If you have ever visited the Busy Beaver, you might have noticed a very special piece of art hanging on our production room wall. It features a beaver, looking slightly unsure of himself, wearing a fantastic patterned knit. We affectionately call him the "Awkward Beaver in an Exciting Sweater."
It was illustrated by the incredibly talented Brett Manning, who actually used to work right here at Busy Beaver! We have treasured the original artwork for years, and now, we are so excited to share it with our community.
Starting this week, we are featuring Brett's illustration as a free gift with all purchases. To celebrate this collaboration, we sat down with Brett to catch up, talk about her inspiration, and find out exactly why that beaver is so awkward.
Busy Beaver: For folks who might be new to your work, how would you describe yourself and your art in your own words?
Brett Manning: I’m very much inspired by folklore and mythology, nature, patterns, textures.
BB: You mentioned folklore. What is it that draws you to creating these unique creatures?
BM: I love giving them a life in our world and imparting some kind of story or personality that they then share with us.
BB: You actually have a history with us here in Chicago! Do you have a favorite memory from working with Busy Beaver?
BM: It was such a great little community of creatives when I worked there!
BB: While you were on the team, you drew the Awkward Beaver. What is the story behind him? Where did the idea come from?
BM: I’m just being totally honest, I have no idea haha! I just think beavers are cute and I have always enjoyed drawing knitwear. And I, myself, am horrendously awkward.
BB: How does seeing your artwork translated into a sticker feel? Have you ever experimented in this medium before?
BM: Yep, I’ve made many a sticker!
BB: It’s been so fun to reconnect for this project. What does collaboration mean to you as an artist?
BM: It’s a special feeling to work with others when you enjoy who you’re working with, haha! I hope that maybe our communities will cross over and get to know each other better.
BB: Agreed! We are sending this sticker out as a free gift with every order this month. What do you want the people receiving this to know or feel?
BM: I truly just hope that it delights them!
BB: Is there anything you’re currently working on (or dreaming up) that you’re excited about and want to share?
BM: Lots! A big secret project I’m collaborating on with a pretty cool, creative company... but I’m also hoping to get an Oracle deck finished this year, continue to build up work for my next book, do a few more vending events, host my own small artisan market—Goblin Market—for the fourth year in a row now, continue to grow and network, travel, be with my friends, run my small businesses.. ahhh! Lots, but it’s what I do and I like it.
Turn Your Art Into Stickers
Whether you have a doodle of a nervous animal, a complex mythology-inspired illustration, or a brand logo, we are ready to help you bring it to life.
Start your custom sticker order!
To snag your own piece of Brett Manning art, simply place an order at Busy Beaver this month, and we’ll tuck an "Awkward Beaver in an Exciting Sweater" into your package on the house. To see more of Brett's work, follow her on Instagram @brettmanningart.
