Spaces // Jessica Comingore

Take a look into the workspace of graphic designer + photographer, Jessica Comingore in today's Spaces feature. Her gorgeous light filled room is sure to inspire! 

Tell us about yourself as a creative.

Hi all! I'm Jessica Comingore and I'm a Los Angeles based designer. I spend my days running a creative studio I founded in 2011, working on projects ranging from graphic design and branding to interior photography and art direction. The variety certainly keeps things interesting, and I can safely say that I love (just about) every minute of it.

Describe your creative journey.

I graduated from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising with a degree in Interior Design and Decorative Arts and spent a few years working for design firms as a project manager post-college. While there, I discovered my love for photography and began shooting a few interiors for my then-boss which kind of opened the door for me to get my feet wet with photography and eventually lead to shooting for other designers around town, and now, a few publications. Similar to my round-about approach to photography, I fed my passion for graphic design through authoring a blog I started while I was in school, and designing the marketing collateral for the last firm I worked at. One job lead to another and a little over a year ago I took the leap to full time freelancing. I feel pretty lucky to be able to run a business where I can have my hands in so many pots and continue to learn and grow with each project.

Share a little bit about your space.

I moved into this guest house about four months ago from a studio not too far away when things started to get a bit claustrophobic working from home. I've got a bit more room to groove here, so it's been a very pleasant transition. I use the dining room as an office and despite having a dining table set up, it's typically filled with stacks of magazines and paperwork. But sometimes I'll carve out a clear spot to enjoy breakfast.

What's your favorite thing about your space?

Most definitely the light. There are windows on every wall, and the light that comes bouncing through them every afternoon is so pretty. There are these big avocado and lemon trees outside that cast the most beautiful shadows on the walls. Sometimes I'll stop everything I'm doing and just watch the patterns they make.

What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?

Windows! I feel having the world to peer out at (especially for those working at the computer all day) makes a world of difference. I didn't have many windows at my last place, and it could be in my head, but I feel more inspired here being able to look out at the trees and admire nature, even if I'm stuck inside.

Thanks Jessica!

Find Her:

+ Website

+ Blog

+ Twitter

+ Instagram

Spaces // Jen Serafini

Happy Monday everyone. We're kicking off the week with a peak into Graphic Designer, Jen Serafini's workspace. It's so cool to see Jen's workspace because she was recently inspired by one of the past Spaces features, and made a new desk! It looks awesome!

I'm also starting to see how differently everyone uses their drawing tablets! You'll see here, Jen uses hers directly in front of her keyboard. Mine stays put on the right side. How do you use yours? Left / Middle / Right? 

Check it out!

Tell us about yourself as a creative.

Hi! My name is Jen Serafini and I'm a communications designer and art director living in the Windy City. For me, designing is more than just making things look pretty, but telling a story through every brand and business I work with.

Describe your creative journey.

My creative journey started at a very young age. I consider design my first true love - besides Bruce Springsteen, of course! (I'm  a NJ girl if you couldn’t tell ) I was always intrigued by images and typography and how they worked together to tell beautiful stories. I worked up a pretty sweet collection of clothing labels, product packaging and magazine cut outs and displayed them all over my room. At the time I didn't really know what all of that was, but I really enjoyed looking at it.

I took a lot of art classes growing up, and then in high school we had a class called graphic design - from then on it all made sense and I knew that was for me! It's funny to think back on what I thought design was and what I know it to be now - at the time it was a lot of calligraphy, pen & ink drawing and the occasional Photoshop project. College really opened my eyes to all of the possibilities when pursuing design.

I spent four years at Syracuse University where I earned my BFA in communications design. It really taught me to look at design as a holistic and strategic process that goes beyond just a pretty picture. When everything comes together and tells a cohesive story - that’s the good stuff :)

Right now I work from home as a senior art director. I also love working on freelance projects and of course blog every chance I get.

Share a little bit about your space.

Because I work from home, I really wanted a space that was functional and inspiring. I used to have a small desk facing the wall, but it was so boring that I ended up working from the couch most days! Since my husband also does a lot of work at the computer, we decided to build a desk big enough for both of us to to work side by side and also face outward toward the rest of our apartment. We used our existing Ikea book shelf legs and built an 8 foot long desk to sit on top of them. It was such a fun project for both of us, props to my husband for figuring out how to put the whole thing together! I was more of the motivating support :) Now, I absolutely LOVE my work area, it's so functional and large enough that I don't feel cramped for space. Since we rent, I didn't want to put too many holes in the wall, so I made a string line to be able to hang changing inspiration. We just got that black and white print for the back wall from Pennyweight Goods which I think adds the perfect touch.

