H29 Design
About
After retiring from Hallmark in 2020, I continued to explore my passion for product development by starting my own design business. I have been dabbling in surface pattern creation, illustration, and hand lettering. In addition to dabbling in artwork creation, I teach royal icing cookie decorating classes, walk my two chocolate labs, and explore my new hometown surroundings in Fort Worth, Texas. My motto has always been “Do something creative every day” and I’m doing just that!
What inspires you to create?
I have been creating from the time I was given my first box of Crayola crayons. Art was always my best subject in school, and I love the process of creative problem-solving. I am often inspired by nature and love trend-spotting. Taking inspiration from potential new trends and my surroundings, I use my free time exploring that inspiration through my own design process and applying the artwork to formats that have a purpose. It’s a way of bringing the ideas to life and giving them form.
What advice would you give to people looking to express their creativity?
Creativity is defined by the act of creating. Jump in and create fearlessly. I have found a good place to start is by looking at things you own or really like aesthetically. What is it about these items that resonate with you? You may discover something in that exploration process that guides you toward a particular style or medium you had not considered before. Dig in and PLAY. Have patience with the process and in time, you’ll discover your own personal style. Don’t stop there. Keep exploring, evolving, and learning at every age.
How does your art connect with people?
I found that by telling stories around the inspiration I had for a piece adds relevance that often connects with others. There is usually something within the story that the viewer didn’t see, and by telling it, they see the work in a new light. I have been told my work exudes a whimsical, positive vibe. I believe working at Hallmark for over 30 years influenced this upbeat sensibility. So, if the story doesn’t connect, I am hopeful the uplifting spirit of the work, does.