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Q1 What made you decide to be a designer?
As far back as I can't remember I always had an eye for art and design. I would save packaging or wrappers and fancy papers, or anything that I thought was pretty. Also, I've always loved fashion magazines and how nicely they were laid out. I wanted to do that - to make beautiful things too. |
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Q2 What inspires you to design?
Everything! Color and nature, interior spaces, my cat... hehehe. I like to create order and balance around me, but not in a too serious way. To me, that's what good design embodies - it's fun and purposeful, it's sincere. I like to create things that make people smile. Whether it's a cute design on a tote bag, a perfect piece of art for an empty wall, or a logo for a company that really speaks their brand. People have so much to say, and sometimes need help saying it, that's where I can help. A complete success is when I create something that I love, and someone else loves it just as much. It makes me want to do it all over again.
Q3 What is your signature style?
Bright colors, textile inspired patterns, organic shapes and flowing lines... I really love color. Color excites me. I think it's one of the most expressive forms of communication. Sometimes I see a color and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, like a big comfy blanket on a cold winter day. That happens to me all the time. It's an amazing feeling. |
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Q8 Who is your favorite designer (or an artist)?
I recently discovered an artist by the name of Andrew Douglas Underwood (www.andrewdouglasunderwood.com). I want to plaster my walls with his work, it's really fabulous. |
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Q9 What's coming up in 2008? Any plans?
New designs! I'm also planning on expanding my product line to include some printed apparel and pillows, but that is more likely for 2009. Keep your eye out!
Q10 What do you see about Japan?
I'm really inspired by traditional Japanese art. It's absolutely beautiful. I can see the influence it has on my own work. The way I often use strong colors, and decisive lines with the combination of ornate patterns reminds me of the ancient paintings. I'm also very excited to be interviewed by Flashfilm, and have an introduction to a new hip young audience. I think the art and culture coming from Japan now is really edgy and exciting.
Q11 What is your favorite guilty meal? Any good restaurants?
Hmmmm... that's the hardest question you've asked so far! I love food, I'm a total foodie. But I think my greatest guilt is for sweets. They are just so tasty! |
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Susan Merrick graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 2004, with a B.F.A in Graphic Design. Before graduating, she remembers a conversation with a fellow design student and good friend where the name Backyard Design came to light. "It just seemed right. Outdoors, grass, sunshine... it was perfect." Backyard Design finally came to life in April 2007, after a long time of being a far off dream of "wouldn't it be fun to do that someday". With the encouragement and support of her boyfriend Bill, the dream became real. Not even 1 year old, Backyard Design has made a big splash, with products sold in a number of stores across the United States, and a handful of online retailers. Going into the next year of business, one can only expect more new and exciting work from Backyard Design.
Susan Merrick also works full time as a graphic designer in Troy, NY at a small, hip design firm, id29 (www.id29.com). |
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Q4 Is there a dream project that you'd like to do?
There's too many to count! I'd love to create a whole line of home products. From wallpaper to bedding and tableware. I love designing across platforms, so there's a complete collection in the end, rather then single pieces. There's such a feeling of accomplishment when all is said and done. I'd really like to do more packaging as well... in the beauty industry, that'd be fun.
Q5 Where do you go for inspiration?
Nature, historic patterns and wallpaper, Pantone swatch books, and my boyfriend, Bill Scoville. He is also a designer (www.scov.com). We have very different styles which is great, he sees things that I don't and approaches design from angles that I never would have done on my own. It's amazing to have someone like that, that truly understands you and your work, and to help each other nurture that talent. He's the best! |
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Q6 Tell us about a project that you are working on right now
I'm currently working on some new prints and tote bags for Backyard Design. I'll be introducing a new tote style this Spring, as well as a few other goodies...
Q7 Is there a dream collaborator you would like to work with?
My best friends. There are so many talented people in my life that I think we could really create something amazing together. |
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Q12 If you could rewrite your history a bit and take on a totally different career or lifestyle, what would it be and why?
Honestly I don't know. I really love what I do now. Maybe something in the culinary field. I love to be creative in the kitchen too! It's another form of art.
Q13 What is your aspiration?
To always love what I do, and to have fun doing it. |
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