Recently I had the opportunity to exchange a few e-mails with mrshubby – a fabulous Etsy designer. She let me ask her a few questions about her work, she designed a lovely new blog header for me (which I’m currently working into a new design – it should be up very soon!) AND she has graciously offered to give away one of her custom designs to a reader of The Barefoot Bride.

Giveaway info is at the bottom of the post. But don’t forget to read the interview!

Could you tell us a little about yourself? I am a twenty-something that loves to design and create. After planning my own wedding in 2008, I learned that many brides (like myself) want the beauty and personalization of an upscale wedding, but want to be thrifty too! I designed my own monogram and invitations, and wanted to help other brides do just the same.

What first got you interested in graphic design? I have always loved art. When I was 6, I begged Santa Claus for an easel! As I got older, I learned that I love to write too . . . so in college I majored in Journalism. Part of the curriculum was learned how to design magazine and newspaper layouts, and I absolutely fell in love with graphic design. I continued in the courses, and design at any opportunity I get.

Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught? Both! There are always new techniques to learn, so I try to stay up on new ideas. And with every new font or color scheme trend, I learn new ways to incorporate creative ideas.

Have you created any monograms or other designs that have become your favorites? Every time I design something that I really love, I think to myself, “This will be the best design in my portfolio!” And then, a new project comes along and I surprise myself! Right now though, I love my current lines . . . the scripty fonts and warm fall colors are so vibrant.

What inspires you in your work? Each season I like to look at color trends, and think about the things those colors bring to my mind . . . food, nature, places, or anything that I think of. From there, I find a gorgeous font or create my own lettering to complement the color palette. Some days the designs just flow, and others I need to take a moment to let the inspiration hit.

What do you like to do with your time when you’re not designing? Aside from designing, I have a full time job in public relations. And aside from both of those, I spend time with my husband and puppy, Kona!

Do you have any advice for someone else interested in starting an Etsy shop? Go for it! Etsy is a creative and supportive community, and if you have a talent or craft that you want to share with the world, it’s a great place to do it!

THE GIVEAWAY

Mrshubby has generously offered to design a custom monogram for one reader of The Barefoot Bride. This would be a beautiful design element for an invitation suite, or you could use it to make a custom sticker or stamp.

To enter, please visit mrshubby’s Etsy shop and leave a comment here letting us know what your favorite design is.

Extra entry opportunities:

One extra entry) Leave a comment on another post at The Barefoot Bride. Link to it in a comment here.

One extra entry) Follow me on Twitter for an additional entry. Make you sure leave a separate comment telling me you’re following.

One extra entry) Heart mrshubby on Etsy. Don’t forget to leave a comment here!

Two extra entries) Mention The Barefoot Bride on your blog. It can be about this contest or a different post, or about the blog in general. Leave two separate comments letting me know you posted (one for each entry), and please make sure to include the link to your blog!

Two extra entries) Blog about mrshubby. Make sure you leave two comments here with links to your blog.

Also, you can enter EVERY DAY by Tweeting about the giveaway. Each day you Tweet about the contest, make sure you come back here and post a comment letting me know you Tweeted.

The giveaway will end on September 25, 2009 and one winner will be selected via a random number generator.