I have been steeped in art since I was a tiny human.
I would do anything I could that involved the use of my hands to make art. "Making" is something innate for me. This love for art eventually led me to attend Cal Poly, where I earned my BFA in Graphic Design. Along the way, I tagged on a minor to give myself a deeper understanding of print applications. I couldn't just let my work stay digital— I had to understand where it would end up. What can I say? I'm a touchy-feely kinda person.
While in college, I got the rare opportunity to study abroad on a ship. There's nothing like learning out on the open ocean, traversing the South Pacific. I got to experience a new part of the world and made many friends along the way. This experience helped me broaden my outlook on life, which continually helps me think outside the box with design. Plus, I have a memory bank of art and design worldwide to help me draw inspiration.
One summer break, I asked for a job at a print shop in Berkeley, where they specialized in handmade letterpress wedding invitation suites. I learned how to run the letterpress and soak in the process from client meetings, proofing, printing, assembly, and even my job to ship the orders out. It was a dream come true as I am constantly yearning to use my hands and inject the analog into the digital world we live in. This experience helped me learn a high-level printing process, which I carry over to Tickyboom.
My next step after graduation was to work for a non-profit ministry here in the Bay Area. I designed shirts, flyers, and any collateral to further their brand and communications. It was super fun, and I had more freedom to manage my projects and creative output, which was very life giving. I also functioned in a leadership capacity outside of design, which made it such an incredible experience.
Tim and I started Tickyboom after we did a bunch of our friends' wedding invitations. It was enjoyable as I got to flex my hands-on print and paper skills and make some fantastic wedding invitation suites. Running Tickyboom has been a fun and challenging adventure.
I am always trying new projects that involve me using my hands. I play with clay, sculpt, paper, watercolor, and build with wood. And there's nothing quite like a pandemic to make me learn how to sew a quilt for my son. I love learning new techniques and skills online and hope never to stop learning new art forms.
