Heidi Yarger is the creative director at Spitfiregirl, an insanely-adorable design studio in San Francisco. Her innovative skills have been sought by the likes of Style Me Pretty, Old Navy, and Target, and she does everything from helping businesses creatively rebrand themselves to designing paper products, logos, and interior signage for restaurants. On top of that, Heidi is also a mom living and playing in one of our very favorite SF neighborhoods!
We are smitten with Heidi's creative eye, modern and fun style, and incredible sense of design and couldn't wait to catch up with her for our Designer Crush Q&A.
1. Where do you currently live in CA and what's your favorite thing about how you've designed your personal space?
I live in San Francisco – Noe Valley to be exact. I love our neighborhood more than our small apartment. I’m about to collaborate with Erin from Apartment 34 on my office. Once that’s complete it’ll be my favorite space again. Right now, not so much.
2. What's your dream design project? Who would it be for (dead or alive)?
I would love to work with a fashion or interior designer – not just on their branding but also on product lines, retail environments, etc. Rachel Zoe, Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, or Nate Berkus to name a few! Additionally I’d love to continue to do more restaurant/hospitality work– creating the entire brand experience and then even dabbling in interiors would be a dream!
3. In real life, what's your favorite project you've completed to date?
We recently created all the branding for a gorgeous new restaurant in Michigan called The Meeting House. Designing everything from the identity, print collateral, menus, signage, to custom clipboards. Even the hamburger buns have our logo on them! We’ll be working on their website next.
4. You've been gifted a fabulously furnished dream home but can only bring one item from your current space. What would it be?
I’d probably bring my little collection of paintings by my friend Aondrea Maynard.
5. What's your creative process when designing for a client?
A majority of my clients are out of state, so I do a lot of correspondence online and on the phone. I always start with in-depth research so that my team and I understand the client’s short and long-term goals, who the target market is, and how to improve the aesthetic and strategic goals of their company. I still pencil sketch everything first before moving onto the computer and am mildly addicted to Pinterest.
6. Where do you score your favorite interior design items? Any shopping tips?
I like a mix of new and vintage so it could be a thrifted Eames lounge chair or a new cabinet from Room & Board, a colorful rug from Target or quirky art piece from Etsy. When we eventually buy a home, I plan to scour Michigan yard sales (where my in-laws reside) for mid-century furniture finds.
7. Ever had an epic DIY disaster? What project would you never dream of taking on yourself again?
I wish I was better at DIY than I actually am…curse you Pinterest for so many DIY distractions! I recently painted a filing cabinet white (after being cherry red) for the new office, however now it just looks like a white-hot mess. I don’t think I could handle a full home remodel – despite the fact that my husband is an amazing architect – I’m way too impatient!
8. What new design trend are you excited to integrate into your next project?
I’m very inspired by fashion and textile design. I’m not sure if it’s a trend, but I’m excited to play around with the Rorschach effect. I’m currently loving the ethereal patterns from Eskayel. I would love to create a product line in the future.
9. Lightening round!
Beach or mountains?
Mountains
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter
Architectural Digest or Wallpaper?
Neither. Vintage Domino, may it RIP!
Should you spend money on a fabulous bathroom or kitchen?
Kitchen
Would you rather shop new or vintage?
Probably new, with a vintage aesthetic!
Great view or perfect pool?
View
SF or LA?
SF
10. What's one tip you wish someone had told you when first starting out in the design world?
Minor in business! Or at least take several business and marketing planning classes.
Want more Heidi?
Website, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram
Designer Crush Q&A: Marcia Prentice
Designer Crush Q&A: Nicole Hollis
Designer Crush Q&A: Kyle Schuneman
Gallery Images
