Creative People: Hannah Manocchio

Today’s Creative People interview is with Hannah Manocchio of Snakes and Aceys. Hannah is a Cleveland-based artist specializing in printmaking. She has a shop in Little Italy where she designs and prints everything from clothing to journals to custom designs. And she does it all herself, as she puts it: “no machines, no help – just a girl with some ink, cloth, and paper – ok, and a flash dryer.” In other words, she’s a total badass.

I asked her to talk about her creative process and how it has changed during the shutdown. I hope you enjoy!

I am one of the few lucky ones whose creative world is also their career world. Sadly, that means when the crisis hit, my 6 days a week of working insane amounts of hours went to near nothing. Additionally, I was planning a huge party for the 5-year anniversary for the business and the 3-year anniversary of the brick and mortar. I was prepping stock for spring and summer shows, and I was working with CWRU Robotix Club on their yearly NASA competition. All of which came to a screeching halt.

Throughout the crisis, I’ve tried to maintain a sense of normalcy to keep myself sane. I go to the shop 3 or 4 days a week and print, pack orders, clean, and try to figure out how this is going to change the business when it’s over. The “creativity” and idea stream that I usually have has faded quite drastically. I suffer with anxiety and depression like a lot of others and it has been triggered pretty badly during all of this, which affects my creativity and want to create. I do try to make sure that I’m sketching every now and then; screen printing orders and stock for the business has been a good way to force myself to work. It’s been hard to focus on creativity when I am worried constantly about when any government aid is actually going to come and how many small businesses, including mine, will be able to survive this.”

When asked what role creativity plays in our current situation, Hannah replied:

Creativity is a major psychological escape and therapy for so many people. With all the time people have these days, a lot have turned to creating and making which I think is incredible. Art has always sort of been a therapy for me and when I’m working, I am able to give my brain a break from the chaos. Additionally, it has been the arts and the artists that are getting the majority of people through this time. Without the movies, the books, the shows, etc., a lot of people would have nothing to do right now. I hope this jumpstarts people’s understanding of how important art and artists are for students, and future generations.”

– Hannah Manocchio

For those of you who are local, check out her shop – there are lots of great Cleveland-themed items that would make great gifts – or snag them for yourself. Or, show her some love on Insta @snakesandaceys!

And to Hannah, stay amazing!! We’re pulling for you. That five-year celebration may be delayed, but your ten year party is going to be fan-freakin’-tastic.