Monday, March 5, 2012

Meet the Designer: Interview with HG Designer Beth Logan

Meet the Designer: Interview with HG Designer Beth Logan

Beth has a new line: Buttercup Babies being released in March.
Check back soon for a Sneak Peak of her new line.
Be sure to leave a Comment on our Blog by Monday, March 12th for a free Fabric Giveaway!

HG: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Beth:
Oh boy – I get inspiration from just about everything around me. It’s hard not to. I think most creative people are like that, we’re just sponges!

I really notice this when I draw and paint characters they turn out looking strangely familiar. When I draw moose or bears, their faces often remind me of my dog (seriously!) and my bunnies seem to have the same little expressions as the baby squirrels I care for at the Wildlife Center where I volunteer!


HG: How long have you been designing?

Beth:
Well, let’s see... I’ve been drawing pretty much nonstop since I could first hold a crayon. My patient and supportive parents learned when I was just a toddler that if they wanted to keep end-papers of books, or even the white walls in our home clean, they needed to keep me stocked with paper to draw on – and they continued to do so until they sent me off to art school.

I quit my last “real job” in 1992 (I was the human version of a paint-matching computer for a small home-decor store!) and have been designing full-time ever since. I stumbled into Art Licensing very much by accident, and for the first several years supplemented that with decorative painting in people’s homes – murals, borders, and decorative treatments – and doing graphic design – logos, business cards, and such.

Then 12 years ago I narrowed my focus to just Licensing and haven’t looked back! It’s a kick for me to see my art on different products, I never lose that Christmas morning excitement when I get to see something new for the first time; I literally squeal (often scaring the animals) when my fabric samples arrive. I can’t imagine a more fun way to share my art with folks; I’m truly blessed to be able to do this!

HG: Can you give us a sneak peek into your studio (or where you work) just a pic or two.



Beth:
My studio is a tiny room in our tiny home. I draw and paint at my big desk, and spend a lot of time here at the computer. And during those few rare warm, dry days we get in the summertime in Seattle, I’ll move everything possible to the back yard and work out there.

HG: Where did you grow up and where is your home town now?

Beth:
I have lived in Seattle for almost 30 years, and have been in this teeny little house for 24 of those! I grew up just a ferry-ride away from here. I came across the Puget Sound to “the big city” (well, around here it’s that!) to attend Cornish College of the Arts, and never left. I have a real love-affair with Western Washington and the Pacific Northwest and can’t imagine living anywhere else.

HG: Pets or children??? Or both??


Beth:
We have a “furry family”. These days that’s our sweet rescue-dog, Molly, and our cat, the Fabulous Miss Flossie. Some of you might recognize Flossie from past fabric collections –she’s the model and inspiration behind Love To Craft and The Cat’s Meow. Flossie even has her own blog. She’s kind of a ham and loves the attention. Molly tends to be a little more private though. She’s a goofball around other dogs but is very shy around people and actually runs away when she sees a camera!

HG: Favorite hobbies or vacation spot??


Beth:
Aside from drawing, painting, and making stuff, my favorite thing is to work in the garden. I suppose that falls under the category of “making stuff” too! For me, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of getting out there and playing with dirt and rocks, nurturing tiny seeds and seedlings that become plants, flowers and vegetables that I can enjoy and share. I also really love cooking (I used to do it for a living!) and that’s even more fun when I’ve grown the ingredients myself!

Aside from my own backyard (I know, how corny is that?!) my favorite spot on the face of the earth is my family’s funky little cabin on the Washington coast, just a couple hours from my home in Seattle. I am a beach nut - I love the ocean and can’t imagine not living near it. Just writing this makes me want to pack up the animals and drive out there right now and dip my toes in the surf (and I’m writing this in cold February!).


HG: What Medium do you create with??

Beth:
Although all my art ends up as digital files that I manipulate in Photoshop, I start by drawing and painting everything by hand, mostly with watercolor paints and colored pencils.


For More information on Beth Logan Check out:

Website: http://www.artstuffltd.com/
Blog: http://www.artstuff.typepad.com/

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

These little interviews are great. It's fun learning more about the designers. Looking forward to seeing Beth's new line!

Syd said...

I really enjoy these interviews. It's fun to learn what motivates designers. I'm glad I came across this blog. Can't wait to see Beth's new fabric! Thanks!!

Amber Alvarez said...

Beth is the jam.

Anonymous said...

I've known Beth since she was a little girl. Her art makes me happy. I have several framed posters of hers in my home, which I love, and lots of her fabric. I sew and I can't wait for her next line to come out. Debbie

Anonymous said...

Loved the interview, Beth! You go, Girlfriend! You know I love your work! So happy to see it acknowledged!
Hugs! Diane

shannacoy said...

I cannot wait to see the new fabric line.

Marcia W. said...

Thank you for the HG Designer interview with Beth Logan. I enjoyed reading out her inspiration and thought process for designing. Just the name of the new line makes me think of pretty springtime flowers.

sue z said...

This was such a wonderful interview. Whenever I see Beth's critters I always want them as pets. I am sure all the quilters will enjoy working with this fabric. The artist as a person is just as beautiful as her art. Thanks!

Deb said...

Always love to see behind the scenes with interviews with the designers. I enjoyed this one and would love to be entered for this new line.

janequiltsslowly said...

I love the pictures of Flossie, the beach and your garden. I'm across the state from you in the mountains, but I also love to go to the beach at our beautiful mountain lakes. I garden as well, but right now the only plants I have are small starts under fluorescent lights! Thanks for the chance to win fabric. Always a welcome delight!

Donna said...

Enjoyed the article. Looking forward to seeing Beth's fabric line.

susis quilts said...

thanks for the chance to win,susi

Mary said...

I love hearing what inspires designers! I think Beth is right that sometimes it is "everything." I look forward to seeing her new line.
Mary

chefpa said...

Very fun to be able to "meet the designer"...thank you!

NancyL said...

Always fun to learn about designers. If the fun pic of the cute rain boots and hats is any indication, the fabric will be cute! Can't wait to see the sneek peek soon!

scottylover said...

Thanks for the introduction! It's always fun to see where the inspiration for the fabrics come from and to learn about each designer.

Sandy A

ledamewood said...

Thoroughly enjoying the interviews and see the new fabric lines.

Deb said...

Learn a lot about the designers during this interview and the fabric is very pretty.

Malinda said...

Thanks for the introduction, looking forward to seeing all the new fabrics, I'm sure they are adorable!

Joyce said...

Love to hear where people get their inspiration...and also like to see their sewing room to get ideas for mine.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance to win some of Beth Logan's new collection of fabric. We enjoy the Meet the Designer interviews. From MargaretQuilts at mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

Judy1522 said...

Enjoyed the interview and Beth's cat is so adorable.

Anonymous said...

These interviews are very nice. I like reading about the designers' inspirations.
Looking forward to seeing the new fabric line.

Sue.quilts at Verizon dot net

Unknown said...

I love interviews, you get to see the person behind the talent..and she does have so much talent!

shel704 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

What a fun name for a fabric line. Buttercup Babies! I am looking forward to seeing it. Cindy O'Dear

Denise said...

Well I understand about Beth working in a tiny studio in a tiny home! It will be fun to see your Buttercup Babies line. Thank you for sharing HGF!

Kim D. said...

Nice interview! Looking forward to seeing the new line of fabric.