Meet Trailblazer Alana Bates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Bates.

Alana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always loved doing crafty things. One Christmas years ago I was working at a local shop in downtown Denver and I wanted to make my staff something cute for the holiday. So I sewed together little plushies to fit everyone’s personality. After that, I started sewing little voodoo dolls and knife/ cleaver plushies from felt. That’s actually how Morbid Cuties started out.

 Then, one day I decided I wanted to crochet, so I watched a ton of youtube videos on the basics. After a while and a lot of failed projects, I started crocheting horror and sci-fi themed dolls. I went to different conventions and local art shows and was very fortunate to sell my plushies and dolls.

I have always loved knives and collected them over the years. One day I just decided that I wanted to try and paint one. It was Pogo the Clown which I know got a lot of controversy since he was a serial killer but I am absolutely obsessed with true crime and horror so the people who really knew me weren’t that surprised. From there I paint a few other clowns from the movies I enjoyed. I got a really great response from them on social media. Really, it was my amazing friends on Facebook and Instagram the encouraged me to start painting more. Without all the amazing support I got from them, Morbid Cuties would never be where it is today.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It wasn’t always a smooth road. I have had many failed projects. I have paid to sell my art at conventions and different shows and completely bombed. I have had customer order requests that people absolutely hated. With good comes the bad.

I would encourage young women to never give up. Everything takes time and practice. If you have an idea of something you want to create or do, go for it and keep practicing and practicing. Failed projects are never a bad thing, they are a chance to learn something. That’s how you grow. Never give up on something just because it didn’t turn out how you expected the first time. Learn from those mistakes and try again. It truly pays off if you have a little patience and faith in yourself.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Morbid Cuties – what should we know?
Morbid Cuties mainly specializes in handpainted horror and SciFi themed knifes. They are also what I am most proud of. Painting knives just started as an idea one day and now has become a successful art business. What sets Morbid Cuties apart from other businesses is honestly the amazing people I have met along the way and other artists that have encouraged me to build my brand. Without BANGcreated, Felix and his Deadtime Toys and the different art events they put together, Morbid Cuties would definitely not be where it is at today.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I am a huge true crime fan so podcasts, audiobooks, and documentaries are a love of mine. I have hundreds of audiobooks because there is something so relaxing about being read to while I paint. A majority of my books are about serial killers and cults because I find them and the science behind them fascinating. A few books I would recommend are A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres and pretty much anything from former FBI agent John E. Douglas. As for podcast, Sword and Scale and Serial are always great listens.

Pricing:

• Knives start at $75 each and go up from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/morbidqts
• Email: Morbidqts@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morbidcuties
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morbidqts

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