Reader of the Week: Bonnie Rue
This “crafterella” Texan books gigs by day, and designs clothes by night
By Kirsten Kilponen
Published: January 26th, 2009 | 12:00am
When native Texan Bonnie Rue moved from Dallas to Austin a few years ago, she had a lot of talent, but little know-how. After a few monthly “Babes in Business” meetings held by The Austin Craft Mafia, this twenty-something diamond-in-the-rough became the local gem of her craft community. With a few hundred bucks, mad drawing skills, and a couple of T-shirts Model Citizen Clothing was born.
Your line is full of drums, guns, and tigers screen-printed onto tees, and heart-shaped pins with little bicycles. Who do you make Model Citizen Clothing for, and what’s the idea behind the name?
I make clothes for women — fun, intelligent, loud, open-minded, crafty, geeky women with a sense of humor — from punk rock derby dolls and musicians, to “crafterellas,” cyclists, Vespa lovers, and badass bakers. In my opinion, no one has more fun than women, and that is what I want Model Citizen Clothing to reflect. I decided on the name because I personally donate time and money to different causes. Right now, I give to women’s organizations and volunteer once a week at my local homeless shelter, Front Steps. My dream is for Model Citizen Clothing to be successful enough one day for me to make more charitable efforts.
You mention that you "book gigs by day, craft by night." Can you tell us more about your job in the music biz?
When the sun is up I work at a local booking agency. We book Texan artists all over the country — be it bars, weddings, festivals, or casinos. It isn't what I saw myself doing when I moved here, but it’s a great job and I work with a great group of people. I also manage The Baptist Generals who are about to put out their second release with Sub Pop this year. I’ve been in love with the band for as long as I can remember. I approached them at one of their shows with a few ideas that I had up my sleeve, and before I knew it, they hired me. It was one occasion where opening my big mouth was a good thing.
On your blog you talk about a product you sell for a cute wallet company, Tiny Meat. How did that happen?
Tiny Meat is a company out of Portland, Oregon run by a husband and wife team who met through Etsy. How cute is that? They make and sell vinyl wallets that are sturdy and adorable. Last year they licensed my "Panda! Panda! Panda!" drawing for one of their wallets. I love their work and am incredibly flattered to be associated with them! They encourage artists to collaborate with them, so if you feel inclined, check out their website and show 'em what ya got!
What do you do for fun that’s unique to Austin, Texas? Do you see yourself living there forever?
Going to Barton Springs is most definitely a favorite. It has a public pool that is 900 feet long and entirely spring-fed! I love swimming there on a summer night. Also, being the “Live Music Capital of the World,” there is never a dull moment here. There are so many great local bands and touring acts come through, too. It's hard to stay home. And if you’re like me and enjoy cutting a rug, I suggest attending the “Second Sunday Sock Hop” at Shangri-La.
In a couple years though, I'd like to be more mobile. I want to be able to get on a plane with my sketchbook and computer, and travel with my husband while I keep designing and his band, the Lions, melts people’s faces all over the world!
www.goodgirlsandgeeks.blogspot.com/
Issue #29
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