This morning we had the pleasure of interviewing Alison Osborn, a graphic designer and illustration artist here at Bluemountain.com.
Blue Mountain: When did you first realize you are an artist, Alison?
Alison: Well I’m not sure about artist but I would say as a child I loved to draw. With being shy as a kid, it was the one way I could express myself.
Blue Mountain: What is your position at Bluemountain.com and what is your background as an artist?
Alison: I’m an Assistant Art Director. Bluemountain.com creates new cards every month and I balance my time between art direction and designing and animating.
Blue Mountain: Could you tell us some more about your work?
Alison: I have a background in graphic design/ illustration. What I have really been enjoying the past few years is photo manipulation. It’s editing multiple photos to make them look like a single illustration and I love working in Photoshop.
Blue Mountain: What is it that inspires you when creating a particular design or graphic piece?
Alison: My inspiration for images and concepts comes from many sources–the card copy, design and animation sites and the other artists at BlueMountain.com.
Blue Mountain: What’s your favorite piece/ecard ever created and why?
Wow, well I’ve been here for over 12 years. I would have to say any ecard where I’ve collaborated with another artist. We get some of our best work that way.
Blue Mountain: What famous artists or graphic designers have influenced you?
Alison: I think some of the best imagination and illustrations are in children’s books. Nancy Tillman and David Wiesner are some of my favorites.
Blue Mountain: What inspires you to create your designs and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?
Alison: I would have to say my colleagues get me through tough times. We have an amazing group of writers, artists and musicians.
Blue Mountain: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Alison: Hopefully here, but if not, I can definitely see myself teaching. I took a refresher college course a few years back and when the teacher learned of my degree she asked me to help teach with her. That semester she had a full class. I really enjoyed it and realized I was good at it too.
Blue Mountain: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Alison: Don’t give up. The art industry can be difficult to get into. But if you’re doing something you’re passionate about and have talent, you’ll do fine. Also, surround yourself with talented people. I have learned more from my colleagues than I ever did in school.
Blue Mountain: What do you do for fun?
Alison: I spend time with my boys. We go on walks, play in park, and have movie nights. It’s great to come through the door after a long day and hear their voices. A “Yeah! Mom’s home” makes my day.
After we wrapped up the last of the interview questions Alison walked us through some of her recent and most popular Halloween greeting card creations. For the ‘Halloween Enchantment’ eCard Alison collaborated with artist David Sommers. She created the background illustrations while Dave worked on the animation of the doll featured in this card. Alison also worked in tandem with artist Pam Trautman on the ‘Moonlight and Magic’ Halloween ecard piece and designed and illustrated ‘Magical Card Game.’ Nice work Alison!
Thanks for a great interview.
