One Cool Chick: Nat P.

       Today I'd like to welcome the next installment in my Cool Person Series, an interview with Nat P.! I asked Nat to share some of her photos whit us, and you can see those below, along with a sample of her poetry. Read on to get to know her:

What do you like to do or create?

My greatest love is styling outfits that are out of the ordinary and ahead or even behind the current trend. I also love photography, especially of art in everyday cities or something out of the ordinary in a basic environment.

What do you do for fun?

Besides being glued to the tv when my favorite shows are on, I make an attempt to write poetry and do some journaling, pressing flowers is something I'm trying to get into more. I also spend mostly every weekend scouring my town for garage sales and heading to the local thrift stores. And I go to a pretty large amount of concerts per year but what can you do? The heart wants what the heart wants.

What do you draw inspiration from?

Tumblr is my main source of inspiration, there's just so many great pictures and ideas on there! Besides that nature and music are my number one influence when it comes to photography and poetry. Besides that I look to Lookbook for style ideas but sometimes I try to stay far away from it in order to avoid the crazy jealousy that comes with it.

How would you describe yourself?

I think I'm pretty contradictory to be honest. I love being alone but my greatest fear is being alone in a large group of people. I try to do my own thing and not be too influenced on societies beliefs and trends. I'm really quiet and shy but when I'm with my friends or family you can't get me to shut up.

What are some things you believe in?

There is no strict path in life. You can live how you want and do what you like and make your own plan. I also think that how good you are as a person is determined by your affect on others. You can drink, party and do drugs but at the end of the day its all about how happy you make the people you love feel.

What are you studying in college/ what career path will you pursue?

I haven't decided yet, I should've mentioned when I described myself that I am terribly indecisive, but I'm hoping to study styling or visual communications at FIDM or maybe up in Vancouver. If that doesn't work out maybe photography, but I always thought it'd be fun to be a tour guide in a country I'd love to live in.

One Cool Chick: Sarah S.

For my latest addition to my Cool Person Series, I interviewed Sarah, and she had some awesome stuff to tell us about. Pictures of her work are also mixed in with her responses. Check this girl out:

What do you like to do or create?

I create art from a lot of different mediums. I draw all the time whether it be well thought out sketches, doodles, or hand lettering. I enjoy painting with acrylics and watercolor and I have been trying to get comfortable with colored pencils lately. I've done some street art, mostly stencils and stickers, but I'm moving away from that and more into graphic design. My art varies in content but I find that I most enjoy creating rockets and tree houses. They show up in so much of my work almost subconsciously. 

What do you do for fun?

For fun I participate in something called FAFATL. It stands for Free Art Fridays Atlanta and it's beginning to get pretty big in the city. We've moved on from just working on Fridays but the name stuck anyways. What FAFATL artists do is spread their art all over the city almost like a scavenger hunt, dropping their pieces for hunters to find. We work through twitter, each artist having their own handle and type of art that they do. I go by Space Cadet (@spacecadet_42) in this little art community and I drop little wooden rockets and other space things that I've painted. It's so much fun to have someone tweet back pictures of things I've made and to see how delighted people get to have found something they get to take home. The other artists are great too and have become close friends of mine. We do collaboration parties, swap events, and even a themed art show every couple of months that gives us the opportunity to sell our work. We all bond over the belief in spreading art culture and making it for anyone. Art is for the world and not just the people that can afford it so we've turned the streets into a museum with the purpose of putting art in everyone's home.

What do you draw inspiration from?

Absolutely everything inspires me! I love to go through other artists' work and make interpretations or replicas. My mom is an artist and has always been super encouraging of my work and has pushed me to be a more mature artist. Our work is very different but growing up in a creative environment has inspired me to never stop making art. I'm also constantly browsing websites for inspiration. I adore using resources like pinterest, tumblr, and polyvore to sort through images to help me create things that are aesthetically pleasing. 

How would you describe yourself?

I mostly describe myself as witty. I love dry humor and sarcasm as long as it's not putting someone down. I'm very happy when everyone else is laughing. I'm very easy going and don't get stressed out too easily. I like that I'm this way a lot because I don't really worry too much about things that I can't change.

