Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Oztunguc.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amber. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and moved to the northwest suburbs of Chicago when I met my husband 8 years ago. He took me to the city for one of our first dates, and the joy that overcame me that day made me feel like I was flying. Part of that may have been due to the constant wind (which I still CANNOT get used to!). Part of it was his presence… but the majority of my sheer happiness was exploring the breathtaking city of Chicago. (OK… maybe it was also because he took me to the Sky Deck ledge at the top of the Willis Tower!) I was mesmerized by the skyscrapers, old architecture, the smell of the steakhouses, sounds of festivity, and hustle and bustle of people. With each step I took and every block we walked, I was overcome with the realization that this city made me feel like the opportunities and possibilities in life were endless. I decided then and there that I wanted to start a new life in Chicago. The dramatic difference between Indianapolis and Chicago was astounding to me, and I instantly found a love for this grand city and everything that it encompasses.
After discovering this new window of opportunity, I dove into my longtime passion for art. When I was five years old I was telling everyone that I would be an artist someday, and though my interests changed from time to time, I ultimately fell back into my artwork after discovering miniatures. I stumbled upon pictures and videos of artists creating tiny food made of clay, women that were decorating and filling their dollhouses with mini furniture, and model train enthusiasts creating their own small worlds. I was hooked. This form of art reminded me of that familiar feeling of endless possibilities! I also discovered the world of food blogging on Instagram and decided it would be perfect to start replicating all of the delicious food I was seeing from Chicago-based restaurants and brands in miniature form! I love being able to replicate anything that strikes my attention, or something that I truly love – like a tiny Chicago-style hot dog, or a mini deteriorated Chicago Tribune newspaper box. My childhood dream of becoming an artist became the best reality I could ever ask for!
Has it been a smooth road?
As with anything, there were definitely struggles I had along the way. I would love to tell you about the first miniature I ever made. One day, about 5 years ago, I was sitting at home watching YouTube videos of miniature artists creating little replicas of everyday food with polymer clay. My son, who was 2 at the time, was taking a nap and I didn’t have any clay handy, but I instantly had an urge to create a tiny fake taco! Instead of waiting for my son to wake up so we could go buy clay, I impatiently went into the kitchen and made a quick moldable, bakeable dough with salt, flour, and water. I figured all I could do is work with what I had at the moment! I took the dough and started carving! I cut out the tiny tortilla, and made super small pieces of shredded cheese, ground beef, and tomatoes, then baked it.
Since the dough was all one solid beige color, I had to paint all of those separate ingredients with the smallest paintbrush I could find! In hindsight, I probably should have waited to get to the hobby store for REAL clay with REAL colors, but this was all a part of my journey. (The taco, by the way, looks awful, but I truly needed this experience!) I practiced and experimented with different mediums such as liquid clay, resin, and even paper for about 4 years! Before starting Miniature Chicago, I struggled a lot with wondering if my miniatures would be liked by the Instagram world, and more importantly, I was terrified of embarrassing a company or restaurant when ‘tagging’ them in the photos. After finally deciding to gain the confidence to start up my new Instagram page showcasing my art, I realized that all of those worries never mattered- and the support, encouragement, and praise I’ve gotten from the community has been incredible! The best advice I can give to any woman is to always stay true to yourself. I know you hear this phrase everywhere and all the time, but there is a reason for it. Everyone has instilled within themselves a passion for certain things and I truly believe that those interests and talents should not be dismissed or set to the side. Also, surround yourself with positive, supportive people so you can be the best you can be with your craft. Another thing… give yourself a breather, take a weekend getaway, and rejuvenate so you never become overwhelmed or discouraged. I believe every woman deserves to live a life of joy in their careers because if you do what you love, it really not work!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Miniature Chicago story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in making tiny polymer clay replicas of food and drinks that you can find in different restaurants around Chicago. I have also recently taken a huge interest in creating small replicas of other things you can find around the city such as old closed down buildings, dumpsters, cool signs, and really anything that looks rundown, old or rusty! I enjoy adding the ‘wear and tear’ on these types of replicas because it really gives them a realistic vibe. What I love most about Miniature Chicago is that I am able to bring permanence to things in miniature form. Something that can be kept as a memento forever. I truly believe that people enjoy seeing this unique representation of the places and food they see every day in person, or through pictures. My passion resides in being able to use my artistic abilities to bring the city to life through miniature artwork!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom has always been a huge inspiration to me. She has always been a very independent career-focused woman who has thrived from starting her own businesses and diving whole-heartedly into her work. She has always encouraged me to be strong and independent so that I can be the best I can be for myself and my business! Also, this may sound very general and non-specific, but there are a lot of women artists that I follow through social media that are major inspirations for me. I see that they are completely dedicated to their work, and they are never afraid to stay true to who they are and share their unique personalities with everyone! I love seeing confident women who are truly enjoying their lives to the fullest. That is really what drives me to live the same way!
Contact Info:
- Email: miniaturechicago312@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/miniaturechicago312
- Twitter: twitter.com/MChicago312
Image Credit:
Brook Mrkvicka Photography
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