Goooooooood morning, Stamp & Scrap - ahoooooooolics!
Today’s Wednesday Wonder is a bonafide STAR in the Stamping/Scrapping heavens (we’re talking massive Twinkle here). I’ve been drooling over her work since 2002, and she never disappoints. Way back then, I privately conferred the title of Big Picture Circle Queen upon her because she preferred using very large pictures and circle shapes on her scrapbook pages. (If her name wasn’t in the title, would you know who I was talking about?)
Anyway, she’s the one and the only Jennifer McGuire, Stamping and Scrapping Goddess, and I finally got acquainted with her this last quarter through the Hero Arts Win a Day on the Blog contest. She was my partner for the day, and I had a truly terrific time working with her. Because she’s so well-known, I doubt there is much I can say about her here that would be news to anyone.
But here’s a brief re-cap of her career (and I know I’m not getting it all).
Jennifer started publishing scrapbook pages when she was still a Ditz, I believe (see, I told you I’ve been watching that girl for a really long time)! She started becoming a force in the industry with her installation in the Creating Keepsakes 2002 Scrapbook Hall of Fame. I’m not sure when she was asked to join the Hero Arts design team, but she’s been with them at least three or four years now, and she regularly hosts the Hero Arts Blog. She’s also been a Garden Girl over at Two Peas for... like, EVER, and she previously contributed quite heavily to the Designing With... series of books by Autumn Leaves. She also authored 101 Things You Can Do With Your Scrapbook Supplies, a Creating Keepsakes Special Issue publication. AND she has a very cool blog, Jennifer McGuire Ink. Last - but certainly not least - she has a monthly column in Creating Keepsakes magazine called Tools and Techniques and also writes two on-line articles per month at the Creating Keepsakes website.
She’s a busy little bee, that Jennifer!
On a side note, I had to revise the usual questionnaire I give to Wednesday Wonders because some of the questions didn’t fit. Example: “What publications have published your work?” is just plain silly; it’s much easier to ask which publications haven’t published her work! (Are there any?)
So without further ado, lift your Diet-Cokes to Jennifer McGuire, the Queen Bee of Ink!
Jennifer’s Wonder-ful Interview
1. Do you pre-sketch a design or do you just leap out of the gate? How long does it usually take you to make a page? A card?
I almost always sketch up a design. I usually don't stick with it, but it is so very helpful to get started. Cards usually take me an hour or so, and a page is a few hours. Sometimes I am faster, but usually I get distracted. :)
2. How many, on average, pages per week do you make? Cards?
I do a lot more cards these days... maybe 12 or so a week? And 2 or so pages a week. Since this is my job, it just depends on what the companies need.
3. How has your process evolved to make you a leaner, meaner crafting machine? (In other words, what are some lessons you've learned or tips you can share that allow you to make better and faster design choices?
For me, getting started on a card is what takes the longest. So, starting with a sketch has really helped me out. Another thing I figured out is that I am inspired by new products. So instead of just putting them away, I keep new things in a drawer. By opening this drawer, I am immediately inspired.
That’s a good idea - I think I’ll try that.
4. What's your stand-by, FAST dinner solution for those times when you really want to get to your scrap space ASAP (or stay ALAP)?
I run to Qdoba and bring it home. The family loves it and it is fast!
I'd say it definitely beats making a run for the border!
5. If you were stranded on an island that had a billion supplies but NO tools, what ten TOOLS would you HAVE to have? (All the stamps in the world are available, so you don't need to list them as one of your tools. EX: we've got all the embroidery floss in the world, but you're going to have to bring your own needle if you want to use any of it!)
Stamps and inks are my most important tools. Besides that, I would say - My Kokuyo Adhesive, Fiskars Trimmer, circle punches, Fiskars Soft Touch sharp scissors, Cuttlebug and embossing folders, my glass work surface, T-ruler, baby wipes, lots of acrylic mounts, and my Ott Lite. :)
6. If you were still on that island, what kind of noise would you want (if any) in the background? List as many as five different favorite musical artists.
Kenny Chesney, Jars of Clay, Jason Marz, Jack Johnson and Billy Joel.
7. If you could have anything you wanted, (concerning scrapping or stamping) what would it be?
More time in the day.
8. What about your style/artistry are you least satisfied with?
I find myself very challenged when it comes to color combinations. I wish I had a better eye for color.
9. What cameras have you tried, which one is your favorite, and why? (You can shorten this to just the one you're using now if you like.)