What are some things you believe in?

I really believe that everyone deserves to be happy. I think everyone has a right to be accepted and loved so I try to be kind to everyone I meet. I believe in creating an almost spiritual bond with people. That makes me sound like a hippy but that's the best way to describe it. I look for good vibes in people and try to surround myself with those that create good feelings.

What are you studying in college/ what career path will you pursue?

I'm currently a freshman at Auburn University for Graphic Design. I haven't decided my focus yet but I really like screen printing, packaging, and magazine stuff.

 Thank you Sarah! She's pretty neat, huh? 

If you or anyone you know would like to be featured on my Cool Person Series, please let me know, because I'm always looking for people to interview!

A Little Bit About Me

Hey guys! I thought I'd take the opportunity to tell you guys a little more about myself. I'm not sure how much you all, as my readers, know about me, and sometimes I start to feel like the Wizard of Oz, putting out content whilst hiding behind a curtain. No more! Today you'll get to know me, whether you like it or not (but hopefully you do, haha). 

I've structured this to be just like a Cool Person Interview so that I can utilize that handy-dandy Q&A format. Plus, this is my opportunity to test-drive these questions. I tweaked them a bit, to make them more effective! Here we go:

What do you do, make, or create?

     I am and have always been an extremely creative person, so my pursuits range from sewing, baking, and cooking, to doing things like drawing, writing, photography, collaging, and painting. I have several sketchbooks and art journals that I periodically keep up with, as well as doing my course work for my art major.  I'm beginning to venture into the realm of sculpture as well! I also enjoy singing, especially with other people, and I'm attempting to learn to play the guitar. I really love to do crafty things too, like making a DIY chalkboard or a Harry Potter wand! I'm always looking to expand and try new creative things, like making music on GarageBand with my friend or making jewelry for myself. I'm trying to expand into the zine frontier at the moment. 

What do you do for fun?

     Well, I do a lot of creative stuff, as I mentioned, but I also like to hang out with my friends and my boyfriend and talk about life and have deep philosophical conversations and go adventuring around Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas. I love to dance, spontaneous dance parties and concerts are extremely fun for me! I basically grew up in a redwood forest, so I have a deep appreciation for nature and I love going for walks with just my dogs and me whenever I'm home. I love hiking and bike-riding and going to the beach and going geocaching! I really enjoy exploring the town I call home and trying different restaurants and going to flea markets. I also love a good trip to the thrift shop, especially Happy Dragon, which is a shop near my old high school. When I'm not out and about, I like to read and write in my journal and explore the internet. And, of course, work on my blog!

What do you draw inspiration from?

     I get inspired by anything and everything. Alannah's tumblr, flowers, nature, animals, the textures and prints of fabric and clothes that I see in thrift shops, hippies, Santa Cruz, Miley Cyrus, the 70s, historic Japanese and Chinese art, fortune cookie fortunes, Lady Gaga, horror films, Grimes, Florence + the Machine, rainbows, amazing artists like Audrey Kawasaki and Wayne White, animated films, 80s music, scary stories, film noir, insects, colors, books, badass women like Elsie Larson, Gala Darling, and Tavi Gevinson, the 50s, films like Super 8, Grease, and Back to the Future, quilts made by my great-grandmother, my cultural heritage, American history, Tim Burton, weather, thrift store finds, DIY projects, the amazing people I've interviewed so far (!), Marilyn Monroe, pin up girls, my friends, water, and landscapes. 

How would you describe yourself?

     I am very ambitious. I always have big plans for tomorrow, next week, next year, etc. and I think that's a good thing because I'm constantly growing towards new things. I tend to be a battle of opposites: introverted vs. outgoing, loud vs. quiet, the life of the party and a very one-on-one kind of girl. I tend to be spontaneous but I also love planning things. I'm endlessly creative, very friendly, and I love meeting new people. I am very intelligent and I have an excellent work ethic, but I'm also pretty laid back and friendly. I'm vivacious and quite optimistic, I love to make lists and discover new things, and I always make time to be by myself.

What are some of your values or things you believe in? What advice would you give others?

