Interview with Diane Dempsey

What's one tool that you couldn't live without and why?

For my work on my vintage style designs I always start with research. I have an extensive collection of ephemera that helps me go to that place in history where I want to begin my next design. I have added to this collection by haunting local antiques stores and just by having many things that belonged to my Mother. Relics from the actual mid-century (like my childhood). It helps that I live it too. We live a vintage life style.

You mentioned that your favorite piece of software to work in is Illustrator. What makes this your favorite piece of software?

The thing that I like best about Illustrator is the fact that all my work is vector based. Since I create for products I want the freedom to create a Retro Christmas Card that I can after finalizing the illustrations, then pick up the elements and create matching gift wrap, hang tags, tree skirts, even wall art.

By working in layers I can organize the elements and making new products from one of my completed Retro Christmas Cards becomes easy for me. I also control my palette so that my colors remain very consistent, which I feel is important to my brand.

You mentioned your favorite RetroSupply product(s) is Organic Line work Brush, Organic Scatter. Can you share what you like most about it? How do you prefer to use it? Please be specific.

Retro Supply vector brushes helped me add texture, interest and even patina to my designs. More so than I ever had been able to achieve on my own.

I was spending lots of time scanning textures before I became a Retro Supply devotee. The shader and scatter brushes help me work in vector software but create an illustration with a much more tactile result.

I use them under my drawings as a base texture and to add dimension in shading too. Sometimes I just add a subtle splatter to make the artwork look like it has had a previous life in the attic. Oh, and I have found many of Retro Supply brushes that make great snow!

Our readers love to hear about specific techniques that great illustrators and designers use. Can you share one of your favorite techniques?

I guess the most important technique I can share is ... When you think you are done, walk away.

Print out the design, stick it up where you can see it for a few days. Then you will begin to see things you didn't see before or opportunities to make the artwork stronger.

Resist the temptation to over work it, maybe even simplify it. Like I was always told in fashion, when you think your outfit is perfect, just before you walk out the door - take one thing off. Less can be more. Or maybe not. Sometimes you need a hat.

What advice would you give to other designers and illustrators to help them stand out in such a crowded field?

As I said, be more than enthusiastic the style you are developing. Maintain a scrappy attitude to put in the hours and hours to get it right.

I know it can be especially tough out there freelancing with the rent due. But even if you must waiver your style in the 9-5 grind, be true to yourself in your personal work. One day you will have the opportunity to take that personal work and build something all your very own.

What advice would you give to other designers and illustrators to get more work?

Things change constantly in this field. I would have to say to stay true to your style and stay connected to the people that will appreciate what you are doing.

Show your stuff to the right folks that have a need for what you are good at. Find a niche that has a need. If you can share that niche and build your own work around it, you may be able to create a future for yourself.

Thanks, Diane, for taking the time to share a little bit about your story and work. Anything else you'd like to share with us?

When I started The Retro Christmas Card Company, I was mainly focused on my boutique ad agency Diane Dempsey Design Studio.

The whole Retro Christmas Card thing was a fun hobby that my husband and I did for a lark. That was 13 years ago. Now The Retro Christmas Card Company is how I make my living. People said, "..it's just Christmas, it's seasonal at best..." and "...You cannot just do vintage style artwork, you won't be able to make a living".

Come to find out, people love Christmas year 'round, and yes "Virginia", you can make a living at focusing on what you happen to do best.

I invite you to stop over and visit us at The Retro Christmas Card Company. Keep the Christmas card sending tradition alive and not let it fall into history. Come by to see my work and catch the Christmas spirit. Cheers!