Ashley A. Dailey is the lead designer behind Pop + Shorty (so named after her grandparents - Pop and Shorty were their nicknames). They create a wonderful range of fun cards, prints, and poster all with a wonderful quirky edge. Visit their shop here, and don't forget to check out their blog for new work and upcoming events. Commissioned work is available on the their site.
what three to five words would you use to describe your work?
Pop + Shorty creates bold, witty, and unexpected design. In other words, design that pops!
what inspires you?
I try to immerse myself in design by visiting art galleries, reading books, blogs. and magazines, and teaching myself new techniques. My husband, Matthew, is also a huge inspiration for me. He pushed me to start Pop + Shorty from the very beginning and is one of the most creative and clever people I know.
what was your first job? when/how did you know you wanted a career in art?
My first job out of college was at an advertising agency in Indianapolis. I started in Account Management, then worked my way over to copy writing. I would watch the graphic designer place my text into a project, I would dream about what typeface, what color, and what placement I would use instead. I knew then I needed to try my hand in graphic design, so I went back to school to study advertising design.
your work is so fun and unexpected - describe your design process?
My ideas usually come at the most unexpected times, so I always carry a small sketchbook to scribble down my ideas and thoughts. Sometimes I will flip through old sketchbooks and find an idea that had some potential and work from there. I have family and friends all over the country, so I fly quite frequently. Being 30,000 feet in air is my favorite time to sketch because I can't get distracted!
design books/blogs you can't live without
This answer could easily be ten paragraphs! I love the blog Grain Edit. I drool every time I receive an email with a new blog post. I am a huge fan of Communication Arts, HOW magazine, and Computer Arts in the UK. As for books, I think anyone wanting to dive into the crafting world should read the book Craft Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco. It is not a design book; however, my favorite book of all time is called the Darkside Zodiac by Stella Hyde. It flips astrology on its head by telling you the darkside of your horoscope (and it is scarily accurate). I sometimes call my sassier cards the "Darkside" of Pop + Shorty!
what do you do when you are not doing art?
Ha ha, when I asked my husband "What do I do when I am not working on Pop + Shorty?" he said, "Work on Pop + Shorty more?" He is about right! I also love listening to music and going to shows, hosting parties for friends, and dreaming about adopting a dog. I am hoping this Christmas my husband and I can add a new addition to the family.
name one thing about you that would shock the outside world.
I collect chopsticks. I have over 150 pairs, yet I never use them because I am not a very skilled chopstick user! I also still sleep with a teddy bear that I've had since I was one year old. Her name is Tedra, and she wears a small little jacket my great-grandmother, Shorty, sewed. Yes, the same Shorty from Pop + Shorty!
what city in the world best describes you?
Seville, Spain. I lived there for six months and felt right at home. During the day, the city is so calm. Then at night, the entire city just lights up and goes wild! If you get to know the city well enough, you'll find hidden flamenco bars in the streets that showcase the real Seville.
what's next?
Pop + Shorty just had its six-month anniversary, so we are still newbies. Our next step to to spread our cards and products around the country by selling in retail shops. Also, I am teaching myself how to gocco print, so I would love to incorporate more hand-pressed gocco designs into the mix. Lastly, we are hoping to launch some new geeky tee shirts since our CSS to HTML tee has been a huge success.
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