Q:
How did you get started
in this industry?
A: I was working in the textile industry prior to getting involved with Creative Imaginations. My job was to design and color patterns for fabrics. I designed fabrics for swim and surfwear mostly and also did some designs for the quilt market. When my kids were born I decided to stay home and figure out a way to work out on my home. That is how I got into licensing my my art for scrapbook products. Scrapbook paper can look so much like fabric and it seemed like a natural transition for me.
Q: Which products from your current lines are the most popular?
A: I would have to say my foil paper and epoxy stickers.
Q: What are some of the unique selling points of your products?
A: The sparkly foil printed papers make my product unique. I have used foil in my fine art work for several years so it is really a joy to be able to translate this onto scrapbook paper.
Q: How do you monitor trends in the industry?
A: I attend the CHA Show, pick up magazines, and read blogs. Quite honestly I try not to monitor trends in the Scrapbook industry too much because I don't want to get overly influenced. I also find that I get overwhelmed and amazed with all the product and patterns out there and I need to stay focused on my own art. I monitor trends more carefully in fashion and interiors.
Q: How do you select color schemes for new products?
A: I keep a color notebook and usually put together a color story and theme board in my studio when I am working on a new collection.
Q: What is the creative process behind the names for each collection?
A:
I wish I were better with the name thing, my art director actually
helps me.
I am working on writing down names when I think of them but words are not my
forte...LOL!
Q: When inspiration strikes what is the first thing you do to begin developing a new product?
A: I usually work in my sketchbook. I still like doing things the old fashioned way by painting a design and then scanning in the artwork so I can manipulate it in Photoshop. This is how the collections are formed.
Q: How do you introduce new product lines and/or new items to the consumer?
A: We have a process at Creative Imaginations that helps us stay on track with developing new product. We have deadlines for submitting our proposals. We generally put boards together featuring our new ideas and they get back to us with changes and hopefully approval so we can begin to create the finished artwork. From there CI promotes the products through advertising and industry trade shows.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of becoming a product designer for Creative Imaginations?
A: I love the people I have met in this industry and the friends I have made at CI. I also love getting my samples and my new products too! It is a rush to see your art turned into product and being featured in catalogues.
Q: What plans do you have for the year ahead?
A: I do have some exciting things planned for my product but I can't say too much about what that will be....yet! I will keep you posted!
Join Christine Adolph live on September 6th at 8:00 p.m. CST in Create My Keepsake's chat room»».
Posted by: Dell Richards | September 06, 2007 at 06:13 PM
christine, always love finding the things that you do....and the fact you taught me how to use foil...i am so grateful to have had you as a teacher in that rare split second you were out there....xxoo
Posted by: minnie | September 19, 2007 at 05:48 PM