Meet the Makers: David Gomez of Dagu Designs

Check out David’s jewelry creations under his label–Dagu Designs.

What do you make? How did you get into it?
I am a Mexican jewelry designer and sculptor. I come from a family of artists and since I was young, I always liked to make things by hand- crafts, clothing, etc. One day a friend invited me to his jewelry studio to see his work and I was surprised when he started to use fire. He told me that I could take classes to learn the trade. I have now been making jewelry for seven years.

Are you a full-time crafter? If not, what is your day job?
Yes, I am a full time artist.

Meet David Gutierrez Gomez, Mexican jewelry designer and sculptor.

As a full-time artist, what made you take the leap and pursue your craft?
Both the criticism and the good comments from people pushed me to create new and different pieces.

What motivates you in pursuing this business?
First of all, I don’t see my art as a business. It is something that I enjoy doing– to design something that comes from my imagination and afterwards to see people wearing my pieces. This makes me very happy.

What are some of the challenges of maintaining your art?
The challenges are: maintaining a constant variety of stones, paying rent during slower months, and more than anything, it’s the criticism from people. However, with passion, love, humility, dedication, and courage I overcome these challenges.

The intricate silver work on this necklace with a crystal pendant is pretty spectacular.

What’s a new skill–craft or business–that you’d like to learn?
I would like to learn carpentry and more techniques for using leather.

What’s your most recent craft business milestone?
I have started see people from all over the world using my pieces. For example, there was 60 year-old man from Australia that had never used a necklace before in his life, until he saw one of mine and now he uses it everyday!

This obsidian rainbow silver ring is pretty trippy.

What is your favorite lesson in your experience of your business?
I have enjoyed learning to talk, discuss, negotiate, and reach an agreement with people from all over the world.

What craft business advice can you share with other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Find a job (trade) that you like, and you’ll never work a day in your life! Enjoy! And do everything with love and passion!

Um, if you were a craft tool, what would you be? And why?
I would be a hammer because you can find this tool all over the world, it is easy to use, and you can do an infinity of things with it! I like to do everything!

The different stones David will be carrying at his booth at this weekends Makers Market!

What can we expect to see from you guys at the upcoming Maker’s Market?
All of my pieces (necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets) are handmade with precious metals (silver, bronze, and copper) and natural stones from all over the world. Even the chains are each made by hand. My work will bring something new, unique, and different to the market… something you won’t find at others’ tables… work that people will be impacted after seeing it.

Where else can we find your work?
www.facebook.com/dagudesigns or talk to me in person