Get To Know: Vanessa Hansford of Duk Design.
It’s time to learn a little more about one of our fabulous sponsors. Enjoy!
Meet Vanessa Hansford of Duk Design:
Name: Vanessa Hansford
Business Name: Duk (as in duck, not duke) design :)
Where are you located?
Los Angeles, California (more specifically, Silverlake)
What is it that you design and create?
I design everything from logos and business identities to website and motion pieces. I love working with creative people and figuring out design solutions to ideas that don’t even exist yet.
How did you come up with your business name?
Ducks have always been my favorite animal and I love the simplicity of their combined white and orange colors. It was also my first word so I have been secretly drawn to it ever since I was born!
Where/How did this all begin?
My mom was a graphic designer and I remember trying to design as early as 1st grade. By the time I reached high school I absolutely knew I was going to be a designer as well.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom definitely inspired me to look at things differently and gave me the visual eye. I am inspired by everything I see and love finding the beauty in the simple things in life.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love meeting and working with new people but my favorite part is the excitement between sending the client the final work and receiving their feedback (which is hopefully positive). I absolutely love when I can create something that someone else is proud to have as their own.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Although I wish I could say my favorite supplies were my silkscreens and draft boards but honestly, it’s got to be my wonderful Mac computer that I just couldn’t live without. :)
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
School was a huge part of my decision to start my own design studio so I would advise anyone thinking of becoming a designer to attend art school and receive your degree in design because you will learn more than you thought possible. After school it’s just believing in yourself and your work…and patience!
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Hm, there’s too many to name a favorite! But if I had to choose, it would be my framed circus drawing that I found at a thrift store for $5 dollars. Only after I purchased it did I realize that on the back of the drawing is signed “Toulouse Lautrec” aka my favorite artist/designer of all time! I can’t say for certain if it is authentic but somehow that framed sketch drew me in and I have loved it to pieces ever since.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now? What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
Lately I have been switching up music like I switch outfits but at the current moment I am listening to my Argentinian boyfriend’s Spanish music blast in the other room. I have to say that it’s a great way to start my day.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
I’m not a huge t.v. fan but I will admit that I haven’t missed an episode of Top Chef this season. Other than that, I stick to Sex and the City re-runs and the really old and outdated AFV (America’s Funniest Home Videos, of course).
What was the last movie you watched?
A Bug’s Life, not for the first time, but I just love that movie!
What’s your favorite food?
French Baguette, hands down.
What’s your favorite candy?
Anything chocolate…does ice-cream count?
Coffee or Tea?
Tea! I gave up coffee 2 years ago just for the heck of it and have become a tea snob ever since.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Any thrift or antique store I could spend all day in.
Any pets?
I just got my first puppy two months ago! A french bulldog pup named Frankie. He’s white with black spots and he is sleeping on my lap at this very moment.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I spent the past summer in Paris and dream of going back for every meal.
Do you have a day job in addition to your crafty business? What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I am very lucky and fortunate to be able to to design as my full time job. I love every second of it and can’t imagine doing anything else.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I speak French conversationally but I would love to be fluent one day! It’s the most beautiful language in the world.
What are your plans (business/personal) for the remainder of 2009?
For the remainder of 2009 I would love to grow my business and work with new clients. I am planning on going with the flow and seeing where life takes me.
Thanks so much, Vanessa! Contact Duk Design for any of your business design needs. Take a look at some of the amazing work {logo, web, packaging, menu designs, etc.} she’s done for her clients…
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