     I believe that everyone is basically good, and that all people deserve happiness and that it is real and achievable  I believe that love is the only way. I believe that you must love yourself as much as you love anyone else. I believe that any obstacle can be overcome. I believe that you must only treat people with kindness, and there is no excuse for doing otherwise. I believe in justice, but I also believe in forgiveness and compassion. I believe that the Universe is amazing. I believe everyone is strong enough to heal and change themselves, and that everyone has the power to do what they want. To put it awe-inspiringly, everyone is destined for greatness. 

What are you studying in college and/or what career path will you pursue?

     I am currently an art major at the University of California at Santa Cruz and I am also pursuing a minor in education. I plan to get teaching credentials in Art and American History so that I can teach at the high school level. I can also see myself starting a business or furthering this blog to generate income, and I'm also looking into becoming a professional organizer. 

Where do you want to be in five years? In ten years?

Five years from now, I will be 23 (wow), so I will have graduated from UCSC about two years earlier and I will be pursuing a teaching credential in Art. I'll be living somewhere in a city in Washington or Oregon and having many grand adventures while I'm there. I want to either have secured a teaching job teaching American History or be working a neat job in a cute shop or a library. My blog will have become very popular at this point, and I will also be working towards starting a business, whether it be a professional organizing business, furthering my Etsy shop, or a business of some other kind. I want to continue signing and performing during this part of my life, and I also love to be a certified Zumba instructor!

In ten years, I will be 28 (WOW), and I will definitely be teaching art and American history at this point. I will also be making a considerable income both from this blog and from my business endeavors. I plan to have a house at this point and I will be having lot of fun decorating it! 

I will also have at least one doggie! In terms of children or marriage, I'm really not sure about my opinions on either at this point, so I guess I'll have to wait and see. Wherever I end up, I do hope my life is one full of happiness. 

Now, normally this is the part where the interviewee shares pictures of their style and creative work, but I share that stuff with you all on a regular through this blog, so if you want to see some of it, just surf my blog and check out the My Art tag, as well as the Outfit tag!

One Cool Chick: Lizzie M.

Hey guys! For my next addition to the Cool Person Series, I interviewed Lizzie. She's super cool, and I especially love her art! I've been following her on Tumblr and Polyvore for a while, and I love what she had to say for these questions, check her out:

What do you like to do or create?

I love to draw. I love collaging even more, it's so therapeutic. In high school, I made an actual art portfolio. Since being in college the past year and a half, I'm just trying to keep a personal sketchbook made of index cards where I can get all my creative energy out. I'm a big fan of creating graphic patterns, using neutral colors, and lately I've been experimenting with really minimal collages.

What do you do for fun?

 I'm a full-time student, but when I have the time, I love to read, binge watch TV on Netflix (just finished Breaking Bad!), and hang out with friends around campus. When I'm back home in Colorado, I love to hike. I'm also in the process of joining a sorority so hopefully that will bring more fun my way while I'm at school.

What do you draw inspiration from? 

I love nature, from the entire landscape of the Rocky Mountain range to the smallest little leaf. No matter what, it's beautiful just because it is. Novels and music always inspire me and help me understand the story behind what I make. I'm eternally inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, as artists and as people. (I record a lot of my inspirations on my Tumblr: perfect-weather.tumblr.com).

How would you describe yourself? 

I'm a very creative person and I love to just think and observe, so I tend to be quiet unless I feel that what I have to say really means something. I try to find the best in everything, yet I'm known as the sarcastic punk in my group of friends.

What are you studying in college/ what career path will you pursue? 

I'm an English major, and I'm considering a minor in Philosophy or Applied Ethics. I'm on a track right now where I will teach on a small stipend for two years after graduation while I get my Master's Education degree. I'd love to teach literature in high school for a while, then depending on what's happening in my life I might go for my PhD!

I also asked Lizzie to share some of her artwork, and this is what she had to show us!

Thank you, Lizzie! 

Are you guys diggin' the Cool Person Series? I know I am!

If you would like to be interviewed, please comment or email me!

One Cool Chick: Alannah G.

