Interview with the 3rd place winner of Derby 51

KlsWoot has been participating in the derbies for a long time and this is her 4th print but the first chance I've had to interview her.

Shirt.Woot Stats? (first derby / shirts bought / shirts printed)
13 (Halloween) / 40 / 4. My first derby was the Halloween derby. I remember I had one design "A Matisse-Style Halloween" rejected for gradients. I also did a silly pumpkin lineup that earned 52 votes and I was thrilled! I was hooked from that point on. I've probably bought 40 shirts (including randoms) for family and friends. I love giving Woot shirts as gifts, especially when I find one perfect for someone. We've also taken several Woot shirts as gifts when we visit family abroad. I have had four shirts printed at Shirt.Woot (3 Derby shirts "Taking Flight: A Tribute to Leonardo DaVinci", "Swimming Koi" and "(W)Right Angle Neutrality", and 1 daily "Enchanted Garden").

What are you tools of choice?
I have been experimenting with Photoshop and ArtRage, but I have a lot to learn about how the software works. I am also experimenting with drawing designs directly to the screen with a tablet, but it doesn't feel as natural to me as pen and paper. Right now, I am still more comfortable with pen and ink, a scanner and then coloring the design in Inkscape.

What is your typical process for going about a design?
As far as the derbies are concerned, I usually read the theme and then write down a few ideas that immediately jump to mind. I then play around with sketching out the ideas in pencil. Once I feel comfortable with the design, I draw the design in ink, scan it and then clean up the design in Inkscape before coloring it.

What design or art experience do you have outside the derby?
I primarily work with acrylics on canvas and create paintings for sale locally, or through my websites (StudioArtworks and KristensCreations). For the past 10 years, I've been offering my large scale abstract paintings by commission and creating smaller ones for sale through my website, or through eBay). It's great fun and it allows me the opportunity to paint during the day with my 4 year old daughter.

Which artists or designers inspire you?
For my paintings, I love doing what I call 'art deco cubist' paintings which pay homage to cubist painters such as Picasso and Gris. I love the sculptures, posters, jewelry, stained glass and crystal from the art deco period. So, I try to combine some of these art deco designs and patterns with a bit of cubist style. Other artists whose work I love: Matisse, Klimt, Rothko, Salvadore Dali, Miro and the stained glass works of Frank Lloyd Wright, or course!

Would you like to do art/design full-time? If so, what is your dream job?
I would love to continue to do art on a full-time basis and continue to sell my art directly to the consumer. It's a great way to meet your customers and learn more about the folks who own your artwork.

Any plans to sell your designs outside Woot?
I have put a few designs on DesignbyHumans and I'm learning about other t-shirt sites too. Past Woot designs are available in my CafePress store. I also sell a few of my paintings as prints on sites that are affiliated with Art.com and AllPosters. I hope to be able to turn some of my Shirt.Woot designs into designs that are more suitable for posters and offer them there as well.

What advice do you have for new derby artists?
Boy...the first thing I'd say is have fun! Participate in the derby to hone your skills and experiment with new styles and techniques. Create designs that you love, first and foremost, and try not to get discouraged. You just never know what will strike a chord with the voters. The derby really is a great way to share your art with others and learn about t-shirt design at the same time.

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