Today we travel to the heart of the US, Ohio. On the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, an amazing creative market and that is known for being a cross section of the USA with a very diverse group of residents. Ohio has a number of sports teams, but right around the corner from Alison is the home of the Cleveland Browns, the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, one of the best amusement parks in the world (Cedar Point) and a huge support for the arts. Euclid Avenue runs right through the heart of Northern Ohio and at one time was the riches street in the USA. Times may have changed this area, but its spunk, creativity and belief in its heritage is stronger than ever. This exciting region is the home of our next spotlight artist, Alison Osborn, a designer for the Canvas Corp Brands Design Team, aka the “Creative Crew!” Its in this area that Alison creates her beautiful masterpieces. To learn more about the history of Northeast Ohio visit Neo Is Great or Wikipedia!
As part of our spotlight series we have asked each crew member to share a little bit about themselves. Questions that spotlight their creative talents and where the get inspired by. Our crew is spread out across the globe. They provide us and our artistic community with so much creativity on a daily basis. We are excited to bring to life their journey while we share ours….So lets get started and introduce you to Alison…
Describe your design style….I like to create designs that enhance holiday and special occasion celebrations. I start with an idea and decide how to interpret it. I like to work in fabrics, papers and novel objects. My color palette is often determined by the holiday and I tend toward softer, pretty hues. Hand lettering is another way I like to express what I’m feeling.
Every CCB Crew Member was asked to create a 4 by 4 canvas that represents who they are, their style and flare. Here is Alison’s beautiful CCB Canvas. the colors, layering and style is perfect!
Who or what do you give credit to for inspiring your creativity? Ever since I was young girl I recall having a love for creating art and drawing everything I saw. I was fortunate that my parents believed in me throughout my childhood and encouraged me to get my degree in Graphic Design/ Illustration. In college I developed a love for children’s books. I discovered some of the best examples of imagination and illustrations are found in children’s books. Nancy Tillman, Chris Van Allsburg and Maggie Taylor are some of my favorites.
What inspires you most today? Wow, that’s a number of things. I’m surrounded by amazing artists, writers and musicians where I work, who motivate me everyday. I’m very inspired by the holidays and changing seasons.
What is your favorite Canvas Corp Brand Product? and why? (We asked them to pick just one, which has proven to be difficult for some and easy for others.) I love Canvas Corp burlaps and fabrics–such beautiful colors and textures.
What is your favorite project you have created using CCB Products?The Easter Egg Cartons. I loved working with Canvas Corp’s Spring Shower Collection, it’s absolutely beautiful!
Do you teach and if so tell us a bit about what you teach, where you go and some of your favorite places? As an art director, part of my job is to guide other artists and bring out the best in them. I have also been asked this fall to teach at a local art community center, I’m very excited!
I am the happiest doing…I’m happiest creating work that surprises and delights the viewers and makes them feel part of the celebration!!!
My favorite place to be creative…I guess wherever my family is. At the moment my craft room has been used more like a craft storage room and I create at my kitchen table to be close to my family. Slowly but surely, I’m getting it organized, though there’s no guarantee I’ll actually create in it once done.
Tell us one thing fun about you we might not know…I’ve been told many times that I have an old soul. I guess they’re right. I love black and white films, jazz, The Beatles, family traditions and small towns.
Share with us anything about your creative life that you feel would inspire others….Never give up! Wasn’t it Albert Einstein that said, “Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work”? Surround yourself with talented people, find out what inspires you, and do what you love. You’ll find your path and do just fine. I’ve always told my boys to do something they love, even if no one thinks you can do it. There’s a reason for your passions and a purpose, don’t miss out on it.
Alison makes an incredible part of our team sharing a wide variety of DIY and paper projects that make us swoon. She is always coming up with great ideas and helps us explore our products in new ways.
Join us for more work by the Crew and Canvas Corp Brands on our new Facebook Group – just ask to join and we will welcome you in –
Canvas Corp Brands Collective Facebook Group – share your work, see the work of the crew, ask questions, comment and be a part of a terrific group of creatives.
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'FEATURED CREW MEMBER: ALISON OSBORN' has 1 comment
May 11, 2016 @ 10:34 am Netra
Wow! You are a super talent! So nice to read about what inspires you!