As you know, we’re running a fun, Valentine’s Edition, Pinterest contest and we’ve asked designer, Chandra W of The Designski to be our guest judge. She was the very first person to introduce us to Pinterest and we’ve been hooked since. (Not sure yet whether to love her, or hate her for that 🙂 )
CLC sat down with this design power house to learn more about what keeps her going. Here’s our summary of Chandra along with a tidbit from our Q&A with her.
Chandra, who hails from Alexandria, VA by way of Marlborough, MA, is the uber-talented Graphic Designer & Small Business Owner behind Designski. She works with a wide range of clients, from the corporate sector to the nonprofit world to the excited brides, on a wide range of design needs. According to Chandra, “It is very rewarding to learn about the client, develop a strong visual foundation, and see them grow and succeed.”
She describes her style as creative prep. “I am very practical and tend to wear a lot of classics, but also like to add my own creative touch. I often do this through accessories – it’s an easy and fun way to add creative, personal elements. I especially love pieces with a story behind them…”
What’s your favorite part of the work that you put out?
CW: Getting to really know each client is a perk of my job. Not only do I get to be creative every single day, but I get to help people out – that feels great. This really comes together when developing branding for a start-up. It is very rewarding to learn about the client, develop a strong visual foundation, and see them grow and succeed.
How would you describe your personal style?
CW: I think of my style as creative prep. I am very practical and tend to wear a lot of classics, but also like to add my own creative touch. I often do this through accessories – it’s an easy and fun way to add creative, personal elements.
I especially love pieces with a story behind them — whether that’s wearing a silhouette Etsy necklace from my sister, my great grandmother’s vintage sapphire ring, or a handmade piece like a Cayetano Legacy necklace. There is something special about all those pieces and it makes me proud to wear them.
Pieces that are versatile and can quickly be dressed up or down really work for me. For example, simply switching out necklaces or going from flats to heels to have a more refined look. The Anna necklace is one of my new favorite pieces. I can wear it with a thick cable knit sweater for a day look or a simple black dress for a wedding or party.
What attracted you to Pinterest?
CW: Pinterest saved my desktop. As a designer I am always looking for inspiration, and every new project requires research and observation. I previously kept inspiration folders, just like the different Pinterest boards, on my desktop for all my different projects and interests. Now, it’s incredibly easy to catalog and reference these images. Looking at an entire board, I can quickly see the connections and patterns among the pins. I’ve started testing it out with a few wedding clients and it’s been an effective way to collaborate and clearly establish their look.
What I also really like, as an observer, is that Pinterest is a great platform for small businesses. You’ll see a piece of art, accessory, or a design that isn’t on every single blog — seeing that repined again and again is inspiring to me. I love seeing and sharing beautiful, funny, meaningful, and interesting things.
I knew there was no turning back when instead of “Google-ing” something I started searching Pinterest.
Check out some of Chandra’s work, and get to a know even more about her, here: http://thedesignski.com
