Art Shoppe Interview, Kitschy Digitals.

Although I had never really communicated with her until just lately, I've known Danielle Thompson from her work for years now. Her cool retro style mixed with her amazing photography skills and ability to get way more art done than thought to be humanly possibly have put her on the radar of inspiration seeking artists for a long time now, and that's why I'm so excited to share with all of you a little more from her through this week's art shoppe interview.

I'm also really excited to share that because of Danielle's generous product donation, our team will be sharing projects using her different kits each day this week...which means we officially dub the following 7 days KITSCHY DIGITALS WEEK! So be sure to check back frequently...we are starting to get more and more articles up each day and as of this past weekend we are officially bringing weekend articles on a regular basis instead of just Monday through Friday.

But best of all, Danielle is also donating a kit of your choice from the ones available on jessicasprague.com to one lucky winner, so be sure to leave a comment here for your chance to win!

And with that, I give you Danielle's interview:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Hi! My name is Danielle Thompson and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. I am married to Ethan and am “Mommy” to two little boys, Cooper and Campbell. I’ve been a graphic designer for 12 years and just recently quit my part-time graphic design job so that I can focus solely on my digital design (which is super exciting!). I love that I can design at home while the boys are at school, but I’m able to be there for them when they’re not. I feel like I have the best of both worlds and I feel very blessed for it. Aside from designing, I am interested in so many things (is there such thing as too many hobbies?) such as: interior decorating, crochet, photography, Blythe dolls, blogging and I just recently took my first quilt-making class (something I’ve been wanting to learn for ages!). I just love crafting in general. I’m always making things. My design style always centers around my love of vintage, color and pattern.

Describe your business (and share links as to where we can find it online):

I have a shop where I sell digital and printable kits called Kitschy Digitals. I also have paper goods of my designs for crafters that aren't familiar digital kits, you can find those here. I also have an Etsy shop called Tiny Bazaar where I sell paper goods, my polymer stamp designs, vinyl decals, embroidery patterns, and more.

 
 

When did you start doing art? 

I started creating art at a very early age. My kindergarten teacher told my Mom that she noticed my artwork was more advanced. From then on, my Mom always had me in private art lessons. I'm so thankful to her for that!

Where does your inspiration come from?

From the past, mostly from the 60's and 70's: vintage color, pattern and design.

What kind of art space do you have? 

It's a very eclectic, kitschy mix of vintage items, patterns and colors. For now, this sewing/craft area decor is complete, but I'm still working on the other corner of my studio which has my desk, computer and other storage. Working on that.

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you create?

Mostly pretty mellow stuff like Bon Iver, Jenny & Johnny, Neko Case, Dolly Parton.. but when I want to listen to something faster and more upbeat I listen to The New Pornographers, Peter Bjorn & John and The Smiths (if you can consider them more upbeat, haha)

Who are your artistic influences?

Hmm, I guess it would be designers from the 60's/70's. But no one really in particular.

We'll take a little break here to share some amazing artistic influences for US when it comes to using the Kitschy Digitals products...Danielle's design team:):

 
(double click the image to see them larger and view details.)

Please share with us your favorite childhood memory...or one that includes art!

Oh gosh, not a favorite family memory, there are too many good ones. One funny art-themed memory: I was obsessed with New Kids on the Block (no, I'm not really proud to admit that, but what are ya gonna do!) in middle school and so were my friends. I drew portraits of each of the New Kids along with portraits of me and my friends standing next to our favorite New Kid. You better believe Joey was my favorite! hilarious + embarrassing.

Do you have a motto you live by?

I don't believe in "rules" in anything that I do whether it be art-making, interior design, crafting, designing, photography, whatever. I go with my heart and pretty much fly by the seat of my pants most of the time! Sometimes it doesn't work, but most of the time it does.

Where do you see yourself & your business in the next 5 years?

I'm working on growing my Kitschy Digitals site. I have lots of plans but will keep that hush-hush for now. Things are in the works! I feel like I'm dreaming big for the first time.

Any tips and tricks to other artists/business owners?

Wow, I feel like a newbie with owning a business. What I have is pretty small, but I guess it's all relative. I would say, just keep believing in yourself (as cliche as that sounds!) It took me a couple years to really feel like my digital kits had a steady customer base. Things take time, you just have to be patient.

How often do you create? Daily! Whether I'm designing digital kits, crafting, crocheting, decorating, I'm always doing something creative every day. 

Can you cartwheel? If so, we'd love to see a photo! :) The last time I did a cartwheel I was trying to prove to my oldest son that I could do one. I regretted it immediately. I think I hurt myself. ha!

Thanks so much for letting us pick your brain about your fabulous art business, Danielle...it's always fun to see how other artists make a go of it in this profession!

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment for the chance to win that kit of your choice, and please share your own Kitschy Digitals art with all of us in the Cartwheels flickr gallery so that we can share those on the site this week as well!

Comments

[Jessi W]

Great interview!! And love her products...she is so talented!

[Kelli Maielli]

Kitschy Digitals are my all time favorite. I was so excited when I saw this interview here this morning...I'm always looking to see what's new in Danielle's collection and it's nice to get to learn a little more about her. In can be difficult for me to find products that reflect my interests and personality in the digital scrapbooking world, but I feel like Kitschy Digital kits were made just for me! Can't wait to have them all.

[amy]

Danielle is beyond creative, I just love her blog. What a great way to learn a little bit more about her, love this interview!

[Deb]

Thanks so much for the great interview and all the kitschy eye candy--LOVE it!

[{vicki}]

Great interview!
Thanks!

[Laura]

I'm a big fan of Danielle and Kitschy Digitals. Great interview! Didn't know you have a flickr group, but now that I do I'll head over and post some of my Kitschy projects.

[April B.]

So great Danielle. I love seeing a Mommy with a can do attitude ! Such an inspiration.

[Nicole]

This site is quite new to me. I was turned on to it by Elizabeth - my DEAR cuz-n-law. I have to say I am very inspired. This is so great. So beautiful and can't wait to check out Danielle's Kitschy Digitals site and blog to inspire me even further!!!

[Jennifer W.]

This is the first time I have seen this website. I absolutely love it!! I will definitely be coming back. Thanks.

[Melissa Martinez]

I love the mail art and the vintage cameras thanks for the article I iwll look for her stuff on JS