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Photo du Jour 500
We've been a big fan of Willo O'Brien's design work for several years now. She's got the chops to hang with the code geeks, but she's also a hell of an illustrator, drawing funny animals like bass playin' polar bears, ice skating bunnies...and you should see what she can do with a pumpkin. We usually run into her at shows, but when we heard she was branching out and had launched her own line of clothing, jewelry, and other things, we thought we'd find out more.
1) Most of your work since we've known you has been Web and Graphic Design for corporations and small businesses, so what prompted the move over to the apparel, jewelry, etc? What's your balance between the two, and how are you managing it?
My design work stems from being an artist at heart. And, actually, I've been fortunate in these last five years out on my own to not only have corporate web and graphic design clients, but to also maintain a fairly consistent clientele for my custom illustration work, too. Which, I have to admit, is where my real passion lies. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to have my illustrations on products of all kinds, so launching the WilloToons shop has been really exciting for me. Plus, so much of the design work I do is online in the virtual world, and I really found myself longing to design something tangible that I could hand to someone and they can wear or give it to a friend.
More of Willo's design thoughts, plus The Official Willo Rock Recommendations after the jump!
I have created many websites and brochures that celebrate a company or an organization, and now with WilloToons I am able to offer products/gifts that celebrate the individuals that wear them (i.e. geekyfantastic and cat power)!
As far as balancing the two, I have to say it's proving to be a bit challenging all on my own. But in a good way. Like I said, my finally doing this - launching this line & developing an online store, etc - is like a long time dream come true. So, as much as I am spread thin, I'm on fire about everything that's happening. I try to maintain a social life, but it's definitely been affected a bit more lately considering I'm essentially running two companies. I feel fortunate to have my corporate clients, and pretty much always have a constant stream of projects coming my way that keep me very busy. But ideally I'll eventually be able to transition over to designing & managing WilloToons 100% of the time.
2) Lately you've been a part of a few local indie shopping events... which of your designs are people responding to the most? Do you find your baby stuff is a big seller right now? Do you have any new designs or lines in the works? When the heck do you sleep?
Yes, the events I have been a part of so far have been so fun! It's incredible to hear people's reactions, questions and feedback in person. Especially because I think online it's hard for people to get a sense for how intricate and unique the embroidery is. So for that reason, my Splash! Mommy & Baby combo is a huge hit. I also always hear a great reaction from the Octohug, nerdling, rocksquirrel & eat. sleep. rock. repeat. designs. I just had to reorder a few of those, actually. Definitely my biggest sellers so far!
I think there is some sort of baby boom going on right now. I mean, seriously, it seems like almost everyone I know is having babies! The whole reason I even did a baby line is because my illustration style just lends itself so well to that genre, but I truly adore the miracle of pregnancy. So, as much as I'm not sure I'll have one of my own, being a part of giving gifts to preggie Mommas and cutie little babies is really lovely.
As for new designs in the works, I'm always designing new jewelry. Which is a part of this that sort of came as a surprise to me, but the more I do it, the more into it I am! It's really meditative for me. As for apparel, I'll probably continue the Mommy/Daddy/Baby combo gift ideas & make a few funny tees specifically for preggie mommas. I plan to do more illustrated & embroidered products soon, too. Doing the events really confirmed that for me, people love the illustrated items! As for a new line, I want to extend my custom wall illustration business into paint safe vinyl stickers for nurseries and playrooms.
It's true that with my two very busy businesses, my social life and trying to fit in bootcamp, acupuncture and down time that it leaves very little time for sleep. I wish I didn't have to sleep, I might actually be able to create all this within a reasonable amount of time! I so want to go big, do this full-time & have a huge team of people helping me. I have to remind myself to be patient and let it grow naturally.
3) Just because we feel like driving you nuts, we'll steal this one from the SFist long-form interview - what's your favorite band to come out of the Bay Area? And, to break it down a bit more, what was the best show you saw this year, your two or three favorite records you've come across this year, and what you're most looking forward to seeing in the next couple of months?
There's so many amazing local bands that it pains me to not list about 10, but I would say hands down that one of my favorite local bands is HIJK. I've probably seen them over 50 times and every single time they have me totally engaged, dancing and singing along to every song. They're awesome. Best show of this year? I'd have to say it was Tilly & the Wall @ SXSW in Austin. But close local runner-ups would be seeing The Blow at GAMH or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at the Fillmore. Favorite albums this year: the ones that have gotten the most play are The Wombats, The Boggs & Coconut Records. Next up? Tonight I'm seeing Hot Hot Heat, who I have loved since 2003, and over the next couple weeks I'm looking forward to seeing M.I.A. (who blew me away first at Coachella 2005) & Stars. Guess this whole running two businesses really doesn't slow down my show going! :)
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Inspiring piece, Dan. Our kids have lacked good role models named Willo ever since they cancelled Buffy.