Read a bit about Sandy and check out her work! - Post in the comments what your favorite piece of her art is!
Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I have been creating for as long as I can remember, starting with making new clothes for my paper dolls as a little girl- after I finished all my coloring books. I had 2 years of high school art, and my teacher gave me a wonderful foundation. Other than that I am self taught. I try to take classes whenever I can, in all kinds of mediums.
What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Anything and everything can inspire me, but I think mostly nature. I love flowers, birds, animals, landscapes and seascapes. Sometimes it is the words in a song. Or just not painting for a while. I find that I tend to get very cranky if I spend too much time on the business side of my art and not the creative side. It's often difficult to find the right balance.
Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I work in almost every medium. I spent 15 years working in the craft industry, helping companies show their customers what to do with their new products, and I loved teaching and demonstrating. My friends keep encouraging me to license my work, and when I decided to do that, I knew I needed to focus. So right now I am working in watercolor-my favorite painting medium. Photoshop and Illustrator are so much fun, and allow one to provide clients with files in the format they need, but I still go back to a paintbrush in my hand. Nothing compares to the thrill of putting pigments on paper and watching the colors merge and magic happen!
What are you working on now?
I'm working on a collection of fruits and vegetables in watercolor. I'm on the Board of our local Arts Council, and this summer we were invited to show our work at the local Farmer's Markets. Seeing all that lovely produce each week was very inspiring and I was allowed to take a lot of photos for reference. I see a trend of using a lot of fruits and veggies in home decor, and several clients have asked for them.
Anything else you want to tell everyone?
I love working with manufacturers and learning about their product processes. I got my first licensing deal because I did cold calling on manufacturers at the Atlanta Gift Market, after I had walked the show 6 months earlier and identified companies I wanted to work with. I met a manufacturer who liked my style, but I didn't have what he wanted in my portfolio. We worked together to come up with the look he wanted for his product line, and it has done very well. Click here to see some of the Pretty Tools products with my art: http://sandylaipply.com/art-licensing/licensed-products
I've since signed with an agent so I can spend more time focusing on my art, cplicensing.com. We're currently in discussions with several companies. Handpainted art is very much in demand now and with a computer I can format my art for almost any surface. I want to be in tabletop, giftware, home decor, greeting cards, party goods, etc. And since I love to sew, I definitely want my own fabric line.
Are you an early riser? or night owl?
Definitely an early riser. I'm often up before 5 am, and I love watching the sunrise. I prefer painting in the morning when my studio is full of light, and then do the business side later in the day.
What is your favorite food?
Chocolate. Or chocolate covered caramels. Or Reese's Cups ( chocolate and peanut butter) . Or chocolate ice cream. Or chocolate cake. Did I mention chocolate???? Maybe I should start painting a collection of chocolate candy......
You can find Sandy: SandyLaipply.com sandy@sandylaipply.com
Phone-419-562-9825 FB-Sandy Laipply's Art LinkedIn-Sandy Laipply
If you are interested in being spotlighted - email me: anntroe@cox.net
Thanks doodlebugerz for reading and posting your comments. MAKE MY DAY and follow this blog :-D
Beautiful art, and a interesting interview. And I relate to her fixation on chocolate... :c) Thank you, Ann!
ReplyDeleteHi! thanks for commenting! I am typing with a Dove chocolate in my mouth :-D
DeleteSandy, I love it all. You were always a great talent. Hugs
ReplyDeleteWow Sandy, kudos to you for having the courage to just head off to Atlanta on your own and then cold call manufacturers like that! You are a real go-getter and I totally admire that, AND your beautiful artwork! I stand in awe. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Sandy & Anne! I came from the craft industry as well... and it's great to hear that fellow artists made the transition well! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy getting your blog post in my email box :-)
Deletehttp://sueallemand.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by! :-)
Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by! HUGS :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! Sarah, I found out when I say at home and waited for people to call me, they never did :( I do believe you have to go after your dreams! Big hugs, Sandy
ReplyDeleteThe ocean theme it's my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview. Thanks for sharing Anne & Sandy!
ReplyDeleteDeevinci and Darlene! Thanks for the blog love :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Annie, great interview and very informative. Sandy I love your work! I have a question for you and wondered if you could help. What size do you create your original watercolour paintings so that they are large enough for production and then what size do you scan them in and then save them at? I work in mostly digital media for my art licensing so that the images are large enough for multi-uses. Cheers! Cindy
ReplyDelete