Recently I was interview by Team Open Book on the topic of "Hustle". I put that in quotes because I think I'm supposed to? (grammar nerds I need you!) but also because sometimes you put words you feel uncomfortable saying or cliches in quotes too. And that's about how I feel about the word. It's one that is deeply relevant to my work realities but also one I slightly cringe to use because it's been over-saturated in social media along with "squad" and "goals". Though if you're in a team sport, I hope you have both. But if defined as "busy movement and activity" then I would say hustling is my spirital gift. The interview is short and sweet and lives right here. Photos captured by the talented miss Alex Ry.
Ashley Mary Phone Cases X Target
This fall (2o16) in working with Design Loop I launched a series of 8 phone case designs in Target stores nationwide and online. My assignment was to create a variety of cases that were inspired by novelty, fun phrases, and of course, my art! The colors and patterns inspired me to go extra bold and graphic for a photoshoot. I asked the lovely Megan Gonzalez of Mae Mae Co to come alongside and co-style all the product and my talented friend Lauren Krysti to shoot it all. One of my favorites parts of this series was bringing my paintings into a surface design, I loved seeing the translation from paper to plastic. I also design the packaging for the phone cases using elements of my favorite brush strokes, polka dots, and stripes which turned out super playful and really popped on shelves.
Apartment Therapy
This summer I got the craving to shoot my cute little apartment (and by little I mean 650sq.ft). This apartment played a special role in that season of my life. Time spent in this space was precious and consequently an environment I rediscovered myself in. And so I wanted to mark it somehow, remembering each little corner and detail that I had spent time making feel like "me". That spring I had met photographer Sarah Hrudka while she was shooting at Golden Rule. We ended up in a short convo that turned into me falling for her hard. A few months after meeting I emailed her, my gut telling me she was the one to shoot this space with, her energy is electrical and sweet and cozy. I submitted the photos to Apartment Therapy's House Call article that eventually turned into a full tour write-up. And because she took so many goodies, here are some extras from our time together. People, follow this lady's work. She is good for the soul.
Ashley Mary Cosmetic Bags X Target
In the fall of 2015 I got to launch a line of 15 cosmetic bags in Target stores nationwide and online. Using four different watercolor paintings I had done, I brought the work into the computer and created my set of patterns. The experience was a first for me in the world of surface pattern design and I've been hooked ever since. While I learned a ton, made plenty-o-mistakes along the way (production is NOT my forte), my experience was positive in that I walked away with a new set of understanding for the process and some pretty sweet little cases to share with the world. Friend and talented photographer Lauren Krysti helped me capture a few shots i styled of my tools, swatches, and final product.
