I have the pleasure of calling today's featured artist a friend and mentor. Patty Young is a very talented designer with a heart as big as the sun. She has been a wonderful mentor to me as I've started my Two Peas business offering me advice, counsel and friendship. She and her husband Jon make an amazing team and have been a great inspiration to our family.
She is truly a fabulous, genuine talent. Say Good Morning to Patty Young...
Since the feature is called Monday Mornings Inspiration, can you tell me what inspired you to a career in art and design?
I have always been "artsy" for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I took as many private art classes as I could and many times I'd get in trouble at school for doodling on my notebooks or on the desks. I chose Fine Arts as my major when I got accepted to college and luckily, my parents supported me all the way (even though we all feared it would be a tough life!).
After graduating with a BFA in Photography and Graphic Design, I worked for about 15 years in the Marketing/Advertising field as a Graphic Designer turned Creative Director. After my second daughter, Sydney, was born, I just couldn't do the long hours and crazy schedules anymore. Plus, the stress of managing people, commuting and being away from my kids for so many hours was really messing with my head, so I left my job to "pursue my own creative endeavors". I put that phrase in quotes because at the time we didn't know what it would be. We are all thrilled at what those "creative endeavors" turned out to be! I wouldn't trade this life for anything in the world.
What continues to inspire you each day and how do you keep your art fresh?
I draw inspiration from the past and the present alike. Before I had my kids I traveled extensively through Europe and Central America, so you'll see bits and pieces of my travel experiences pop up in my collections. Andalucia was inspired by our honeymoon in Spain. Mezzanine was inspired by my travels through Northern Europe in the late 90's. I also draw inspiration from nature (Flora & Fauna), my kids (Playdate) and favorite places (Sanctuary).
Passionate. Obsessive. Sleepless.
What could you not live without to get through each work day? Your phone/computer, sewing machine or your coffee? Anyone who knows me can attest to my morning coffee addiction. Usually it's a Peppermint Mocha, but lately it's Espresso with Coconut Milk on ice. I cannot start my day without it. My MacBook Pro and iPhone are my necessary evil. I am -- and probably will forever be -- a slave to technology.
What is the one best part of your job as a designer? The best part is seeing the beautiful things other people create with my fabric and patterns. Just today I ran into a blog post, purely by chance, where someone had made the most beautiful quilt out of my latest fabric line, Sanctuary. The words she used to describe my fabric and the names of my prints literally brought tears to my eyes (in a good way). I immediately thought "She gets me." That's what it's all about!
What advice would you offer to someone when it comes to living a creative life? Not to sound too clichéed, but "if at first you don't succeed, try again... and again... and again". Perseverance is everything in this industry! If you are original people will notice. It may happen right away or it may take some time. Be patient and keep up the good work. It will happen for you.
What can we expect to see from you in the coming year in terms of new projects and design? I have a new fabric collection coming out this May that I am over-the-moon in love with. I cannot reveal the name or any sneak peeks yet, but I will say it is exotic, rich and happy. I hope you all will love it as much as I do! I also have a new line of sewing patterns coming out in May and my first book coming out later this year. In addition to all this, I do have three super exciting licensed products that will delight everyone in your family. Again, it's all hush-hush for now but I can give you one hint: My mom will LOVE the first two, my dad will SQUEAL when he sees the third! (that is, if squealing was his way of showing excitement... in reality, he will probably just smile and say "WOW, that's great!" :)
Patty, thank you so very much for sharing your inspiration!
Patty has offered to share some of her fabulous designs with one of YOU! A 5 - piece MODKID pattern bundle! Cuz' she's generous and wonderful like that.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment for each one:
1) Visit Patty's website and tell us which of your favorite MODKID patterns you would add to a bundle.
2) Follow Patty on Facebook
3) Follow the Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs blog (you can find a subscription link over there in the sidebar)
This giveaway will be open until Friday, April 8th at midnight, EST.
xoxo,
Trish