Ana Davis

How did you came to be an illustrator/artist?

After graduating with a BFA, I looked for a job using at least something of what I studied, and was hired by publishing company. I eventually became an Art Director, and then a Creative Director there. I worked with many artists and illustrators over the years. I loved working with the artists, getting to know them, learning about their backgrounds, and seeing the amazing work they did. I began to make my own art again, knowing that really that was wanted I wanted (and needed) to do.

Did you go to art school?

Yes. I studied fine art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. My major was "2-D art" (rather than a more specific concentration in painting or print making or sculpture, for example). I had taken one more class in 2D forms than 3D, and the 2D forms were evenly split between painting, print making, and photography (which I studied intensively during a semester abroad in Santiago, Chili.).

Were there one or more individuals that were an influence in your becoming an illustrator?

I have been influenced by so many artists! Dena (of Dena Designs), Amy Butler, Kate Spain, Anna Griffin–I can't name them all. These women are incredibly talented and really savvy. 

I met Kate Spain the first year she exhibited Surtex (when I was a Creative Director), and I left with the feeling that she was living my dream! It still took me several years to begin making my own art again, but meeting her and seeing her fantastic work was a catalyst for me to delve back into making art.

What inspires you now?

Other artists are always inspiring. For me, going to museums and looking at old, classic artwork or textiles moves me to want to try things. Looking at various blogs, Print & Pattern, Design Sponge, the Die Line, is also fun and gets my mind racing.

Is there anything you would like to share regarding your technique or style of work?

I draw and sketch a lot. I digitize the drawings after that, but working digitally is more force of habit than desire. I really want and need to be painting more!

What types of markets do you do art/ illustration for?

I have done most of my work in fabric, home decor, and gift related markets, but there is no limit to what I'd like to do!

Are there links to your images you would like to share?  

Here are some images of my upcoming fabric collection, Clementine, due to ship in February (see attached). Please also visit my website, and follow me on Facebook! I don't blog as much as I'd like, but I do post whenever new items are released: http://anadavisdesign.com.

Are there other creative interests you pursue like writing or music?

I would love to write (both my father and sister are writers and poets), but I am so occupied with making art, I instead satisfy that desire by reading every night.

Do you currently have product with your images on the market? 

Yes! Any day now Barnes and Noble will have these tumblers on their shelves (image attached). I also have ten new pieces on Oopsy Daisy that I am thrilled to be able to share, and I have two fabric collections: Pippa, which is shipping now, and Clementine, which will ship in February.

What is the thing you love best about what you do?

I have the best job I could ever want. I love the process of drawing and colorizing. I also adore the people I work with and the crafters and quilters who work with my fabric. There are some amazingly talented people out there!