Today is especially exciting because we have not one, but two artist collaborations to share! Hallmark Signature’s 2016 Mother’s Day offering is filled with super-talented artists like Becca Stadtlander and Jasmine Dowling. First up are the whimsical illustrations of Becca, which are available exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores and online. We were fortunate enough to have Becca answer some questions about her work process and inspiration behind her card line, as well as a few fun facts about herself. Read on!
How would you describe your collection in 5 words?
My Mother’s Day collection is a colorful mix of feminine, quirky, fun, and chic.
What was your inspiration for it?
My inspiration came from the vintage elements that I love, including old botanical illustrations and antique collectibles. I wanted to create cozy, everyday scenes that felt extra-special.
When, where, and how did you learn to paint?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love to draw and paint. Painting has always been a very important part of my life, so I don’t really remember learning it. Constant activity helped me get better over time without realizing it. I was fascinated with Van Gogh in the seventh grade and even painted my bedroom door to look like Starry Night.
Who are your biggest art inspirations?
Grandma Moses, Van Gogh, and Edward Gorey are three favorites among many.
Any design trends you’re particularly loving right now?
Everything marble!
Let’s talk color—how do you choose your color palettes for your work?
Color palettes are my obsession. I often choose two complementary colors, like orange and blue or pink and green, and add in lighter and darker tones of those two colors for a complete palette. I also try and save images of palettes that I find inspiring from photographs, Pinterest, etc. The best color combinations occur in nature and are easy to spot if you look closely.
What kinds of color are you drawn to?
Shades of green are the most used in my paint box. I also love to wear green and I decorate with green in my home. I can’t get enough houseplants!
Are you a night owl or an early bird?
Night owl. I often work into the wee hours of the morning.
Describe the spot in which you create your artwork.
I have a bright, cozy, studio room in the back of my house where I spend most of the day. All of my painting is done on an old drafting table and to my left is an antique farm table that I use for sketching and computer editing. I have shelves of art books, children’s books, and little knick-knacks all around. There’s a large and colorful Turkish rug on the floor that brightens the room and offsets the white walls.
If you could design anything what would it be?
Packaging for tea, skincare, or cosmetics.
What moms have been the biggest inspirations to you—real, fictional, TV characters, or otherwise?
My own mother, my grandmother, and my mother-in-law; I’ve been blessed with some exceptional women in my life!
What kind of child were you?
I was very independent and preferred to be left alone to draw or work on craft projects. I was a bit of an oddball because I loved to clean and rearrange the furniture in my room and I went antiquing with my parents on the weekends.
How would you describe your own mom?
My mom is an extraordinary woman. She’s always encouraged me to be different from the crowd and embrace eccentricities. She’s creative, beautiful, and sophisticated in her tastes and style. She has a happy, loving, and lighthearted personality. Lucky for me, she lives right down the street and I get to spend a lot of time with her.
What is your favorite piece of art you own–either yours or someone else’s?
I have so much art hanging in my home, that it’s hard to choose. I think my favorite piece is an impressionistic watercolor painting of a lake that I bought at an antique shop.
Which is your favorite card in your collection and why?
The blue card is my favorite. I love doing work that shows a painting within a painting and I was able to do it with the peacock scene on the vase.
Do you listen to music when you create your artwork? If so, what’s on your playlist these days?
I don’t normally listen to music when I work, but I do listen to books on tape and podcasts. I’m obsessed with horror and true crime and mystery.
Favorite snack?
Toast with Nutella and strawberries. (Editor’s note: Yum!)
What kinds of things have an effect on your work and make it turn out differently?
The most important thing is that I stay relaxed, with a clear head. If I’m not in the right mindset for working, everything will turn out wrong. I’m also loyal to some materials and particular brands of paint and paper. I’ve become so set in my ways that I’m lost without my familiar tools.
Do you have your own shop to sell your work? How can fans find it?
Yes, I have an Etsy shop where I sell prints of my work and some original paintings. You can find it at https://www.etsy.com/shop/beccastadtlander
What is your favorite current color combination?
Black and Indigo. There is a house in my neighborhood that is painted black with an indigo door and it’s stunning.
