Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be a surface designer.
I'm an illustrator, designer, crafter, reader, gardener, and mom. My own artistic mother and grandmother encouraged creativity in me from a young age, teaching me to draw, crochet, and cross-stitch before I even entered school. It was only natural that I continued to grow as an artist, and eventually pursue what was then called “commercial art” as a career.
After graduating with a graphic art degree, I worked in a small agency creating package design, advertising, and illustrations for clients including candy manufacturers, beauty supply distributors, and stationery companies. I then transitioned to a freelance career, and my main client put me to work creating surface design repeat patterns for the first time.
Who or what influences your art?
I'm a nostalgic person. Much of my style is influenced by designers and illustrators of the past, especially midcentury women surface pattern designers such as Tammis Keefe and Pat Pritchard. Their fun, stylized illustrations turned ordinary linens like handkerchiefs and kitchen tea towels into works of art. Mary Blair, Roger Duvoisin, and Abner Graboff are among the many children's book illustrators of the 1950s and 1960s whose whimsical work I admire. I keep lots of vintage collectibles on the shelves in my office and pinned to my bulletin board to spark my own creativity.
What mediums do you use to create your art?
I start my illustrations with quick pencil sketches, scan them, and then finalize them in Adobe Illustrator. I'm a vector girl through and through.
You are represented by A Fresh Bunch. Tell us how you secured them as your agent. What are the advantages of working with an agency?
In 2015, I found myself seeking a new artistic direction. I set up an Etsy store featuring clip art sets and a Spoonflower site of original fabric designs. Although I had a bit of success with them, I was looking for something more permanent and engaging. Unexpectedly, I saw a Facebook post from A Fresh Bunch announcing they were looking for new artists to represent. I submitted my portfolio, interviewed with them, and soon afterward was welcomed into the agency.
Did you previously approach companies on your own before joining A Fresh Bunch?
No, I did not.
Your designs are cute and fun. What sectors (stationery, fabric, puzzles, etc.) of surface design do you think your work best fits with and why?
Any sector that welcomes a whimsical, quirky, youthful vision would be a good fit for me! I've had success with A Fresh Bunch designing a wide array of holiday products, including wrapping paper, cards, and gift bags. Recently, my art has been licensed for dinnerware sets, gift boxes, and journals, and I have my fingers crossed that some designs currently under review might end up on bolt fabric. Being a lifelong crafter, that would certainly be a welcome sector in which to find my art!
Would you like to share any advice you have for designers who are considering approaching an agent for representation?
When pitching an agency for representation, make sure your style is compatible with their style, but distinct, and “you”. For example, if the majority of designs in your portfolio are repeat floral patterns, an agency that specializes in placement pieces for the holidays wouldn't be a good fit. Do your research. Scour the websites of agencies you might be interested in. Consider what you have to offer them that's different from the artists they already represent, but still fits that agency's brand. Agencies receive dozens and dozens of inquiries, and will quickly move past your representation request if your style doesn't enhance their brand.
What's next for you in your artistic endeavors? Are there any other companies or designers you would like to collaborate with?
A Fresh Bunch is always looking for new clients for their artists, enabling us to concentrate on the creative side of the business. I'm eager to continue my artistic journey as a surface designer, providing the creative vision to make our collaborator's products shine!
Website: https://www.donnabradydesigns.com/
A Fresh Bunch Artist Profile: https://afreshbunch.com/donna-brady/
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