Art Licensing Information: Artist Spotlight - Shelley Brant / Figgy Pudding Designs

Friday, September 5, 2014

Artist Spotlight - Shelley Brant / Figgy Pudding Designs

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Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?

I wasn't one of those kids that grew up drawing much at all. It didn't occur to me that it might be something I would do for a living or even go to school to learn. I had my sights set on being a veterinarian, a truck driver like in smokey & the bandit or a professional roller skater. When I went to college, I took two years of general education classes until I was forced to choose a major. I picked art and figured I could change it when I knew what I really wanted to do. The next two years went by pretty quick and I ended up with a BA in graphic design with a fine art emphasis from The University of Northern Iowa and it's turned out pretty great so far.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
I don't consciously seek out inspiration. I think I'm sucking in visual inspiration every minute I'm awake. It comes from everywhere, tv commercials, the internet, nature, fabric patterns, cartoons, graffiti, store windows...everywhere. That's what I find cool about art- people take in mostly the same imagery and spit out totally different interpretations.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I work digitally, in illustrator, for my job. I paint for fun. I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to paint more for my job. That's the secret to career success- figuring out how to get paid to do what you'd do if you weren't getting paid, right? I am also pretty darn crafty. I love cutting, gluing and glittering.

What are you working on now?
I make art and manage the daily workings of Figgy Pudding Designs. I represent three artists besides myself. I sell or license those designs for use in the craft, paper and seasonal markets. I also work full time for a factory that manufactures products for the craft and hobby industry. I do a lot of product development, trend research and art direction in that position.

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
I think I'm biologically a night owl, but my husband gets up at the crack of dawn, so I've become a morning person...whether I like it or not. Turns out I can really barrel through some work in the morning, so it's all good.

What is your favorite food?
I could probably eat taco salad every day. It's the perfect meal- it has everything you need right there. I love a good "walking taco" (taco salad in a Doritos bag) for those of you that didn't grow up in Iowa. I also love all things German, like schnitzel and spaetzle with sauerkraut- Köstlich!