American Greetings Blog

  • facebook
  • Pinterest
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • Holidays
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Independence Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Other Holidays
  • Celebrations
    • Birthday Fun Facts
    • Party ideas
    • Patriotic
    • Wedding
    • Anniversary

Meet the Artist

June 11 By American Greetings

Meet-the-Artist at StayInspired365.com

Bright, new talent is always fun to discover here at American Greetings which is why we want you to meet the artist: Laura Guardalabene.  Laura is a multi-talented graphic artist who is known for her creative typography as well as her fresh, relevant perspective while working on this blog. Here’s what she has to say…

When did you first realize you are an artist?

Hm… Maybe when I was 5 or 6? Whenever I was bored my mom would hand me some markers and paper and I could sit and draw for hours. I think it was around that age that I started to identify myself as “artistic”. It wasn’t until high school when I began to play around with Photoshop and took a vocational D.E.C.A. Marketing Design course that I discovered what graphic design was and the true potential of my artistic abilities. From that point on I knew Graphic Design was what I wanted to do.

What is your position at American Greetings and what is your background as an artist?

I’m a Graphic Designer on the Content Marketing team. I graduated from Kent State University with my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design in December of 2011. I’ve interned at a couple different advertising agencies and worked as a designer at a screen printing company and for a creative boutique on campus all through college. I started working professionally as a designer 6 years ago and before that I constantly drew for fun.

Could you tell us some more about your work?

Here at American Greetings my day to day tasks include designing email communications that go out to our AmericanGreetings.com subscribers, designing for this blog and concepting/creating sharable and engaging posts for American Greetings’ facebook page! I’m always freelancing on the side too. My most recent big freelance project was for my alma mater, Cuyahoga Falls High School where I branded a prom trade show event called “One Stop Prom Shop” that was organized by the D.E.C.A. Marketing students there (the very program that got me interested in design in the first place!).

Meet the Artist at American GreetingsWhat is it that inspires you when creating a particular design or graphic piece?

That’s a tough question… Can I say everything? My inspiration varies based on what project I’m working on. Generally speaking I’m heavily inspired by nature (butterflies, flowers and insects have some of the best color pallets!), fashion, science, movies & TV shows, old run-down Americana landscapes (I love a good vintage diner sign), interior design, architecture and music.

What’s your favorite piece ever created and why?

My favorite piece of art created while at American Greetings would have to be an inspirational quote I illustrated for this blog! The quote is “Enjoy what you have while pursuing what you want.” By Jim Rohn. I’m kind of obsessed with hand-done typography and really enjoy any chance I get to create it.  It’s difficult to pick a favorite piece I’ve created outside of American Greetings, but I do really like this sugar skull I illustrated for fun somewhat recently!

Meet the Artist at American Greetings

What famous artists or graphic designers have influenced you?

Saul Bass and Lester Beall are some of my favorite pioneer designers and for typography inspiration, I tend to look at type “super stars” like Jessica Hische, Eric Marinovich & Jeff Rogers. I’m a Pinterest & blog surfing addict and could fill this entire post with names of favorite designers but those are some of the heavy influencers for me.

What inspires you to create your designs and how do you stay motivated?

Making a difference and leaving my “mark” has always been a driving force in my design career.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself being happy doing something I love. Generic, I know, but it’s hard for me to get any more specific than that! I know I will be designing in some way, but beyond that I’m not sure. I’ve always had a very strong interest in advertising and fashion so who knows? Maybe those will play a larger role in my life by then.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

Always do what you love, but don’t forget to figure out a career game plan.

What do you do for fun?

I’m pretty much up for anything outdoors on a nice sunny day… swimming, running, playing tennis, hiking etc. I like to paint, sew and make jewelry whenever I have free time too. I’m also bit of a self-confessed nail polish addict and find myself creating crazy-complex pieces of art on my nails during all hours of the night. Oh! And I’ll add “foodie” to this list too, I love cooking and experimenting with unique flavor combinations. There’s not enough time in the day to do everything I want to!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: American Greetings, Eric Marinovich designs, Jeff Rogers designs, Jessica Hische designs, Meet the Artist, Pinterest

Meet the Musician – Mike Murray

May 20 By American Greetings

 

Meet the Artist from StayInspired365.com

Just as music can enhance a movie, a party or a spin class, it can also do the same for a greeting card. Meet Mike Murray, one of American Greetings’ very talented audio producers, and read what he has to say about his love for music and how it has become his vocation:

When did you first realize your interest in music?

