Artist Spotlight - Varda Livney

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I went to school at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. I studied Industrial Design,  Graphic Design and Illustration. After School, I worked in an Ad Agency, in a Fashion Company (which was odd, being that I wear mostly overalls), and then moved to a kibbutz and started my own studio. I love my work.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I am drawn to lines. I still use rapidographs, as in the kind you have to fill with ink. there is nothing that compares with the quality of a rapidograph line, although there’s the tradeoff of possible drips and smudges. I also use watercolors. And a lot of tweaking in Photoshop with my trusty wacom tablet. Not a fan of the new subscription method Adobe has come up with, though.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Keith Haring, Maurice Sendak, pinterest, my kids and other people’s gardens (because mine is a disaster).

You have licensed on several products including over 400 greeting cards. What would you say your secret to success in licensing is?
Personally, I enjoy having a couple of good clients who I can focus on and sink my teeth into. And trust. (I’m not much of a hustler.) Also, I enjoy trying out different styles, something that I think is generally more acceptable if you are working long term with a client- (If you are trying to get new clients, it makes more sense to stick to the same style, so they will remember you and know what to expect when they request designs). If that makes sense.

What are you working on now?
This week I’m working on a Valentine’s day card for Recycled Paper Greetings, on a coloring book that I am hoping to get published (any publishers out there?) and on kids’ room art. Samples of the coloring book are at http://varda7.wix.com/coloringbook and on my etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/vardaart

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
Early riser. I can work on a piece of art at night, preferably while listening to an audiobook, but morning, with a cup of coffee, is my time for thinking up the ideas.

What is your favorite food?
Hot hummus with lemon and garlic and a pita to dip in it.

You can find Varda at:
http://www.vardaart.com

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