Guest Interview 1 : Inspirational Women

by August 12, 2012 0 comments

The first interview in this short series

of women/bloggers that inspire me, is

with the lovely Sandy. Sandy was one

of my first supporters when I started

my blog, and has always been a

wonderful cheerleader. She is super-talented

as you will see from her images below.

Here's our chat:

Did you always want to have your own business?

I always thought that one day I might, but wasn’t sure when.

What I’ve discovered in the art field over the years, however,

is that I thoroughly enjoy the creative freedom that

owning my own illustration business affords.

Coco Chanel-Sandy M

What or who was the inspiration for the illustrated girls

of Ooh La Frou Frou?

I started my company two years ago by creating

a collection of fashion illustrations of

eight city girls and placed these illustrations

on a variety of cards.

That was, obviously, just the beginning

because exciting changes are in store soon!

With an ever-growing list of custom illustration clients

(I so love to see what my clients are

dreaming up for me to create) and plans for making my fashion

illustrations, and my illustrations of lots of

other beautiful things I love, available for purchase

on a variety of items.

Your Fabulous Thank You Cards

Sandy M

A new website reflecting this growth

is coming and it will be called: SANDY M ILLUSTRATION.

The website will contain a link to my illustrated blog,

“Ooh La Frou Frou” http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com on the new site,

as well, and this fall, the blog will reflect the

exciting changes too with a brand new look

What was one of the biggest obstacles you faced

when you started your biz?

Deciding which direction I wanted to go.

When you love to create like I do,

it’s hard to pin down what you want to create most …

because you want to create everything!

But it becomes necessary to focus on what it is you love best.

Sometimes that takes a while to figure that out.

For me, I love painting and illustrating beautiful things

and fashion illustration … in fact “ooh la frou frou”

is my word for the chic things I love to draw.

If you get to play “hookie” for the day, what is always on your list to do?

I keep a list of “Favorite Things” … a handwritten list.

I’m constantly adding to of things that make me happy …

to choose what to fill a day with.

I could easily close my eyes and run my finger down it’s pages …

selecting a handful of the handwritten entries to fill up my day!

A favourite day might include morning coffee and shopping in the city,

roaming through a gallery for inspiration (and lunch al fresco, of course!)

with a friend.

Ending with a lazy afternoon at the beach

with a favourite novel … hmmmm, just talking about it,

I’m getting excited for that day!

Who’s your favourite style icon?

Don’t have just one. Like many.

I love and am inspired by the uniqueness and sophistication

that was the style of both Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

As for modern-day icons: Olivia Palermo.

Sometimes it’s also fun to wear a long skirt, sunglasses and a big hat

and be Rachel Zoe for a day.

Which celebrity do you think has the best look/style at the moment?

Again … I’d have to say Olivia Palermo’s style.

Your favourite perfume at the moment?

I’m drawn to woodsy, citrusy or spicy and

peppery perfumes rather than flowery or be achy.

I’ve loved the sexy sophistication of Opium for ages

and have to say it’s my favorite.

Your fav app?
Since I’m thinking about decorating my new place,
I’m having fun with the new HB app from House Beautiful …
each House Beautiful magazine issue has a little HB icon
throughout its pages. You just click on the app
and hold your phone up to the HB icon in the magazine
and the app allows you to read much more design info
on a specific article or photo .. like peeking behind-the-scenes.