Our recent Dogs collection was designed in collaboration with Joy Laforme, check out her beautiful work at @joylaforme on instagram. Joy is an artist based out of New Jersey and her client list includes Anthropologie, HGTV, Trader Joe's, and even a cover for Ingrid Michaelson. We're big fans and delighted she'd answer a few questions for us today.
Q: How did you get into art? And did you always know you wanted to be an artist?
Art has always been a part of my life. I don't know that I can pinpoint a time that I knew - I always wanted to be a creative of some kind.
Q: Were there mentors in your life who really pushed you as an artist? Could you share one lesson you learned from them with us?
I've had a few mentors throughout different points in my life and one of my mentors from college always tried to instill in me finding meaning and purpose beyond myself in whatever I decided to do.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I have always been a very observant person, and I think that I notice a lot of small, unexpected details in simple parts of everyday life - a lot of that gives me daily inspiration. Beyond that, I read lots of books, watch movies and enjoy others' creative works. Seeing other creatives' work in whatever field they are in (music, dance, film) and their process is immensely inspirational.
Q: In the same vein, who/what/where do you turn when you get stuck?
I wish I had a tried and true method for how to get through this, but the truth is that it is trial and error with a few methods. It can be as involved as getting up and going somewhere like a museum, or something as simple as going on a hike. Even flipping through books that have art in them when I can't get out is a helpful tool.
Q: What advice would you give to a young child who loves art?
To play, have fun, and create what inspires you most! Explore and collect things from nature that inspire you. I did that as a creative child and I still do that now, you can find inspiration in the smallest and most unsuspecting places.
Q: Can you tell us one of the challenges you're most proud of overcoming?
Starting my business with no clients and no money is something I don't think I'll ever get over. I took the leap into full time illustration and pushed forward towards a vision that I had and still have. I love what I do and I'm super proud of the work I've had the honor to do so far!
Q: What is an attribute or experience that you feel shaped you into the artist you are today?
Diligence and being open and amenable to feedback from clients. I love what I do and I love my clients too - and I want them to be happy with their final artwork - everyone works as a team to get the project complete and I love being a part of that.
