Hi, yes for sure! So, my name is Zoe Wodarz, and I'm an artist and designer based in the USA. I specialize in surface design, trend forecasting and developing patterns, illustrations, and product design for global brands. Born and raised on the East Coast, I currently reside in the Midwest with my husband in Minnesota.

 

My creative journey began in the retail world as a studio artist, merchandiser, window display, and packaging artist before redirecting my focus towards in-house product design for home decor and gift. Today, I am an established full-time freelance designer, and I think my client and personal artwork reflects this journey, blending both contemporary and classic styles in a way that resonates with multiple generations. I find it empowering to have a creative career that allows me to explore different cultures, landscapes, and locations. It's how I discover new color combinations, textures, and motifs.

 

In addition to my background in art history and studio art, I am passionate about discovering upcoming trends and meeting other creative people around the world. My design collections reflect this blend of influences, drawing additional inspiration from nature, fashion, and interior design. I find my most relaxing and creative moments when I'm by the water.… whether I'm dipping my toes into the sand or watching the waves. The ever-changing colors and textures serve as a constant source of inspiration, influencing my patterns and designs.

 

 

Unique designs that inspire and delight. 

 

My professional work style is a contemporary blend of hand-drawn elements, digital layering, and vibrant color combinations.

I strongly believe that training and dedication to your craft play a crucial role in developing an artistic style. Putting in the work every day into what you love and seeking out creative opportunities to collaborate with brands and other artists ensures that you are constantly adding something original to the conversation. For me, artistic style infuses creative trends and resources. It is about expanding my skill-sets and embracing a diverse design language while working with innovative brands.

Personally, I feel that requiring artists to only have a single "signature" style of art is not the most effective strategy for long-term success in the creative industry. In the same way as musicians evolve their style, sound, and audience as they gain experience, artists and artists' influences are constantly adapting to new trends.

 

 

As a long-time creative professional, I've had my fair share of experiences working with top brands. From successful collaborations where both parties have amazing personal, financial and professional success, to companies who have expected their artists not only to provide creative work but do entire advertising campaigns and influencer marketing team styled promotions for free to the set back of having an artist collection canceled the day before an international launch.

 

Right now as we experience big social media shifts post COVID, we are all struggling to adjust to the new collaborative landscape where clients are less willing to try new things and artists are less willing to stay in the shadows about being equal partners and preventing art theft…

 

So far the most enjoyable brand situations I've experienced are where we work as a creative team in a collaborative style. We have deep respect for each other's contributions to the overall artistic process. As a freelancer, it's already challenging to connect with new clients. You need to prove your value, be compensated fairly for your skills and launch a successful product. Open communication while providing flexible design formats and artistic styles is key.

 

 

What is your creative process when creating patterns for brands or product collections?

 

I love using every technique and design tool at my disposal! When I receive a creative brief, I break down the client request into artistic approaches. Do they want a hand-drawn look but digital file flexibility? Do I need to structure my designs in a certain art style for key markets or be ready to print on a larger scale? My years as an in-house designer have been extremely helpful in interpreting this part of the creative process. 

 

I always look for ways to go above and beyond in my collaborations, providing insight into color, trends, and multiple design approaches. As a freelance designer, I work globally with multiple clients of different sizes, often six months to a year in advance. Due to the speed of the product design industry right now and years of working for tight deadlines, I rarely sketch, preferring instead to jump straight into design.

 

For my personal work, I often just choose a path and see where the design or ideas take me that day. If my work inspires you to be more creative in your life - expand your style, elevate your surroundings, or bring to mind a cherished memory - then I’ve done my job.