My earliest interest in music was memorable because it moved right past ‘enjoying’ into a state of total obsession, which is really what defines a person who chooses a career in this field, right? I was just 4 years old, adorned in over-sized headphones, listening to The Gambler by Kenny Rogers on my parent’s hi-fi over and over again.  In the unlikely form of a ballad about gambling, the music bug had bit! I remember, even at that age, being completely mesmerized by the textures, tones, layers, and overall depth of the track – and of course, the lovely and infectious melodies. That same feeling has lasted throughout my life, and in many respects, grown considerably.

What is your position at American Greetings and what is your background as a musician?

My position here at American Greetings is Senior Audio Producer, which basically means I help take care of any needs relating to sound or music. After I received my first guitar–(thanks Mom and Dad!),  I took lessons in classical guitar and eventually went on to graduate from the McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN.  During that time I became very interested in the process of not only writing music, but recording and producing it as well.  This was quite possibly the most valuable part of my education, as it enabled me to bring ideas to life in the studio.

05202013_Mike-Murray-american-greetings_a-chirpy-birthday

Could you tell us more about the process of integrating music into a card and its importance?

One of my favorite mediums for music is the role it plays in Motion Pictures and Television. It can truly make or break a movie or show and some of my favorite compositions are ones featured in film. I like to think of our ecards as mini-movies, and I constantly strive to write or produce music that enhances the card and compliments it!

05202013_Mike-Murray-american-greetings_delicious-wishes

What is it that inspires you when creating a piece of music for a greeting card?

Musical inspiration seems to come from everywhere like going to see the Cleveland Orchestra perform or seeing the latest blockbuster movie and hearing a great score. But it can also be as simple as waiting in line at the grocery store and hearing a song over the loud speakers that you like, and boom, an idea pops into your head that was inspired by what you just heard.

What’s your favorite piece/ecard ever created and why?

There was a piece we did for a Valentine’s Card called ‘My One and Only’ which was a real standout for me musically. We don’t often get to write original pop songs, but this afforded us that chance, and with the help of the editorial staff we were able to craft a song you could easily hear on the radio. The format allowed us to produce one version that was ‘ecard length’, and another, full-length version, which our customers could download upon receiving the card. We worked with a lot of great musicians during the production, and it has always stood out as a highlight for me.

05202013_Mike-Murray-american-greetings_my-one-and-only-love-song

 What famous musicians have influenced you?

Wow, that’s a tough one. Umm…all of them? I guess it depends on the genre, but deep down my first true love is pop music, classic rock and soul to be specific, so I will always be influenced by the greats: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and the list could go on and on! I am also a huge classical fan; enjoying Chopin, Debussy, and Gershwin, to name a few.

What inspires you to create your music and how do you stay motivated?

As I said earlier, music is a huge part of my daily life, so whether it’s listening to a friend’s band play, turning on the radio, or watching a show, it’s always there to remind me of the great music being created every hour of every day. I want in on the creativity! The more I hear, the more I want to make my own mark, and create something I can be truly proud of.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I never ever want to stop growing as an artist. So, regardless of what I’m actually doing or where I’m living, although on a beach would be nice, I just hope I’m continuing to learn and enhance my musical toolkit.

What advice would you give to a musician just starting out?

I was at a music conference last year, and one of the speakers on a panel said: “a successful musician creates something new everyday”. I thought that was great advice and would definitely pass on that sentiment. In other words, don’t get complacent, always strive to create, and practice, practice, practice!!

What do you do for fun?

I play in a cover band on the weekends mostly for fun, although we do record some originals, which keeps the project fresh. I also play hockey a couple nights a week and I enjoy reading, cooking, running, and going to the movies as often as possible!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Our People Tagged With: American Greetings, American Greetings ecards, Meet the Artist

Most Recent Pins

Pink Glitter TapeGold Glitter TapeParty napkins - American GreetingsParty napkins - American GreetingsGold Star Cupcake ToppersUnicorn Party Theme | Paper Straws

Archives

  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018

Copyright © 2023 AGCM, Inc. All rights reserved.