Please welcome to the Studio, our new designer Erin, from Mixed Media by Erin!
Join us and get to know her a bit better in her own words and photos:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in Texas (USA), on a small ranch in a very small town. My husband actually grew up on a larger ranch, just an hour away, but we didn’t meet until College. After college I taught art in public schools while my husband finished his degree, and then we headed overseas in search of adventure. We’ve lived in a number of countries and most major regions of the US. We spent over 15 years in South East Asia before moving to Oregon (USA) for my husband to finish his PhD. Most recently we moved to Pennsylvania and are learning the ropes of living on the East Coast. We have 3 children, aged 20 (who doesn’t like to be in pictures) 15 and 10 (my little buddy who is into everything). We also adopted a small rescue dog, Jax, who has become my constant companion.
2. Where do you get your inspiration from, for your designs?
Everywhere! I know that sounds cliche, but in College I had an art professor who encouraged us to take ourselves out on “Art Dates.” It was an amazing learning experience for me. He taught us that it didn’t matter so much where we went, but how we observed it. I learned that whether I’m in a beautiful quiet forest, or a busy market street, if I really look around me and take the time to soak it all in. I can find beauty in the colors and patterns and textures no matter where I am. It’s been a very helpful practice over the years, especially in some of our more difficult living situations. Now I am drawn to these elements. It’s pretty normal for me to wander off when we are out and about, as I follow the inspiration.
3. How did you find designing, or how did you become a digital designer?
Honestly, it was just a natural progression. I enjoy painting and experimenting with mixed media and I really wanted to be able to use some of those techniques in my digital art. So I started scanning things and manipulating them in Illustrator to see if I could mimic some of those techniques. I also have always had a hard time using my one of a kind finds and had grown quite a collection of random items I felt inspired by. So, again, I started scanning them, as this gave me a freedom to incorporate items I collected in my physical art.
4. What do you like to do, besides designing (hobbies, activities, other work)?
I love gardening, both vegetables and flowers. There is just something raw and honest about digging in the dirt and watching things grow. I also enjoy art of all sorts of course, but especially painting. I have a small Etsy shop and like to do in person vendor events to meet other artists.I enjoy hiking and being out in nature of all sorts. I’m a voracious reader. My youngest loves to bake with me, and we like to experiment in the kitchen together. And I have learned to enjoy playing modern board games with my husband and family.
5. Favorites?
I LOVE bright happy colors. I have tried several times to be more modern – I painted a long series with just black, and have tried other muted tones, but I always come back around to bright and happy. I’m just drawn to it.
6. Hopes, dreams for the future?
I have had a long time dream to one day own a bed and breakfast type Art Retreat Center. To make it a beautiful escape with gardens and an art room where people can experiment with new mediums or play with their old favorites. My husband wants there to be a board game room as well, lol. I don’t know if it will ever happen, but it’s a dream we both can agree on.
Erin already added a lot of her beautiful designs to the store: https://www.digitalscrapbookingstudio.com/mixed-media-by-erin/
Including her beautiful part of the EC Showers & Flowers:
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