The 74 ways to be Inspired series is all about finding inspiration and applying it to your creative life ~ whether it be for your own satisfaction or as part of the process of setting up and maintaining a small creative business. These interviews aim to inspire by gaining an insight into the inspirational and creative process of those who are doing exactly that. Today we are talking with Amy from Field Trip.
First off, an introduction, tell us a little about yourself, what you do and how it came about.
I was on the sidelines for a long time, admiring bloggers and Etsy shop owners, until I decided one day that it was time to get involved in the handmade culture I’d come to love and admire. I’m a web and graphic designer based in Vancouver so adding this into the mix of what I do has been really fun.
What was the inspiration behind the name of your shop/blog?
My shop name came to me in one of those aha moments. At the time I really didn’t have a focus for the shop, I knew I wanted to make posters but I didn’t know much beyond that. I like the name Field Trip because it’s fun, but also represents a journey (even a short one), and reminds me of one of my favorite things from childhood.
For the name of my blog ~ Handmade Evolution ~ I wanted it to be clear to readers that I’d be covering handmade and indie exclusively and that I think this is a better way to shop!
Now this series is about inspiration, so where do you find inspiration Either online, in the “real world” or from whom? What kind of things inspire you?
I’ve heard others say this and I think it’s true – inspiration is everywhere! Books, blogs, tv, childhood memories, nature, magazines, songs – and the list could go on forever! If anything I’m overly inspired – by this I mean that I have so many ideas, but lack the energy and time to create everything I’d like to create. I’m also inspired by so many styles and genres that sometimes I don’t know what direction to take, because I see truth in all of them.
Where do you find the inspiration for your artworks?
My current posters reflect a lifelong love of origami and also an appreciation for minimalism. At the same time I am inspired by the trend I’ve noticed in European interior design – homes featuring lots of white with bright pops of color. My love posters are inspired by my desire to be a truly positive person and to find a way to do good in the world.
Do you catalogue your inspiration in some way, either virtually, clippings in a notebook or perhaps an inspiration board?
This has gotten a bit haphazard over the years. At the very least I’ll try to save pictures on my computer in a specially marked file – but there are just so many wonderful things out there that I actually try not to save too much as that can become a job unto itself these days! Generally I just try to keep a mental catalog of the trends that I notice that are popular and with these posters I tried to work within those trends, but with a perspective that’s unique to me.
How do you find juggling the creative life with your home and/or work life?
Honestly it’s all a blur. Partly because I work from home I think! I think a struggle that I have is developing artistically just for fun, versus seeing ways that it will help my web and graphic design or my poster shop.
And because we are in blogland, can you share a couple of your favourite or most inspirational blogs/sites.
I’m really inspired by Scoutie Girl, Poppytalk and Indie Fixx. In addition to being amazing bloggers – these ladies have been so welcoming and generous to me – and I know their support and that of others has made having an etsy shop and a blog fun. After years of going solo as a creative I now feel like I’m part of a larger community which is just wonderful.
What’s your dream for Field Trip?
I’m having a tough time finding the words for that as I think it would be more about getting to a new level artistically – and I’m not sure what that looks like at all yet!
Thanks Amy. It is so interesting to hear other people’s experiences.
Amy has kindly offered a discount today ~ 10% off on any poster if you use the code “i love posters” at checkout in the shop.
Hello! I'm Kellie and here I collect inspiration ~ beautiful photos, words on creativity, lovely printables and handmade items. I love autumn, cameras, and of course, the colour lime.
Always love reading about clever people – great informative article