I have a Canon Digital 10D. I have NO idea how to use it, but my husband does. :)
10. What's the word or phrase that comes to your lips when you mess up while creating? ("Unprintable" is definitely an option!)
"Oh well." (I just cover up mistakes. They don't bother me much.)
And here are the extra questions I asked Jennifer:
1. What's the best perk about working in this industry?
That is easy - the people. I have made some great friends. Amazing friends. It makes my job good for my soul. :)
2. Do you ever get recognized in public? At industry events, do you ever feel like a Beatle in A Hard Day's Night?
How funny! Yes, I do get recognized sometimes. The kids used to get recognized a lot, so I don't scrapbook them as much any more. I figure it might embarrass them as they get older. :)
3. How many cards (approximately) do you need to create for your job? (Example - do you have a set number they need (like 20) so they can pick and choose the 10 they like best?)
We just create cards as needed for assignments. It really works out well!
And there you have it!
You can see Jennifer’s work online in a variety of places: jennifermcguireink.com, twopeasinabucket.com under the name of pescaragirl, and at heroarts.com.
Wow, a Star indeed! I had no idea that Jennifer does all that! Thank you so much, Deborah, for this in-depth interview!
Posted by: Lin | March 4, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Loved the interview With Jennifer...she is such a sweet person as well as being a Champion in her field...Thank you Deborah!
Posted by: Kelly Booth | March 4, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Wow oh wow! What a treat to know more about the card/scrapbook Godess-Jennifer M.! I love Jennifer's style and there is always a sweetness in her creation. I also LOVE her blog...it's more than just cards! I am happy to know that I'm not the only ones that watch The Bachelor, Brothers and Sisters...Jennifer is a gem! Thank you for this insightful interview, Deborah.
Posted by: Virginia L. | March 4, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Great interview Deborah. I am also a Jennifer fan (sounds better than stalker), so it was great to read her interview. Although, now that I think about it, I think I am becoming a Deborah fan/stalker too. :)
Posted by: Laura | March 4, 2009 at 12:56 PM
this was a great interview, love jennifer!!!
Posted by: kryssi | March 4, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Loved the interview! I've learned so much from her via the HA blog. I check her blog out, too, and enjoy her style and kindness to others! Thanks, Deborah.
Posted by: judyjung | March 4, 2009 at 03:08 PM
My card making, stamp using hero!!! Love Jennifers work!
Thanks for spotlighting her!!!
Posted by: Chris M | March 4, 2009 at 04:08 PM
Super interview! I just love Jennifer and am glad you got the chance to work with her and get to know her better!
Posted by: Ashley M | March 4, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Nice interview. Jennifer is awesome!
Posted by: Diana Foster | March 4, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Fantastic scoop Deborah...you will be interviewing George Clooney next (if you do can I help?).
If you have not visited Jennifer's Blog check it out there are some really good card drives that she organises - somewhere to send all those cards you make and don't know what to do with!
Posted by: Cathy A | March 4, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Super fun interview!!!! I am in awe that you got to work with Jennifer... what a dream come true!
You rock Deborah... seriously.. You are such an awesome fun stampin' gal!!!
And super talented....
Posted by: Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal) | March 4, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Thanks for another great interview, Deborah! How exciting to get a glimpse into the life of Jennifer. :) Though I've not had the privilege of meeting her, you can tell that she's the sweetest person! I am in awe of all that she's involved with! Even more amazed than before. Fun interview!
Posted by: Patty (jaemom) | March 4, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Great interview, Deborah! Jennifer has always been my stampin' idol and I admire her as a wife and mom, too!
Posted by: donna mikasa | March 4, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Thank you Deborah. I love reading your Wednesday Wonders as well as your weekly updates. You are amazing. Keep up the fantastic blog. :-D
Posted by: Paula (Pajalu) | March 5, 2009 at 05:25 AM
Hi, Deborah! What a nice interview of Jennifer! Loved your cards and the work of all the guest bloggers over at Hero Arts! Such inspiration!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, too, and leaving me such nice comments! :-)
Posted by: Anne Gaal | March 5, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Great interviews - I enjoyed them all! I love your writing style, humor and mega creative talent, Deborah, and am having lots of fun reading your blog from front to back.
Oh... and your comment about needing a wife? Gaaaaaaaaah! *biglaugh* I've been saying that forever. So true, huh?
Keep up the good work and I will watch for those videos, too. Thanks so much!!
Posted by: Phinny | March 5, 2009 at 02:44 PM