Mark Laferney is a fellow holiday decorating connoisseur and that is where I first fell in love with his company Slumbering Alligator. When he is not making elaborate art installations for Chicago hotspots or creating content for craft companies like Plaid you can find him doing things like being a DIY star finalist for Hallmark channels Home and Family. I am so excited that Mark Laferney is here to Taco About it Tuesday.
Website: Slumbering Alligator
Social Channels:
- IG: @slumberingalligator
- Facebook: Slumbering Alligator
1) What is the best advice you could give someone about the business of being creative and the creativity behind running business?
2) Do you have a favorite place to go for business advice? Mentor group, book, website?
I consider Margot Potter (fellow Plaid Creator) to be a mentor of mine. She’s always been super supportive of my creative endeavors and has offered some great advice over the years. Margot continually reinvents herself. I admire that. If things don’t turn out as planned for her, she brushes herself off and picks herself up again. I’ve always considered myself to be somewhat of a phoenix and I’m pretty sure she is one too. Mark Montano has offered me some very helpful creative advice in the past as well. I used to read his books in the bookstore and think how cool he was/his projects were. It was surreal to talk to him on the phone one day! Also, I must say, Creative Queso gives so much insight into the world of the creative. When all else fails, Google it!
3) Besides Creative Queso what are your favorite podcasts?
4) How do you prevent creative burn out?
Unfortunately, creative burnout happens from time to time. Every project isn’t going to be your best project, but it’s important to continue creating. If I’m feeling burnt out, a little self-care goes a long way. Also, it’s ok to take a break sometimes.
5) What is something your business could not live without?
My support system. I have wonderful friends who cheer me on every step of the way. They help out whenever possible. I’m very fortunate for all the people in my life who always have my back.
6) What are some of your favorite Instagram feeds?
- @craftylumberjacks Those two are just the best!
- @celeryjones In love with her art.
- @therealelvira I mean, come on! ELVIRA!!!
- @gaudygod He’d kill me if I didn’t put him on the list.
- @redlinevirtualreality I’m currently partnering with Redline VR (here in Chicago) on some exciting art installs.
- @athomewithamysedaris Is there a better show on television? NO, the answer is no. I’d love to make a piece for that set one day. Amy, are you reading this?!?!?
7) Tell us a piece of surprising trivia about yourself or your business.
I created two holiday window displays in my apartment and both were featured on the local news. Window Wonderland and Witches in the Window.
8) Do you use a paper planner full of stickers and washi tape or are you a Google calendar kinda guy or gal?
Oh my gosh. I’m so bad about this. Usually it’s just stick it notes everywhere or somehow kept track of in my head.
9) When you are working do you listen/watch podcasts, music, audio books, Netflix or do you like dead silence like a total weirdo?
I generally listen to music when I work and that music is most likely being sung by Miley Cyrus. I know, I know, but Miley just speaks to my soul. I have been known to listen to a few podcasts from time to time too. Creative Queso (obviously) and Craft Hangout.
10) If I came to see you where would we go for queso?
That’s a great question. I’m going to have to get back to you on that one or just come to you!
Feeling inspired? Pop over to Slumbering Alligator to continue the fun. Thank you Mark for stopping by Creative Queso and chatting!
