Everyone Is An Artist
I have been working at Kooler Design Studio since the new Millennium began. Just around the time we started designing and producing books for Leisure Arts Publishing. It has been a delightful time for me, working with my Mom, Donna Kooler and the rest of the supremely talented KDS staff. My background is in advertising and graphic design. Attending the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland way back before the earth's crust cooled. All those years spent learning how to use ruling pens, Letraset and wax to make paste-ups in the Graphic Design department....very useful these days….hmmmm, maybe not!! My interest in crafts in general has been useful; knowing just a little bit about a lot of things seems to have its place. I tend to make things up as I go and don't follow direction well. Thank goodness I am surrounded by many experts to guide me when needed!
I have found my niche here as the photo stylist and as a craft book designer. I also enjoy interfacing with the many outside designers we work with It is always amazing how much great work streams through the studio, either designed in-house or from our large pool of outside contributors. Whether it's knitting, crocheting, beading or decorative painting, I work with our photographer Dianne Woods to showcase each and every project in the best and most appealing way to excite and inspire our artist and crafters around the world.
This brings up the ongoing discussion of "is it art or is it craft".....consider Michelangelo; thought by many to be the greatest artist of all time; who was basically a 'painter for hire' by the Medici family during the Renaissance. Most would agree he was a fine artist, but these days would he have been labeled a paid illustrator....and does it matter? So if you create something and call it 'your' art, then it's art to me.
It's great to work in an atmosphere of creativity, where new 'art' springs forth every day. The artists here design craft books, needle art kits or paint books by day....and go home and make the most amazing fine art...paintings, art dolls and more that are gallery quality. I think the dialogue of serious artist versus crafter is a fascinating and never-ending one. One that becomes more blurred as I interact with more creative people of all walks of life!
2007 has been great so far at KDS. A highlight of this year so far was visiting CHA in Anaheim this January. Seeing bright colors, bold graphic patterns and great design was so exciting and inspiring. And as I am finishing my second book of party favors for all occasions and the advent of a new spring season, my thoughts are turning to fresh colors and spring flowers and accessorizing with elements from nature.
Our website is so full of creative ideas and endless possibilities. Each of our dozens upon dozens of books is filled cover to cover with great crafting ideas. Along with our kits and other products there is so much to see. Take a good look and see what's in store for you. Please contact me with any questions or comments you may have, I would love to hear from you!
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