Designer Interviews

Interview: Alicia Bock of Alicia Bock Photography

Name:  Alicia Bock

Website Address:  www.aliciabock.com

What do you make or design?

Fine art photographs and greeting cards/note cards.

What made you decide to design the things that you do?

I have always loved photography, but became really attached to my camera after my first child was born. At first I just took pictures of my new baby, but before long, ventured on to other subjects. My daughter would sleep on my lap, and I would "play" with my photographs on the computer. The longer she would sleep, the more abstract my photographs became, hence the "abstract" and "unique" galleries on my website.

I originally started making greeting cards, and my family and friends were kind enough to purchase them, and encouraged me to pursue larger formats, like my large canvas giclees. Staying home with my children is a wonderful gift, and has allowed me to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life.

Who inspires you? 

Anyone who follows their heart, and pursues their dreams.

As a photographer, I am still amazed at the depth of Clyde Butcher's (www.clydebutcher.com) work. And, love what he is doing to bring awareness to the environmental issues in South Florida.  I also love bouncing around Flickr (www.flickr.com). It is a great way become inspired.

How would you describe yourself?

Girly, quirky, spontaneous, and hard working.

What’s the last book you read?

Wifey by Judy Blume. It was sent to me in a care package when I broke my foot this summer, and spent the first few weeks stranded on the couch. It made me realize how much I miss reading, but I usually only make time for a few photography magazines, and Domino magazine.

Are you a neat freak or creatively messy?

Creatively messy

What is one of your fondest memories? 

Our family camping trips on the beach. I love looking at the stars with my daughter, the quietness of the beach in the morning, and how close our family feels when we leave.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Cigarette smoking, and all that goes with it.

If you could be a bird, what kind of bird would you be and why? 

A Northwestern Crow. I could live on a beautiful, Oregon beach, and eat fresh seafood. Crows are also one of the smartest birds.

Images are the property of Alicia Bock Photography and have been used with permission

Interview: Linda Johnson of Little Flower Designs

Linda Johnson of Little Flower Designs

http://www.littleflowerdesigns.com

What do you make or design?

Little Flower Designs is handmade ceramic home accessories.

What made you decide to design the things that you do?

I have been making things my whole life so there was never really a decision to make things. Creating comes naturally for me, it’s a big part of who I am.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by strong women. Seeing other women that are strong and accomplished is a great motivator. I am also inspired by other makers, especially all the indie designers who are good at the business end of things.

How would you describe yourself?

I am silly and sometimes smart, quiet until you get to know me. I am sensitive, creative and tend to live in my own little world. I am happy.

What’s the last book you read?

I just finished “The Other Woman” by Jane Green, I tend to read fiction before I go to bed, I like to keep it lite! I also tend to browse fashion and home magazines quite a bit, I call it “market research” really, I like to be entertained

Are you a neat freak or creatively messy?

I have to say creatively messy but, in a loosely organized fashion.

What is one of your fondest memories?

My newest fond memory is my sweet husband Steve winning a free game of miniature golf. All these little kids were cheering for him and he was sooooo happy!

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who don’t love animals.

If you could be a bird, what kind of bird would you be and why?

I really love birds so this is a hard one, right now I’d like to be a small bird like the barn swallow. They are pretty and seem quite friendly.