Interview with the 3rd place winner of Derby 59
Bvillarreal has only been around Woot a couple months and has already scored her first print! Here's more about her.
Shirt.Woot Stats? (first derby / shirts bought / shirts printed)
51 (Pixel Grid) / 10 / 1. I started with the Pixel Grid derby - I wasn't convinced I could do it, but my son talked me into it and said this would be the perfect starting point. We've bought about 10 different designs for ourselves or our kids.
What are you tools of choice?
I start with a pencil, make it a little cleaner with a pen, then scan it and edit in either Corel Photopaint7 that I've had forever and am comfortable using, or
Adobe Photoshop Elements.
What is your typical process for going about a design?
I am usually at work when the new derby is posted and get a call from my sister or son telling me what the theme is, I keep a sketchpad with me and think about it throughout the day and sketch when I have a minute.
What design or art experience do you have outside the derby?
I majored in Fine Arts for my first two years of college, then completed my degree in Education. I have always incorporated art into my primary vocation of teaching, but have only dabbled in actually profiting from my artistic abilities - I've done some shows, small commissions, a few signs, a lot of portraits and tons of cakes! I've always preferred drawing portraits - I like capturing an expression that makes a two-dimensional drawing look like the subject.
Which artists or designers inspire you?
My favorites are Georges Seurat - I love Pointilism, Hieronymus Bosch - there's so much to absorb in his work, and Quentin Blake, who did most of the illustrations for Roald Dahl's books.
Would you like to do art/design full-time? If so, what is your dream job?
I've always convinced myself that I probably couldn't handle the deadlines and criticism - I'm getting some good experience in both from participating in the Woot Derbies. I thoroughly enjoy what I'm doing now, and don't anticipate doing this full time before retirement!
Any plans to ever sell your designs using a print-to-order shop like SpreadShirt or CafePress?
Yes, after I get a little better at design, execution and marketing!
What advice do you have for new derby artists?
Read the rules, peruse the previous derbies and look at what wins. Don't take criticism personally, but make note of the advice, consider the source, research thoroughly and adjust accordingly. Have fun!!
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