What's your favorite thing about your space?

I have to say my favorite thing is definitely the desk. When you go through the trouble of building something, you feel that much more motivated to work at it. That desk was built with a lot of love and hard work, and that makes it a really special piece for both of us.

What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?

Okay I have two things. First is a Wacom tablet!! This has changed my life. I started using it  a few years ago and  I can't imagine going back to a regular mouse. It makes designing much more natural, not to mention way easier on your wrists. Second is an area to display inspiration. Whether you have a permanent framed wall or a board where you can tack things up, it's always nice to have things to look at. It doesn't even have to be design pieces; a picture or a note can really make the difference when you're feeling uninspired.

Thanks Jen!

Check her out:

+ Portfolio

+ Blog

+ Twitter

Spaces // Meg Lewis

This week's Spaces feature comes to us from Web + UI Designer, Meg Lewis of Ghostly Ferns. Meg and the rest of her team at Ghostly Ferns put out some really, really beautiful work. Meg works in a shared studio space (which sounds amazing and has a KILLER view!), take a look!

Tell us about yourself as a creative.

I am a web & UI designer that finds myself doing some branding work as well. I am the owner of Ghostly Ferns, a small design studio based in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. I am perpetually happy and always an optimist. Somehow, those are my best and worst qualities at the same time. I think my personality really shows itself in my work. I only accept clients that are excited and passionate about their products! Exactly why I coined Ghostly Ferns as A web design, branding and illustration studio for happy people.

Describe your creative journey.

While I was in college for design, I knew that I never wanted to work for a company. I always had a dream of designing for clients I chose, setting my own hours and having the freedom to get out and see a movie on a Wednesday afternoon. I knew straight out of school that I was going to start my own design studio. With no experience and a heck of a lot of ambition, I was able to start Ghostly Ferns immediately. It was the kindness and support of the design community that really helped my business off to a running start. Over time I began working with early-stage startups and small businesses alike. Today, after 4 years, about 50% of my work comes from these startups and the other half remains with little online shops and blogs!

Share a little bit about your space.

I work out of a shared studio space called Studiomates. Most of the photos seen are from around the Studiomates office. Working out of a collaborative workspace of designers, illustrators, bloggers, writers and developers is truly the American dream. My individual desk is a little oasis that keeps me inspired. Coming to work everyday is so exciting! Sometimes I have to take a deep breath and remember that I actually have a job. Usually it feels like I'm playing all day. Beer in the fridge, amazing food around the corner, a work-in bartender and barista.

What's your favorite thing about your space?

The view! Nothing beats the insane Manhattan Bridge view of our waterfront property. Nothing is more inspiring than the Manhattan skyline. Nothing!

What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?

Whatever makes you happy. You should want to go to work and want to start your day. Fill your space with whatever you can to keep you motivated and excited about work. Maybe that's a bunch of Confetti System ornaments like me. Maybe it's some insane taxidermy. Maybe it's just photos of your family. It also doesn't hurt to also fill your space with other people that are insanely talented. I can't recommend a shared workspace enough!

Thanks Meg!

Check her out:

+ Website

+ Blog

+ Dribbble

+ Twitter

Spaces // Chelsea Fullerton

I'm excited to introduce Chelsea Fullerton, graphic designer & photographer behind Go Forth Creative. I met Chelsea this past fall at Design Life and we quickly bonded over our love for Madewell. We're both a bit obsessed. Chelsea has a beautiful eye for both design and photography. Check her out!

Tell us about yourself as a creative.

My two main focuses are graphic design and photography, but like most creatives, I like to dabble. I'm always up for a class or workshop, using a new medium, like video or landscaping. 

Describe your creative journey.

Going into college, I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, but applied for the design program (at UT Austin) with the hopes of liking something in that field. Thankfully, I did! After graduating, I began working for a graphic design firm part-time. For the past five years, I've continued working for Viewers Like You, started my own small business called Go Forth Creative, and picked up some photography skills along the way. I'm happy with the pace at which I've moved post-graduation. I would recommend to anyone starting out to work for another more seasoned creator, before embarking out on your own.

Share a little bit about your space.

My studio is in an art gallery called Flatbed on the eastside of Austin. This gallery is also home to a handful of studio spaces for artists and other creative folks. The building is a converted warehouse so unfortunately, there aren't any windows. Luckily, though, there are very high ceilings, which offsets the lack of natural light.

What's your favorite thing about your space?

My favorite thing in the room is the pegboard wall I made when I moved in. Whenever papers and coffee cups start stacking up on my desk, it makes me feel better to look over at the well-organized wall.

What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?

For graphic designers, I like to recommend a big computer screen. I work on a 27" iMac and it's great to have multiple windows and programs in sight at once.

Also, I couldn't live without my headphones. Unless you work at home, you've gotta have the option to blast your music when you need to zone out and finish a project.

Thanks Chelsea!

Find her: Website | Twitter

Spaces // Ann-Marie Morris

Happy Monday! Here again, I'd like to introduce the workspace of the very creative, Ann-Marie Morris. I came across Ann-Marie's work on none other than instagram! She is always posting perfect images that are filled with design and scrapbooking, all styled beautifully. So it's no surprise that her workspace is equally beautiful! One thing I've picked up on recently (like Ann-Marie's), from sharing these with you, are how everyone's workspaces even have their own color palates! Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself as a creative.

My name is Ann-Marie Morris and I am a 26 year old designer living in Southern California. At any given time, I have my hand in a number of creative endeavors, including freelance graphic design projects, photography, scrapbooking at events on behalf of Amy Tangerine, and running a rubber stamp shop called Ann-Marie Loves Paper. My formal training is in graphic design, but I am also a crafting fiend with a penchant for paper crafts, knitting, and interior design. I recently got engaged and am having a blast dreaming up all the DIY details I want to include at my wedding! 

Describe your creative journey.

As far back as I can remember, I've always been a major crafter. Whether it was making friendship bracelets at Girl Scout camp, drawing and illustrating little stories that I made up, or taking photos of anything and everything, I've always had an insatiable appetite for creating. 

In 2009, I graduated from San Diego State University with a BFA in Multimedia Design. At the time, the economy had just tanked and I struggled to find work in ANY field, let alone something applicable to my degree. I ended up taking on random jobs that taught me so much about myself and what I did not want to do with my life - ha!  In May 2010, I applied for an In-House Product Designer / Scrapbooker position at American Crafts on a whim (not expecting anything to come of it), and within a month, I was living in Orem, Utah. Working at American Crafts was a dream job. I spent my days collaborating with a supremely talented team, designing scrapbooking products and creating projects for print and trade shows. However, in 2012, my department was cut and I was out of a job. As devastating as it was in that moment, it allowed me to move back to California and try my hand at working for myself (something I had been considering for quite some time). Being my own boss has been a crazy adventure: it's equal parts thrilling + terrifying, but I can't imagine life any other way! 

There are still so many other creative avenues I would love to explore in the near future including visual merchandising, prop styling, and designing a line of office supplies, just to name a few. My ultimate life goal is to keep learning + evolving as a designer as long as I possibly can! 

Share a little bit about your space.

My desk plays so many roles depending upon the projects I'm working on at the time. I always have basic, often-used supplies (pens, scissors, adhesive, stamp pads) out in the open for easy access and the less commonly-used products are either kept in cigar boxes (labeled with washi tape) or in drawers under my desk. The shelves above my workspace allow me to rotate art and photos, just to keep things visually interesting. I'm a big fan of color, so I'm always on the lookout for fun palettes and patterns to decorate my space with. When I'm working, you can guarantee that I'm listening to a podcast (Joy the Baker, After the Jump, Radiolab and Here's the Thing are my faves) and drinking coffee out of a favorite mug. I try to keep my workspace as inspiring as possible so I'm more likely to sit down and get things done!

What's your favorite thing about your space?

I love all the natural light! After working a few jobs with windowless cubicles + fluorescent lighting, there's something to be said about good old sunshine!

What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?

A foolproof organizational system. I'll be the first to admit that I let things pile up and overwhelm my space until I have absolutely have to clean off my desk, but it's a vicious cycle that I am determined to break this year! There's nothing quite like a well-organized space with everything in it's proper place. Not only does it look good, but it feels amazing as well!

Thanks Ann-Marie!

Check her out: Website | Shop | Twitter | Instagram

PS -- Ann-Marie just got engaged!! Wohoo! Congrats!