Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernie Anderson.
Hi Bernie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I found my love for jewelry design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I took the intro class and was completely smitten with working hands on in the studio. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in school. After graduating in 2017, I moved to the twin cities with my now husband. I started my studio practice, Onus Studio, shortly after moving to Minnesota. It’s always been highly important for me to continue creating even at times when I could only give a few hours a week. The jewelry I’ve made for Onus doesn’t follow a traditional fashion calendar. New collections come when I have time and inspiration. I’m proud to work this way, and feel very connected to my designs from concept through to final product.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Learning to run and grow a business is all encompassing. It’s challenging to find the balance between design work, benchwork, sales/marketing efforts, maintaining customer service amongst many other roles I must play within Onus. It’s very easy to get burnt out. For me, it’s been a lot of trial and error. You have to be prepared for the possibility that certain projects or opportunities will not work out in the way you want. I certainly don’t have all of the answers, but am always willing to learn. Luckily, despite the hardships of navigating the business side of things, my creative side always motivates me to continue. I have ideas for designs that I want to see out in the world!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Onus Studio?
Onus Studio is a small jewelry studio I founded in 2018 which specializes in creating limited runs of solid sterling silver, 10k, and 14k gold designs, as well as custom fine pieces. Through my work I playfully interpret a variety of subjects – from forms of the natural world, historical adornments, to objects we interact with everyday. My design style is minimal and organic, but also really leans into anthropomorphic details to create a character from each sketch. I hand carve my designs in wax, which then go through the lost wax casting process. I work with a casting house to bring the pieces to their metal form and every so often a stone setter to help with custom projects, but most of the production process takes place in my home studio. The resulting jewelry is an expression of boundless imagination that reflects my fun loving nature. The aim of the work is to combine a distinct, light hearted sense of whimsy with serious dedication to a mindful practice of creating. Onus is committed to slowly and intentionally creating, using gems and pearls that are thoughtfully sourced and recycled metal when possible.
Every Onus piece is a labor of love, made to retain the evidence of the imperfectly curious being who made it. The jewelry that results stands alone in its expression and is made of quality materials to last many lifetimes.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My number one supporter is my husband, Drew. He is always the first to help me with photography in any capacity, graphic design, and physically at events. Also he’s an endless source of energy and positivity. I am also grateful to SCAD, for helping me develop my skills and connect with a community of teachers and friends who continue to inspire me. Ultimately my clients are the reason I am able to keep creating. I am very thankful for them. Their trust in me to create pieces they can wear and love means everything!
Pricing:
- $98-$1360
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onusstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onus_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onusstudio/
Image Credits
@drewryanphoto
