, leather workers, culinary artists and graphic designers.

Courtesy of mandybymandy

Mandybymandy’s jewelry has a distinct, modern architectural flair that really captures the spirit of Modern
Midwest. Her attention to detail ensures that each piece no matter how big or small has the same eye catching beauty. We are so happy to have her as a vendor at this years Modern Market.

Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your background? 

I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I attended college at the University of Kansas, where I discovered my love for metalsmithing. I started mandybymandy in 2015 and I design and create everything by hand in my Minneapolis studio.

Tell us more about Mandy by Mandy, what’s the origin?

I always had a passion for creating. My love for metalsmithing and design led me to start my own jewelry line.




How do you go about creating new jewelry and continually coming up with new ideas?

I usually start with a broad idea or a stone and make some sketches until I have something I’m happy with, and then I go into my studio and bring it to life. A lot of my new ideas are spurred on by tweaking old ideas and giving them new life.

Where do you go to get inspired?

Honestly, I get inspired from everywhere I go. Bike rides, concerts, and people watching are big sources of inspiration for me.

What makes the Midwest, and specifically Minnesota, unique for artists?

What’s really unique about Minneapolis is that you can live in a decent sized city and still be surrounded by nature. I think that juxtaposition is really inspiring.

What makes shopping local special?

Shopping local strengthens the sense of community. Also it’s way more fun to be able to give someone a unique handmade gift.

Who are other makers in your community that we should know more about?

All of the designers at Showroom, an all local designer boutique in the Lyn-Lake area in Minneapolis are all really great and worth checking out.

What’s one thing a non-Midwestern native should know about the region?

There’s so much culture here. The Midwest (Minneapolis in particular) has a really great local art, music and restaurant scene. I think that’s something that non-midwestern natives might not realize until they visit here.

What’s something exciting for Mandy by Mandy that we can expect coming up?

I’m always working on creating new pieces that are simple in form yet unique in design.

Shop a variety of mandybymandy jewelry at Modern Midwest’s second annual Modern Market in Minneapolis’ North Loop. The Market will feature a wide variety of vendors that embody the Midwest’s distinct take on modern living. Enjoy local food and drink, from Indeed Brewing and Salty Tart while supporting the Minneapolis maker community!

Modern Market

Thursday, December 15th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fast Horse, 240 9^th Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
$10 in advance / $20 day of

TELL US YOU’RE COMING ON FACEBOOK!