Sometimes, the best things in life start with Microsoft Paint. At least, that’s how we feel after sitting down with Christie Scotch of Quotes by Christie. In her new Geometry collection, she’s spreading the good word – literally. Her designs feature catchy quips and quirky quotes, and this month, we got a little glimpse into what inspires her positive prose.
What made you an artist?
It’s funny because, even after having this successful account and graphic design business for over five years, I still wouldn’t consider myself an artist. When I think back on it though, there were signs that I had artistic inclinations from a young age. I used to spend hours on Microsoft Paint (anyone remember that?), playing around with shapes and colors. I’ve also always had a passion for fashion and the way various colors and textures can come together to create something so inspiring.
As I pursued my public relations degree in college, I noticed that my favorite courses had more to do with design than they did strategy or messaging. It wasn’t until my first job out of college that I decided I wanted to teach myself graphic design, and that’s ultimately why I started Quotes by Christie. It was a way for me to share my love of quotes while also learning new skills in a creative outlet.
What inspires you daily?
The more proficient I’ve become in design, the more I’ve realized it’s quite literally all around me. I just see it everywhere: in the food I eat, the brands I wear, the streets I walk and the buildings I visit. Our world is full of exceptionally talented people whose unique visions and artistic abilities inspire others – including me. Sometimes it’s a billboard I see that uses two colors together so masterfully, other times it’s the font on a cereal box that fits perfectly with the product. The inspiration is all around me, every day. It’s just up to me to notice it.
Tell us a bit about your creative process and how you work.
My creative process is not profound in any way (I’m not even sure you could call it a process!). It basically starts and ends with me on the couch, laptop sitting on my legs and a couple random ideas floating around in my head. I usually have some quotes I’ve already brainstormed that I’ll start playing around with in different fonts and patterns, but sometimes those change based on the designs I like. I always try to make sure the design amplifies the message of the quote – that’s what’s most important. Luckily, I haven’t felt pigeon-holed into a super specific aesthetic, so I feel really free to play around with a wide range of design styles (and I do!).
What keeps you motivated to create?
I’m not gonna lie, sometimes motivation is really hard to find. There are times where I feel inspired and like I need to put a design to paper or I won’t be able to sleep at night. Other times, nothing sounds worse than having to create something beautiful when my mind feels like mush. I’ve gotten better at giving myself grace during those times rather than trying to force the creative process.
I’ve found that my best work always happens when I’m in the right headspace, so when things feel forced, I try to move on to another project and come back when my mind is more focused. In general, though, my motivation to create is just the pure joy I get out of finishing a design that completely transforms the way a message is shared. Strong design is the most powerful tool we have in conveying a message, and I’m always so grateful to have the skills needed to do that.
Who are your biggest influences?
Similar to how I find inspiration everywhere, my biggest influences are all also everywhere! I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so many people, whether they’re part of my online community, coworkers, family members or friends that inspire me in so many ways and make me a better artist, businessperson and person person. Some make me more creative and teach me about business and entrepreneurship; others make me kinder and more patient and help fuel my confidence in myself.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
I always lean into the retro vibes. I’ve tried to get away from them so many times, but my heart always goes back to those funky colors and fonts. I just find them so fun and original. It's a design aesthetic that makes people happy.
What draws/excites you about Geometry's products?
I still remember when my mom called me and said, “there are these new kitchen towels that are super absorbent and they have the cutest patterns, I’m going to send you some to try!” And I was like, “okay thank you very much mom, but how revolutionary could a kitchen towel really be?”
And then I got them, and I was sold. They not only worked insanely well, but I loved seeing those cute patterns in my kitchen. I never thought tea towels could actually bring me so much joy. Geometry takes products we all use and see every day, and makes them something worth looking at. I’m so thrilled to be partnering with them.
What was your specific inspiration for this collection?
The first and most important part of the collection were the words and sayings that would give people the inspiration that they needed throughout their day. When brainstorming these, I thought about the phrases/quotes that have helped me when I’ve had a hard day or needed motivation. Once the quotes were decided, I pulled colors I thought would match the Quotes by Christie aesthetic while still being able to fit nicely into someone’s home. The color palette we settled on felt fresh and energizing to me. The design was highly inspired by what you see on my page: very retro with a lot of movement and bold fonts and colors. With these constraints though, our main focus was ensuring the design matched the words featured and would help people feel the message on a deeper level.
Get the good word! Check out our new Quotes by Christie collection and be sure to follow Christie on Instagram @quotesbychristie.