Speaking with Designer, Joy Laforme

Joy Laforme

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Hi Joy, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can you start off by introducing yourself and telling us a little about your life?

Hello! My name is Joy and I’m an illustrator based in New Jersey, United States. I’ve been illustrating for about eight years, illustrating for editorial illustration, publishing and surface design.

What’s a typical day like in the life of Joy Laforme?

My days are filled with either fulfilling orders for prints of my artwork, planning and drafting new client projects. I wish I had more time to create just for me. I always try to save a little time, even if it’s just 30 minutes, to sketch and draw out new ideas that are in my mind.

Garden Dream Wall Sticker by Joy Laforme

How and when did you first become interested in design?

I’ve been interested in art since I was a child, it’s always been a part of me. When I finished my graduate degree at SCAD, I decided to pursue art as a career full time.

What tools do you use to create your work?

I’m a digital illustrator and I love Photoshop. I’ll sometimes scan and photograph physical textures, especially painted gouache textures, to include in my work as well.

I love working on my tablet - I have a Cintiq and I use it every single day.

A Promise Wall Sticker by Joy Laforme

Can you tell us about your creative process from how you come up with your initial idea through to the finished piece?

I love storytelling, so my works are usually stories without words. I start by sketching and writing out my ideas in my notebook, drawing inspiration for colour and texture from Pinterest. Then, drafting a visual sketch either on paper or in Photoshop.

Your work features a mix of the city and countryside. Which is your favourite?

I think it all depends on my mood. Growing up in the Hudson Valley, right outside of NYC, gives me a unique love for both the countryside and the city. I love the colour and life that both offer.

Stitcherie Shop Storefront Wall Sticker by Joy Laforme

What inspires you?

Colour and unique palettes inspire my work.

You created a book, “Folk Art Fusion: Americana”. It’s such an amazing idea. Can you tell us about it please?

There are so many people who love folk art and think they can’t draw or illustrate. I’ve received emails and reviews from people who are using my book to get into art as a hobby, and they’ve never painted in their life. That is the perfect example of why I loved creating this book.

The accessibility of folk art is amazing to me. It doesn’t discriminate against someone who is a hobbyist or a beginner, and there’s so much room for imagination and detail that is individual to the person creating the art.

Park Avenue Wall Sticker by Joy Laforme

What drew you to American folk art?

My Mom loves American folk art and it’s very nostalgic for me. I used to stare at the details of the artwork she had in our home and create my own stories from what I could see.

If you weren’t a designer, what career would you have pursued?

I think I would’ve been a librarian or a writer. I can’t imagine a life where I’m not creating stories.

Terrarium Home Sweet Home Wall Sticker by Joy Laforme

What advice would you give to an aspiring designer?

Read up on the masters who inspire you and learn about their habits. It will help you create your own workflow!

What’s the future looking like? Any big projects coming up?

I have some big secret projects for later this year, as well as some books and book covers in the works. 2020 will be a big year for me and I’m definitely excited!

Across the Miles Wall Sticker by Joy Laforme

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Check out Joy's full range of wall murals over on her page.

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