Maker Spotlight—“Sassy” Mike Evans

You’ll be able to recognize “Sassy” Mike Evans on any given day by his faux fur cloak and hot pink imperial regalia. Or maybe by his table covered in mirrored acrylic and fake gems.

“My favorite project has to be my most recent commission work: a bejeweled chain that is big, shiny, and unapologetic.”

Mike moved up to San Francisco a year ago in desperate need of a place to laser-cut textiles for a business venture. Within a few days, he was turning out pieces across several mediums — felt, leather, mirrored acrylic, and paper, among others.

But the business venture didn’t pan out as expected. He shifted course. Inspired by the “mayoral chains of ye olde England,” he began to make costume jewelry. Chains led to brooches; brooches led to earrings, crowns, light-up capes, and beyond.

“While the machines are incredible and the classes are great, it’s the ability to come to a workspace full of like-minded people and knuckle down with a project — really get as messy as you need to get.”

This work is reflected in his current business venture: The Imperial Forge, a boutique jewelry service that fabricates custom pieces for drag, LARP, and cosplay. You can check out his pieces (and order your own) here: theimperialforge.com

His advice to new makers? “Just start doing it. The sooner you screw up your first few drafts, the sooner you’ll learn how to improve them. Constant failure is part and parcel of the creative process. Unless you’re trying to build a load-bearing bridge… probably best to get that right the first time.”