Dana | Artist Spotlight

Happy Wednesday loves!

So despite my best efforts, I kind of derailed my Daily Dose December last week *sad face*. This past week was probably my busiest back to back shooting week all year- yesterday I just wrapped up my 7th shoot in 6 days! So needless to say things were pretty busy lol. I’m going to finish the year strong though so I have a few posts lined up to close out 2014 :)

Today I have another awesome artist to share with you! Sidenote: I have even more amazing creatives to spotlight in 2015 as I will be working to make this a more regular and dynamic feature of the blog so I can’t wait until you get to “meet” everyone and hear their stories :)

Today though? It’s all about Dana! Dana aka Olive Paperie aka Pardon My Fro is an amazing designer/illustrator/all around awesomeness creator that I stumbled upon online a couple years ago. I was absolutely mesmerized by her funky illustrations and needed them in my life! I’ve been following her on social media ever since and we linked up when I was in Charlotte earlier this year for her blog feature and mini session :) I even had my very own doll made! :D

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So who is this amazing lady? Keep reading to learn more about Dana!

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What is your name?
Dana Dane!

Where are you located?
Queen City, Charlotte

What do you do?
Design, illustrate, help with branding of small businesses, make magic.

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How long have you been a designer/illustrator?
10 years

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How did you become interested in illustration and when did you know you wanted to make a career out of your passion?
I was a late bloomer… I just discovered illustration around 2007 while I working in corporate america, which I hated with a passion.

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Who are some of your influences/inspirations?
Anyone who is quirky, creative, crazy about color!

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What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far? 
Loved working on print designs for Tresemme! That was a great project and it was my first big brand company that I worked with.

What other types of creative work do you do?
Web design, business and print media

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What inspires you?
My daughter’s love for fashion, patterns, colors, music…

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What keeps you motivated?
When I get satisfied customers :) 

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Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)? 
You hear this all the time, but’s it proven to be true, Stay true! Be you! Don’t envy someone’s talent, you are just as special!  Find your niche and run with it!

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Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?
Married, I’m a foodie,  love to thrift and I am a huge Prince fan. I also love music! it’s a part of my everyday life, I can’t go without it! 

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Where can we find you online?
website:
 www.pardonmyfro.com 
instagram: @pardonmyfro
facebook: @olivepaperie
twitter: @olivepaperie​ 

I hope you enjoyed this colorful artist spotlight! Be sure to follow Dana on social media and keep up with her projects :) Stay tuned for more amazing artists in 2015! 

-Danni