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Tammy, from the Zazzle store tammysmithdesign, discusses how she became a surface pattern artist and where she finds inspiration. Check out the interview below and don’t forget to check out her store tammysmithdesign!
Zazzle: Tell us a bit about yourself! When did you become interested in design? What inspires you?
Tammy: I’m a self-taught artist who became interested in design around the age of 27 when I realized that there were actually people who did surface design for a living. I took some night classes in surface pattern illustration and was hooked!
Tammy: As far as what inspires me, I honestly believe that good ideas can come from SO many places: a rusted piece of metal lying in the street or visiting blogs of artists that I love–I also keep a notebook with me to sketch down ideas for later.
Zazzle: Where’s your favorite space to create?
Tammy: My favorite space to create is my home studio. I also make mixed media work so my studio is sometimes a bit messy with clay or wire bits lying around, but I like not having to drive somewhere each day to create.
Zazzle: What’s your favorite product to create?
Tammy: Well I have to say I’m really liking doing t-shirt design–so far on Zazzle, I’ve opened 3 stores because it’s so easy to do and now I have a tshirt store, a color themed store for products that are black, white and ultrabright, and a store that sells products based on different styles like traditional, hand lettered, graphic, floral, etc.
Zazzle: What was the first product you’ve sold on Zazzle?
Tammy: It was a t-shirt; maybe that’s why I like them so much!
Zazzle: How would you describe your design style?
Tammy: I would describe it as eclectic, textural and graphic. I like to make things that give the look of felt, linen or some other texture–I think it looks really interesting when you see it on an iPad cover, for example.
Zazzle: Do you look up to any artists or designers? If so, who?
Tammy: Oh definitely! I look up to many artists, one that I have loved forever is Tammis O’Keefe. She was a brilliant illustrator who had a wonderful style that has become classic. I also love some of the illustrators on the Artsprojekt on Zazzle–completely inspiring.
Zazzle: What got you interested in selling your art on Zazzle?
Tammy: I read so many good reviews when I did my research on where to sell POD designs. Zazzle kept getting the highest ratings so I went with them!
Zazzle: What tips can you give someone who is just starting out on Zazzle?
Tammy: Read the forums and also read the HELP section before you begin. It will save you lots of time in the long run and they have terrific advice there.
Zazzle: Can we get a sneak peak of any future designs?
Tammy: Sure! Here are some more that I plan on putting in my shop within the next week or so:
Zazzle: Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing Tammy!
