Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity, Danny Likar! Danny is a very talented crafts major in the process of setting up his own Etsy shop! Danny designs and creates custom jelwery in his spare time, and even has his own line. Her Campus sat down and asked him all about his craft, check it out!
Name- Danny Likar
Age- 20
Major/Minor- Crafts major, with a concentration in Jewelry and Metals
Relationship Status- Single
Hometown- Garfield Heights, Ohio
What inspired you to start your own line of jewelry?Well, once I got into making jewelry, I knew I wanted to make it to sell because I wanted others to be able to wear my art. After all, what is the point of making jewelry if no one wears it? I really just wanted to make usable and functional art that I am proud of and I am proud to see others wear.
How did you pick a name and concept for your jewelry line?Well, my Jewelry line is ‘DGerard Jewelry’ I chose this because my middle name is Gerard and it is also my dad’s middle name and St.Gerard has always been special to my family. I have always been proud to have the name Gerard so it was a perfect fit for the name of my jewelry line.
What is your favorite type of jewelry to make, and why?Lately I have been really into making pins and brooches. In fashion, brooches are making a comeback, especially for men, so I’ve been making and experimenting with contemporary and interesting ways of breathing new life into brooches. Other than that, I enjoy making pendants and I really seem to like the state of Ohio and the city of Cleveland as subject matter.
Do you think you will pursue a career in designing jewelry? What is your dream job?That’s funny because I don’t see making jewelry as my career. I do see myself always making and selling jewelry, but as more of a side job. My dream job is to be a youth minister for the Catholic Church and run a youth group. Although owning and operating a coffee shop is an option as well.
Where can people view and purchase your work?I am currently in the process of setting up an Etsy shop, but sadly I haven’t gotten it done yet, so as of right now, my jewelry can be see on Instagram by following the hashtags: #dgerardjewelry and #dgblmetalart. And I sell my work through direct orders by email at dlikar@kent.edu. I am excited and willing to talk to customers to help create for them exactly what that want!