Lisa Crisafi – Design Challenge Winner, January 2019

Pattiann on April 8, 2019

 Design Challenge Winner, January 2019, Living Coral – Lisa Crisafi of Nest to Nest Greetings 

 

Thank you for choosing my design for the January 2019 contest. I love these challenges as they encourage me to try something new and to think outside of my box. I would encourage any GCU artist reading this interview to enter the contests.

 

What was your inspiration for your winning card? Please walk us through the process of how this card went from an idea to a greeting card. 
The first thing that came to mind when I read that the contest revolved around Living Coral, the Pantone Color of the year, were the little terracotta pots I have in my home and classroom. I love a good pun, so I started writing down the names of some of my favorite plants to see if I could make it “punny”.  I settled on succulents and the verse “Life doesn’t succ when you have good friends.”

 

Your winning card really uses Living Coral aptly in a southwestern pallet.  Did you decide first on your design and then the color combination or color combination and then the design?
I didn’t have a southwestern theme in mind when I started creating this card, but adding cacti to the design, combined with the theme revolving around this particular color definitely gave it a desert vibe. I chose a cactus plant for this verse as they grow in clumps that I thought would represent a community of friends.

 

We love a good pun!  Which of your cards is your favorite pun and why?
This Valentine’s Day card of mine, Love You with Every Fiber of My Bean, is my all time favorite pun card. I won a Hallmark card contest based on this pun. I had to change it up a bit to use the verse in my GCU storefront, and I think it’s time to create a better image for the cover.
Is there a pun card by another GCU artist that you really enjoy?  If so, which card?
I really enjoy Ron Magnes’ Deer Pun card. When you can use two puns in one sentence and the verse still flows, you have a great talent!

 

Valentine’s Day is shortly behind us.  Tell the truth, did you give out Valentines cards and if so did you send one of your own cards or send a design by a different artist?
To be honest, I am the WORST at sending out cards. I can sit for hours at my computer creating card designs, but I am always late sending them out. I usually send out cards from  different artists. I guess I’m a little self conscious about sending my designs to people I know. I wonder if any other GCU artists feel the same?

 

Ok, now for the fast five, fun questions …
  • If you had to be allergic to something, what would it be?
Chocolate is my huge addiction. If I couldn’t eat it anymore I might be able to accomplish my weight loss goal. lol
  • If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I love birds so I would choose flight as my superpower.
  • What is one thing you miss about being a kid?
Nothing. I haven’t given up my childhood. Yes, have responsibilities, but I choose not to lose the joy and wonder of the little things in life.
  • What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Friendly’s Chocolate Almond Chip. (Good thing I’m not allergic!)
  • What is your favorite scent /smell?
Carnations. They are underrated and smell so much nicer than roses.

 

Stacia Gorge of Good Things by Gorge, Design Challenge Winner, October 2018

Pattiann on April 3, 2019

Stacia Gorge of Good Things by Gorge, Design Challenge Winner, October 2018

 

 

Please list any awards or contests you’ve won outside of GCU.
Ages ago, prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, community volunteer, & GCU card designer, I worked in the corporate communications field as a writer and editor. I served on teams that received awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

 

Additionally, I’ve had poetry published in two Indiana-based publications: (1) Carmel Creations: An Anthology by Carmel Creative Writers (2018 edition), and (2) Tipton Poetry Journal’s “Christmas at the Creek” Special Issue (2012).  Ironically, my preferred poetry style is usually not suitable for greeting cards due to my poems’ length, serious contemplative nature, or other factors. It’s really not a problem for me, though, because I feel lucky to have different outlets for my various creative moods!

 

Please list the URLs of your 3 favorite cards in your storefront and why they are your favorites.
  1. Congratulations on Your New Home – Quaint Vintage House with Flowers – This is one of my most popular cards & I’m so pleased that customers are attracted to its nostalgic warmth!
  1. Electricians Don’t Really Retire, Humor, Retirement PARTY Invitation – I love experimenting with typography & was pleased with the outcome of this unique creation. It’s also nice that the party invitation has continued to sell well over the years.
  1. With Deepest Sympathy for Your Loss, Dogwood, Vintage, Blue and White card – I love vintage-style cards. For me, they evoke extra heartfelt emotions. I send this card whenever a friend or relative is grieving.
Please list any of your professional social media sites.
Any time GCU customers would like see some of my latest creations, they are invited to view and/or follow me on Pinterest.

 

What sparked your interest in art? Did you start as a young child?
My mother is a keen admirer of art, so much so that she eventually became the president of the board of my hometown’s art museum. Due to her interest, the world of art was often discussed in our home as I was growing up. Additionally, my maternal grandmother adored both music and art and excelled at both. If my grandmother were alive today, she’d be delighted and amazed to see how easy it is for art consumers to find artists around the world via the internet.

 

Is your work done by hand and then scanned or do you work entirely on the computer?
I currently do all of my work on the computer, but I plan to try some work by hand in the future.

 

What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that one of my two majors in college was Philosophy. I was the only one in a class of thousands to have declared that major as an incoming freshman (usually students select it later in their studies). I guess I hear a different drummer!

 

What GCU artist(s) do you admire?
There are too many talented artists to list! However, I especially love the cartoon humorists, the watercolorists, the photographers, and the verse-writing specialists. I also admire those artists who take time to help the newbie designers via the forum and/or who write informative articles to help artists be successful at GCU. They make it a real pleasure to be part of GCU’s creative environment.