Photos by Becca Stadtlander
Next up is the fabulous lettering artist, Jasmine Dowling. We can’t wait for you to check out Hallmark Signature’s 2016 Mother’s Day offering and Jasmine’s beautiful collection, available exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores and online. Jasmine is answering all sorts of questions about herself and the inspiration behind her soft and feminine Mother’s Day collection! Thanks for sharing, Jasmine!
How would you describe your collection in 5 words?
Soft, Unique, Artistic, Feminine & Lovely
What was your inspiration for it?
I really wanted to create unique designs that were strong yet still lovely. Inspired by the women I surround myself with.
When, where and how did you learn to do hand lettering?
It was around four years ago when I was trying to work away from the computer so I started dabbling in more calligraphy. The perfection of it didn’t suit me so I decided to try mimic that but with brush & ink. The style was adapted from my own hand writing style. I learnt via practice really, I kept practicing everyday since, evolving and improving my style.
Who are your biggest art inspirations?
Jeff Koons and James Victore
Any design trends you’re particularly loving right now?
I love that colour is making its way back after the rein of black and white. Mixing textures, patterns and tones is the way to go.
What inspires you OR How do you stay inspired?
I just always take time to explore other creative avenues outside of lettering. I started a personal project last year where I photograph all of my flowers from bloom till when they die. Just looking at other forms of creativity and methods of creating really keeps me inspired and influences my work.
Are you a night owl or an early bird?
I would like to think both. I work really well in the morning and at night.. I am terrible at mid-day.
Studio, office, table–Describe the spot in which you create your artwork.
I work at home in my own little studio. To one side it a desk full of chaos: brushes, paints, inks, plants, dying flowers, receipts and paper everywhere. That is where I create. Then on the opposite side is where I keep my stock, packaging, serious business stuff and things I don’t want to be covered in ink.
If you could design anything (billboards, t-shirts, coloring books) what would it be?
What a question. I love creating things that become physical. There is nothing like touching something you created. I would love to work on books and more in store merchandising.
What moms have been the biggest inspirations to you—real, fictional, TV characters, or otherwise?
I think in business my mum has been a huge inspiration. Everything from my work ethic to sorting out the not-so-fun business comes down to how I was raised by her. Creatively, James Victore is a huge inspiration. His attitude towards creativity and passion is admirable.
What kind of child were you?
I would like to say I was a lovely child. I was the only girl so I remember being very fussy over what I wore and would change outfits multiple times a day.
How would you describe your own mom?
I don’t know if I could even touch on what my mum is like in a few sentences but I will try. She is the strongest woman I know that somehow lights up any room she goes into. Her love for living life is truly amazing, you could never accuse her of not having a good time.
What would you like to say to your own mom now that you are grown?
To say it simply, thank you. You were doing it alone and you couldn’t have been a better mother.
Any special moms in your life you’d like to give a shout-out to?
My mums mum, nanny. She has passed on the flower gene to me.
Which is your favorite card in your collection and why?
I think the You Have My Heart card. It isn’t your traditional Mother’s Day saying but still really sweet. I also am obsessed with the copper letter pressed feeling mixed with the patterned liner of the envelope.
What’s your perfect day look like?
My perfect work day… Waking up to have a coffee while I work on projects in my studio. Head to the flower markets then stop off for coffee. Shoot some projects in the afternoon for a night of editing in bed.
Do you listen to music when you create your artwork? If so, what’s on your playlist these days?
I listen to a mix of The National, Santigold, the XX.
Favorite snack?
Air popped pop corn.
How many times do you try and letter the same piece?
Sometimes twice, sometimes up to 30 times. Depends if my hands want to cooperate.
What kinds of things have an effect on your lettering and make it turn out differently?
The ink consistency, the brush makes a huge difference and pressure.
What is the coolest thing you’ve done your lettering on?
I recently worked on the Christmas Campaign for David Jones, a large department store here in Australia so around Christmas I was able to walk around store and see all of my type on signage, magazines, windows etc. That was really amazing to see.
What is your favorite current color combination?
Nude Pink & Grey & Black or Nude Pink & Brick
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store to check out Hallmark Signature’s collaboration with Becca and Jasmine! Or shop it online here. Be sure to tag us if you share your favorites on Instagram. (@think.make.share @hallmarksignature @beccastadtlander @jasminedowling)
Photos by Jasmine Dowling
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