Meet Linus Schief | Artist & Weaver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linus Schief and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linus, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never imagined I would own a shop! I had fantasized about a hybrid retail/workshop space for years but lacked the capital and a solid business plan. Just before I opened Warm Shape, I was exploring a tech career after attending a coding bootcamp. However, after a couple of years in that industry, I felt increasingly stressed by computer work, and it never really “clicked” for me. I initially thought I had imposter syndrome, but it turned out that tech simply wasn’t the right path for me. Interestingly, this journey led me directly to starting my own business.

The moment I decided to stop struggling in a misaligned role and opened myself to new possibilities, the opportunity at the MSA Annex practically fell into my lap. I was moving into the neighborhood and needed an art studio. I inquired at the Annex, thinking maybe they had a small shipping container I could rent, though I doubted they would or that I could afford it. To my surprise, they said, “Wow, actually, yes, this little space just opened up unexpectedly two hours ago, and you could do a pop-up!” It was a case of being in the right place at the right time.

Everything unfolded rapidly after that, with events aligning in ways I could never have planned for or anticipated. For instance, I didn’t have a car at the time, and someone generously gave me one so I could gather the necessary supplies. Another person gifted me a high-quality art printer they no longer needed. My sister helped with display furniture. In the first few weeks, a kind couple visited the shop and offered me a great deal on a beautiful weaving loom they no longer used. It was as if once I said YES to this venture, everything started falling into place miraculously.

I began with what I had: prints of the digital art I had created during the first few COVID years, weavings made from plastic grocery bags, and a few t-shirts and mugs with my drawings printed on them.

I didn’t have a business plan when I started. I had no capital. I took financial risks, utilized every resource available, hired a business coach, and put myself out there—all because I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. There was never a shred of doubt. People often call me “brave” for taking this leap. They mention how they would worry about the “what-ifs,” but for me, the “what-ifs” were: “What if I continue on this path of everyday struggle without ever living my dreams? What if I squander my talents, my truths, all the things that make me who I am, out of fear or a safety mindset?” I believe safety is an illusion, and, in some ways, so is money. So, I decided to go for it, no matter what! I’m deeply grateful for all the opportunities and challenges that have shown me what I truly want and don’t want.

I’ve had to learn a lot through the practice of running a business, stuff I never would have attempted but that I had to face once I was in it. I advise people to go in a little deeper than you’re comfortable and figure it out as you go along. It’s hard but so is working for someone else!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your art:

I am currently a weaver, illustrator, and portrait artist. I weave VHS tapes into wall hangings. In the past, I designed and fabricated clothing, did embroidery, knitting, and crochet. I had an oil painting phase that I hope to revisit. I grew up doing crafts with my grandma, which sparked my lifelong love for creating.

When I opened my shop, I showcased the art I created during my time in the tech industry. Surrounded by creatives at my agency, I realized I had been neglecting my own creativity. Motivated by envy and a desire to explore, I started using an iPad to create weird and fun digital drawings. It felt liberating, especially during the early years of COVID when I had plenty of time to experiment. My sister in Phoenix helped by printing my artwork, and I began putting my designs on t-shirts, mugs, and other products.
Around the same time, my friend Jasmine Baetz invited me to give a weaving workshop at Scripps College. This motivated me to dust off my old loom and create new pieces. Shortly after, I found out I was opening Warm Shape. I transformed half the shop into a workshop space and brought my looms and sewing machines. Although my creative process has evolved and I now prefer working from home, the shop was a great way to share my journey and connect with others.

What sets you apart from others?
I don’t think I’m that different from others. I used to think I was really unique and individual, and when I started the shop I thought people wouldn’t be able to relate to me or my art because it’s so “weird.” But actually through conversations with lots of strangers I’ve realized how much I have in common with others, and that has been a really powerful lesson. When people say that I should copyright or patent my ideas, I reject it because I actually want everyone to do what I’m doing, if they want to. We are all having the same ideas at the same time, and I love that. Let’s all do the same things and talk about it.

What are you most proud of or excited about?
I’m most excited about my blind contour portrait project, “Face Me.” It started when I was invited to a group art show called “Face It.” I wanted to focus on connection, interaction, vulnerability, and fun, so I drew people without looking down at the paper, which results in unpredictable and hilarious portraits. And the act of “facing” a person with unbroken eye contact for five to ten minutes is really something else. I started off with a blank wall and drew portraits of attendees all evening, putting them up on the wall as I drew them. It was a dynamic and engaging experience and I was hooked! I now offer these portraits at my shop and at various events like rock shows, birthday parties, and weddings. I also conduct workshops where I guide others in drawing blind contour portraits, including speed-dating events, which I’m particularly excited about. I plan to take this project on tour as well.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
My journey was challenging because I resisted embracing my true self and talents. I tried to be someone else, doubting my creativity and ideas. It wasn’t until I let go and had fun with my art that things started to click. This joy led to curiosity and experimentation, driving me to overcome challenges and achieve breakthroughs. My creativity flows like a powerful river, unstoppable once I stepped out of its way.

My path has been unconventional. I attended college as a first-generation student at 33, studying a wide range of subjects through the lenses of feminism, collective liberation, community, and sustainability. Now, I weave wall hangings out of recycled materials and create humorous, spiritual, and confusing digital illustrations. I enjoy connecting with people through my art at Warm Shape and sparking conversations about creativity.

What are the lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to trust my ideas, creativity, and intuition. A community approach to art is much better than isolation or gatekeeping. I’ve realized my potential and the importance of continuous growth. Women’s art is often underestimated and dismissed as “hobbies,” which is ridiculous. I proudly own my creativity and encourage others to do the same.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand story?
I want everyone to know that creativity is for them too. It’s never too late to align your life with your true self. I’ll be 46 soon, and I feel like my journey as an artist is just beginning. I encourage anyone to express themselves and use their voice, and I’m always here to support and inspire others! Also, my shop isn’t just me, My business partner, Lano Romero Dash and I support 25 other local artists and makers, come check us out! Our shop is called Warm Shape because of the themes of the art I opened with: the sun, animals, coffee, eggs, volcanoes, fire. All warm shapes. And of course people are warm shapes too! We really value connection and warmth at our space, and we’d love to meet you.
I’m also for hire to come to your event or party and draw people, or give a workshop at your space. Reach out if you’re interested!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love slow living, so for me just hanging out and drinking coffee at Exo on Simpson or Decibel Coffee at the MSA Annex is nice. And if you’re at the Annex be sure to check out Rollie’s for tacos or Sonoran hotdogs.

Sometimes I take a drive to Sweetwater Wetland to check out the birds and ponds. The Loft is an excellent movie theater, and on your way you can stop by Santorini Greek Cafe, it’s the best Greek food I’ve ever had. Owls Club is good for a drink, it’s a bar in an old funeral home and it has a special vibe, and sometimes they have music shows. If you have kids, Groundworks is a great all-ages venue to see bands play.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people have supported me along the way. My family, friends, and community are incredible! However, the person who deserves the biggest shoutout is my coach, Amanda Escarcega. It’s hard to imagine where I’d be without her influence. Amanda pushed me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. Thanks to her, I began thinking bigger and started planning events, workshops, and presentations. She saw my potential when I was filled with fear and excuses. Amanda had me reading books, networking, working out meaningfully for the first time in my life, and addressing my health and mindset, especially around money. Her support and “tough love” approach helped me face my fears and grow tremendously. I would recommend a coach to anyone—it’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Website: https://www.warmshape.com

Instagram: @facemeportraits @warm.shape @yolkjammer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linus-schief-8874752b7

Image Credits
Luke Swenson (Warm Shape shop photo)