November 16, 2009
inchmark journal's brooke reynolds
Brooke Reynolds is such a good art director with the craft projects she features on her blog Inchmark that she even makes someone like me think I can whip up a calico bag, bake a customised cake or get quilting. It's all because she has such a beautiful, pared back aesthetic. It's not surprising Brooke was a senior art director at Martha Stewart Kids and Martha Stewart Living. Also, I really respect the way she never shows her children's faces. In a time of over-exposure, it seems so dignified. Not only that, her projects aren't based on money but good taste and thoughtfulness, such as the library-borrowed children's books she features.Which five words best describe you? Creative, loyal, busy (mom of two little ones), loved, happy.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? When I was 14 I starting working Saturdays at the party store, blowing up millions of helium balloons each week. Since then I've been a waitress, a museum gift shop worker, a Christmas elf at the mall, a graphic designer, an art director and a mom.
What's your proudest achievement? Professionally I was most proud when Martha Stewart Kids won Magazine of the Year from the Society of Publication Designers.
What's been your best decision? Choosing graphic design as a major in college. When I was young I wanted to be a lawyer, in college I started out in the film program but my dad wanted me to go into marketing. Once I discovered the design program I knew I was in the right place. I love everything about it: inspiration, the design process, picking out papers, choosing a colour palette, solving problems, typography... everything. That, and marrying my husband.
Who inspires you? Paul Rand, Jonathan Hoefler, my mother, Louise Fili, Heather Ross, Tina Turner, Stephanie Nielson, Anna Williams, Elisabeth Dunker, Joelle Hoverson, Amy Butler, June and Johnny Cash, Denyse Schmidt.
What are you passionate about? My kids. My husband. My family. Good design.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? To try and slow down, to appreciate the little moments, to not be in such a rush for the next thing. Kids make life busier, but they also force you to slow down and watch a stick floating in the water or a kite in the sky.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My great grandmother. She once convinced my dad he could lay an egg.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Building a home with my husband.
What are you reading? Howards End by E.M. Forster (I've read it before but it's worthy of another read).
images courtesy of brooke reynolds