Leather Work Coye Balok

keep and use for a long time. To do that you need to have good materials and high quality products. Not only do I want to offer that, but I want it to be affordable but be able to make a profit at it. Whew! That can be a tall order in today’s society. I want the purse I make to look good but be able to be filled with rocks and still work. I want the quality to last longer than the price. Does that make sense? Now not every thing I make is perfect and lasts forever and never has any issues. I understand that, but I am trying to make it durable. Most of my ideas or things I make are from pure necessity. My belt was falling apart, so I made a super thick strong one with thread that is built for saddles. That should last. I’ve met some good people in this hobby. A new friend of mine, Lamandez Brown, lives out by Ganado. He has a leather business also, @lotusandlayne; great guy and we can talk leathernerd stuff and techniques.

Being able to get most of my supplies here in town from City Electric is really amazing. I am a tactile person; I want to see what I’m buying. I want to see the color for my self; I want to see how thick it is, what shape it’s in. It is really hard to do that online. They have a large selection of leather and some they have had for 20 years, so I can buy vintage leather that is not available in other areas. At this point 95% of my leather has come from them. So when you buy something from me it is Gallup through and through. I also like to talk to people and see what makes them tick. I can safely say that I am known at City Electric (and other areas downtown like Gallup Coffee Company) by most of the employees, not sure that is a good thing but it is what it is.

If you are a person like me, if you have lots of ideas and want to know how to move forward, here is some advice. Keep a sketch book or note book with ideas. I have lists in my phone for names of products, shapes, ideas, etc. I have a sketch book with more. Do research, read articles, talk to people who do similar things, but listen to what they say. There is so much wisdom out there if you are listening and not talking (sometimes I’m not talking, sometimes). Get real feedback on your creations. I have made some ugly stuff. I have people around that can tell you the truth and take it to get better. There are always people to tell you what you made is great when it’s not. Keep practicing and creating. I have learned when I am stressed or overloaded, I need to do something creative. I go to my shop and make something or troubleshoot something or come up with a new design. It helps me think and be quiet and use my brain. I am always trying to improve what I have; it can be a hinderance sometimes but it can also make something good, great. This town is filled with creative artists. Be part of it, let it flow, don’t be ashamed of it. If you like what you make and it makes you happy, then nothing else really matters. If you are an artist, know that and acknowledge it; it’s ok. You don’t meet many doctors that tell you, “I’m not really very good at this but I try really hard.” Be comfortable with how you were made, don’t try to have other people’s skills or personality if it’s not you. Accept who you are and make it amazing.

Be good at what you do and enjoy it.

Instagram: @coyebalok