 Hello everyone! Today I'm extremely excited to show you guys the interview I did with Alannah from Clog Princess. Ever since I discovered her blog, she has been one of my internet heroes, so when she said I could interview her, I was so, so excited. I'm especially obsessed with her Art Journal, as you can see from this earlier post I wrote about her journals and how inspiring they are. 

Okay, enough from me, please enjoy what she had to say: 

What do you like to do or create?

I enjoy lots of cute crafts but my main project are my art journals. I've always loved the idea of keeping a journal, but hate reading back over my lame words. When I was in high school I did a lot of altered books, so art journalling is really an extension of that, but much more personal. I love little DIY projects as well - I've been making lots of letter bracelets recently of all my favourite things - ones that read "hermionie", "girl power" or "sloths". I've been giving them away to friends. :)

What do you do for fun?

Well right now I'm really busy involved in my psychology degree, so a lot of study takes up my time! I love op shopping though and spending my weekends lazing around markets. I love going on picnics and down to the beach, which is very close to my home. Bike riding is fun, and I always love reading as much as I can.

What do you draw inspiration from?

Tumblr is a huge source of inspiration, but because there are so many artists and amazing people! I think inspiration is anywhere. Once I saw a t-shirt online that had a tombstone with the words "R.I.P Girl Hate" and I thought that was really cool so I based a page in my journal from that. It totally depends on where you look and what you take from that!

How would you describe yourself?

"Happy" is the first word that comes to mind, I am normally smiling and planning elaborate things for myself to do. I think I'm introverted; although I love people and making new friends is amazing I totally need some alone time to unwind. 

What are some things you believe in?

I believe in an abstract form of karma - I believe if you are kind and project goodness into the world, that will come back to you. I don't subscribe ton a religion but I believe we are only on the earth for a short time and we should be as happy as possible while we are here.

What are you studying in college/ what career path will you pursue?

I'm studying a bachelor of psychology at the moment, and am thinking of working with young girls in halfway houses. Feminism is really important to me and I'd like the opportunity to help young women.

I also asked Alannah to show us some pictures that represent her personal style and creative work, and here is what she had to show us:

I could scroll through her art journal tag for days on end, I swear. 

I hope you all enjoyed this latest edition of the Cool Person series! If you guys have suggestions about more questions to ask or you would like to be interviewed, just comment or email me any time. My email is in my About tab up top :)

One Cool Chick: Sarah D.

Hello, everyone and may I present to you the latest installment in my Cool Person Series! This feature continues to be one of my favorite parts of this blog, so if missed earlier posts, I recommend that you read them. 

This time I interviewed Sarah, who runs her own cute-as-all-get-out Etsy shop, Urban Studs! She has been very successful. She opened up shop in March of this year and has had 89 sales to date! Awesome! She even prints the graphics herself. 

Here is what Sarah had to say:

1. What do you like to do or create?

       I make, sell, and design clothing for my Etsy shop, UrbanStuds. We sell beanies, muscle tees, sweaters and more!

 2. What do you do for fun?

       When I'm not hanging out with my friends or family, I like to design new graphics, take pictures with my Canon Powershot G1X, skateboard, read poems by M.K. and listen to music! I love alternative indie rock music. 

 3. What do you draw inspiration from? 

       Seeing the diversity of different fashion senses from all around the world really gives me inspiration. I travel with my family very often and the main places where I have been inspired are Spain, France, England, North Africa, the Caribbean, and big cities like New York City, where I live. Music also gives me inspiration which might sound weird since you can't really see music but when I listen to music and look at the lyrics to a song it puts me in a good mood and gives me motivation to create designs. Some of my favorite artists and bands are Vampire Weekend, Oberhofer, The Strokes and Bon Iver.

 4. How would you describe yourself?

      I would describe myself as open-minded, I'm always open to new things, cultures, ideas and foods. I'm pretty friendly too, I love meeting new people from different places!

 5. What are some things you believe in?

           Achievement after hard work. If you have a goal, keep working toward it. I say hard work and achievement come hand in hand. 

 6. What are you going to study in college/ what career path will you pursue?

      In college I'm interested in studying law and doing fashion and UrbanStuds on the side as a hobby that I'll always enjoy!

