Out of Hand is an artist owned and operated small business based in Eugene, Oregon. QLara Wollock, more commonly known as just "Q", has been creating custom designs for happy clients all over the US for about 4 years, starting at her dining room table. After designing her own wedding invitations - using a pale green velvet and a lacy Japanese rice paper- she was so overwhelmed at the response from her guests, that it seemed natural to turn her love of artwork into a business.
She has three children with her husband Michael Regan, and prefers the convenience of a home-based business. Her clients have ranged from coast to coast, and even though she often never meets her clients, loves to be able to give personal, one-on-one service, working with them every step of the way towards unique and beautiful designs. "Whether it's a simple journal for a gift, or complicated wedding invitations for 200, I think it's really important to offer custom designs - to allow the client to pick out the papers, the fonts, the sizes, just about everything, and create a finished piece that reflects their personality. Who wants a wedding invitation that looks like a zillion others?"
Working through the website gives her and the clients a "huge amount of flexibility. I can work on ideas and samples, scan them, and send them [via e-mail] for quick brainstorming sessions, or proofreading. It's much quicker than trying to set up meetings or wait for the postal service." The final products, though, are always sent through the mail, so the client will be able to "hold it in their hands, feel the textures, see their ideas come to life. It works out very well, actually." This also keeps the overhead lower, allowing the focus to be on the artwork itself.
Her background includes majoring in both graphic design and fine arts at Cornish College of the Arts, a prestigious private school in Seattle, Washington, as well as the University of Oregon and UC Santa Barbara. Various previous employment has included: Tour manager of a budding rock band in the Northwest; Personal assistant to a thriving art gallery in Los Angeles; Pastry chef at Portland restaurant Papa Haydn's; and still holds her current position of Wedding cake decorator at Eugene's finest bakery, Sweet Life Patisserie. "I love it there. Decorating cakes is a great combination of my love for food and art. Essentially, I get to create these incredible, edible masterpieces, and people go crazy over Sweet Life cakes! And a bunch of times, I've worked with the couple on their wedding invitations and then decorated their wedding cake as well! What's nice about that is I know their style, what they're looking for, and can bring that into the cake design."
Q also thinks it's important to "support the little guy", and urges people to shop thoughtfully, and support independent artists and merchants. "Eugene has a great public marketplace, and it's amazing to see all of these incredible things made by, essentially ,your neighbors. Support them, not the malls!" she laughs.
If you have any questions, call Q at 541-543-9110, or drop her an e-mail at: Q@outofhandarts.com
