Step aside paper snowflake makers. Your new teacher has arrived. Welcome Sam from Catfriendo. The Medicine Hat born and Calgary raised paper lover is not only quirky and cool, but as beautiful as her artwork.
SAMANTHA HEIDINGER – CATFRIENDO PAPERCUTS
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL?
I make and sell handcut papercut artwork.
TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
My name is Sam, I’m twenty-nine and have lived in Calgary for almost 11 years. I grew up in Medicine Hat and originally came to Calgary for University. I like running and taking pictures of other people’s pets since I don’t have any of my own quite yet.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
Catfriendo Enterprises was born in late 2012. Before that I dabbled in jewellery making and did some doodling.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
My very first papercut was of a giant Japanese movie monster, Gamera. I made him for my boyfriend’s birthday July of 2012. I was a very broke Uni student and was trying to figure out something I could make that was different and cost effective and I stumbled across papercutting. I started designing templates and cutting so often that it turned into a little business.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
I’m mostly inspired by pop culture, comic books and nature, particularly animals. Calgary in and of itself is also a pretty great city to be living in. We have such a young and surprisingly artistic population that inspiration can be found anywhere.
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
I would love to be able to devote all of my time to creating and papercutting. To be able to make a livable income off of my art would be truly amazing.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
I’m partial to Instagram. It’s such a great platform to network with other artists and customers. Plus it provides a steady stream of inspiration and cute animals.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
I recently discovered that running in tandem with viewing Lord of the Rings’ bonus features heals all wounds.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I’m ambidextrous! Which I think is pretty cool.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Telepathy, for sure.
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES?
I can be found solely on Instagram:@catfriendopapercuts
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
Instagram is where I post all my newest stuff. I also sell through Etsy and www.catfriendo.com