 7. What made you decide to open an Etsy shop?

      I've always loved doing DIY fashion projects at home. This past winter I did a DIY studded sweater and posted a picture of it on my Instagram. A lot of my friends commented on it saying where can I get one!? So I made a few more sweaters and sold them mainly to just friends and girls at my school. By March I had sold close to 50 studded and dip dyed sweaters to girls in my school so I decided that I should make a etsy shop and start selling to everyone!

 8. What is your favorite thing about running an Etsy shop? Your least favorite thing?

      My favorite thing about running an Etsy shop is hearing my customers positive feedback. It makes my day to read comments and emails from people saying they like my clothing. I just find it so fascinating that people as far as Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Canada love the clothing that I make. As for my least favorite, I don't dislike anything about having an Etsy shop. I've never had a reason to regret it and don't think I ever will. I love designing and creating clothing and I'm thankful to have found a place where I can sell my clothing!

 I asked Sarah to share some pictures of the clothing she makes and photos she takes, and here is what she had to show us:

Be sure to visit Sarah's Etsy shop, Urban Studs! 

Also, if you think it would be cool to get interviewed by me, please contact me in the comments below or send me an email at aplleegrl@yahoo.com. I love talking to new people and I want to share your story here on Good Vibrations :)

One Cool Chick: Maddy F.

Hey everyone, today I have another installment in my Cool Person Series! This is by far one of my favorite features on this blog, and I highly suggest reading the other articles if you missed them!

Today's cool person is Maddy F., a girl who I went to high school with, back in the day (like, until a month ago). I never really got to know Maddy very well but she always made an impression on me with her personal style when I saw her around school, so I used this interview as a chance to learn a little more about her. I also recently discovered her fashion blog, Sleeping Plum, and I found it extremely inspiring, go and have a look-see! Her responses to the interview questions are awesome and entertaining, so dive in!

1.What do you like to do or create?

 My favorite things to do currently are styling outfits and just making things very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Obviously styling goes hand in hand with shopping, but on a high-schooler’s budget, I mostly shop at thrift stores. I have become a “regular” at the Salvation Army in Gilroy, and also end up shopping around at the outlets a lot.

2. What do you do for fun? 

Well I have a huge obsession with corgis, so I spend a lot of time looking at pictures of corgis online. I am a big lover of Sci-fi shows like Doctor Who, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Warehouse 13, and Being Human, so I am on Netflix a lot. When I am not being anti-social, my friends and I like to get out of our little town and take the train up to San Francisco. Last summer we saw Dr Dog play a free concert at the America’s Cup, and also went to Outside Lands Music Festival. My favorite activity though, has to be sunbathing while eating popsicles and listening to the Nerdist podcast in my pajamas.

3. What do you draw inspiration from?

 The 50’s, pop art, new science discoveries, crazy prints, Carman Miranda, the Kennedy Death scandal era, buddhist culture, old comic books, people watching, donuts and various other pastries, Victorian jewelry, ballerinas, Johnny Cash & June Carter, open fields with wild flowers, and old cities with neat architecture.

4. How would you describe yourself?

 A tomgirl who turned into a girly girl but actually hates girly girls. I think I am a push over and I get distracted very easily which makes it hard to be good at one thing. I like to try new things and like food and most people that I get to know, but I hate cucumbers, when people cry or throw up, and when people are stupid.

5.What are some things you believe in?

 I am very open about being an extreme Atheist, but I guess that's something I don’t believe in. I believe that all people should learn basic table manners and how to say please and thank you or else they should be left on a deserted island until they do.

6.What are you going to study in college/ what career path will you pursue?

Currently I am looking at schools in New York, or LA because that is where I could get a job and would ultimately want to live. I am hoping to get a degree in Design or Curation but I am not too sure in exactly what I want to do. My dream occupation would to be a stylist for the Stars, or a curator at a big museum.

I asked Maddy to share some photos which showcased her personal style, and this is what she had to show us: 

Thank you, Maddy!

As a reminder to everyone, if you have not yet joined the summer gift/care package swap, please do so! We only have a few participants and I want this thing to be BIG. Read more about what I'm talking about here if you missed the post.