Designer Insight

April 29, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (1)

My optimism grows each day as I discover new opportunities, and I'm actually doing more presentations compared to last year at this time. I attribute it to the extra work I was able to produce when things slowed down for me. I've also taken this opportunity to contact potential new clients and have picked up a few. Doing community volunteer work has kept my name out there and given me a platform from which to network.  I welcomed the slowdown as a chance to focus on new designs and be more creative with all areas of my business; remaining optimistic can be one of the most positive steps one can take given the current climate. --Bense Garza

February 16, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Consider bartering if you're working with a small budget. Places like craigslist.org have a barter section under the For Sale category. This is a great way to cover several product categories as well as services. Paint some trim or a wall to create a new feel for a room or two. Some paint stores mix wrong colors and offer this paint at a huge discount. Consider painting knobs on drawers or replacing the existing ones for  that different look. --Bense Garza

December 11, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Put on a fundraiser for one of your favorite non-profit organizations and invite local artists and vendors to donate items for a silent auction. Consider a pets theme with proceeds going to an animal shelter. Incorporate pet photos into your retail displays, with some of the photos featuring animals that are up for adoption. Charge a few bucks and serve cocktails and appetizers. Local businesses supplying the food and drinks get to promote their products and services as well. This is a win-win situation for everyone, it’s a way to reach buyers during this slow period, and animal shelters and rescue groups can certainly use the help. --Bense Garza

October 19, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

I'm so glad I took the time to watch the Olympics. I was inspired to create a new design collection using the ginkgo leaf and recently licensed some of these images to be used on area rugs. I'm also in the process of using ginkgo leaves in my fine art pieces. The Bird's Nest stadium reminded me of a textured pattern. I’m currently creating abstract graphics incorporating similar patterns. I definitely received a new sense of direction I hadn't planned on using in my work. --Bense Garza

 

July 14, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Describe your idea or memory of the perfect summer place. Has anything about that special place in time provided inspiration for your work?

My favorite summer getaway for leaving everyday cares behind is vacationing in Goliad, one of the three oldest cities in Texas. It’s abundant with historic sites, outdoor recreation and nature tourism. Remarkably restored buildings surround the 1894 Courthouse Square and are filled with quaint shops and restaurants. Located just off the Square is the Market House Museum, overflowing with historical area facts on Goliad and its colorful history. It is this museum where I took my very first art lessons at the age of 12. Visiting here brings back wonderful memories. Located just minutes from downtown is Presidio La Bahia. This fort exists today as the only fully restored Spanish Presidio in the Western Hemisphere. Vacatio...Read More