Daily Inspiration: Meet Susan Adams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Adams

Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During my last semester of grad school in 2012 I was introduced into modeling and photography groups, and participated as a means of creative expression. I was especially drawn to the Steampunk genre and being unable to afford the more elaborate, inspiring costume pieces, I decided to start making my own. It started very small, but soon I was making larger, more challenging pieces and learning a lot through my mistakes. The more I made, the more I wanted to make and over time my interests and aesthetics started to branch out into less conventional and more unusual pieces. I originally chose “The Odd Cog” because of the Steampunk background, and decided to keep it because even if it’s not gears and gadgets, I like to still my brand reflects the unusual.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hahaha, is it ever? The biggest struggle I’ve had from the beginning, and still to this day, has been Imposter Syndrome, and as anyone who’s ever created art, the feeling that any one piece is never truly finished, only abandoned. I also struggle with comparison, which is natural. I have the great fortune of knowing many talented leather workers with very successful businesses and incredible work who have been generous, not only with their knowledge, but their time and space over the years. There have been times when I see the scope of their success and growth, and I have to remind myself what it is exactly I want from my business and my work, and not let comparison be the thief of my joy.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think most who have come by my set-up at shows will tell you straight away I’m known for my leather horns. They’re one of the most unique things I started making early-on in my journey, and its been such a thrill to explore patterns, colors and variations. I’m also fairly well-known as the one who makes leather roses, and what’s been wonderful about those is their versatility. They can be stemmed roses, pins, clips, or used as accents for larger pieces. Headdresses are also a significant part of my business, and I love finding unique items and figuring out how to engineer a wearable piece of art from it.

It’s hard to choose what piece I’m most proud of, but it would absolutely be in the category of head-to-toe costumes I’ve created over the years. Two that immediately come to mind are my Seraphim construct and my Harpy armor set.

I think what sets me apart is truly the one-of-a-kind aspect that permeates my work. Given the organic nature of my materials, there truly is no way to exactly replicate a piece, even if it comes from batch work. There will always be something a little different, a little extra, or a little special.

How do you think about luck?
I fervently believe luck is an extension of will. Good luck usually comes with good timing and being prepared. Bad luck will always serve to be a lesson. The balance between those usually comes with the understanding of what is within, and what is beyond your control. In my business I’ve had the good fortune of making friends and connections that have supported and assisted my business, but I never would have met them if not for making the choice to try something new, travel beyond my territory and trust the journey.

Instances of bad luck, almost always weather-related, have taught me to be vigilant and prepared for any number of scenarios. Even if it’s not weather, business owners always have to be aware of trends, news, and any number of factors that may affect our customers, which in turn would effect our business. Some things will always be beyond our control, but it’s rare that there wouldn’t be a lesson in return.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheOddCog
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoddcog/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoddcog