I'd like to introduce to you, graphic designer, Lindsay Stetson Thompson of MStetson Design for this week's Spaces feature. Lindsay's blog is not only perfectly curated with all things design and art but it's also designed so well that it even makes each post look killer which really shows off her eye for design and artistry. So it's no wonder that her workspace matches exactly that. Check it out!
Tell us about yourself as a creative.
I am a graphic designer with a print background, but now design frequently for web. I have had my blog,
MStetson Design, since 2007 primarily as a creative outlet and happy distraction while working at an in-house department. I am inspired by graphic design and typography, but also interior design, industrial design, photography, and art. I like to use my hands and encourage myself to find ways to create things off the computer, so I'll paint or make my little clay tags for
my etsy store. I am currently squeezing in time between my client projects to update my design portfolio as well as new products in my etsy shop.
Describe your creative journey.
I have always had an interest in art, but never had actual fine-art classes or training. I worked for years at paint-your-own pottery studios (remember them?!) and painted the samples for the stores. While attending Western Washington University for Pre-Med, I had a bible study leader who was preparing for her senior design show. I was amazed. I had always wanted to be a store-owner—I had "designed" my logos, websites, marketing materials in Word (ha!) and, once I saw her portfolio, it all clicked. I didn't want to own and run a shop; I wanted to design all the materials for it. I couldn't believe that could be my job—to collaborate with companies on all their materials. That summer, I submitted a portfolio to the art department, switched my major (sorry, parents!) and then spent hours upon hours in the computer lab. Upon graduation, my husband and I relocated to Southern California where I worked at an advertising agency as a senior designer, then at an in-house creative services department as an art director. At the beginning of 2011, I began working as a freelancer full-time and was able to teach a design class at a local University. I love what I do.
Share a little bit about your space.
As I mentioned above, I've been working from home for the past year-and-a-half. We use our second bedroom as my office (and sometimes my hubby's, too; he works from home, as well). It's definitely still "under development", but it has been a great setup thus far, and has evolved little by little as I realize what works best for me. I love the space as I get amazing light throughout the day and I've positioned my desk to allow me to observe what's going on outside. Sometimes I need the reminder to get away from the light of the computer screen and instead soak up some real rays on my sunny patio. My main desk and storage units are from Ikea, while my second desk and chair are craigslist finds. The chair is needing a replacement as the stuffing is pretty much deteriorated—hence, the pillow. All in due time, though.
What's your favorite thing about your space?
Other than the light I mentioned above, my favorite thing about my space is it's location—my apartment. Working from home hasn't always been easy, but I feel so blessed to be able to have lunch with my husband on a (almost) daily basis and have my dog to provide joyful distractions.
What's one thing you think every creative needs in their space?
Gosh. That is hard. Other than the necessary equipment, I would say, inspiring items. They don't have to be graphic design related, and probably better that they not be. I have a stack of old Domino Magazines that I still love to thumb through, or I'm constantly ripping photos or pages out of catalogs and magazines to hang on my wall. Come back in a few months, and that curated collection will probably look totally different. Okay, wait, I lied, one more thing. STORAGE! Seriously, how quickly can all our paper, supplies, etc get out of hand? My paper work and inspirational items could easily take over my space, so I regularly have to reign things back in—storage bins, Alex storage units, and a file cabinet definitely get good use.
Thanks Lindsay!
*Photos by Lindsay Stetson Thompson
