Artist Profile: Di Hickman
Digital papers printed and used to cover a journal.
Artist: Di Hickman
Location: California, USA (but born and bred in Derby, England)
Websites & Blog:
Di Hickman
Di Hickman Designs (store)
Di Hickman (blog)
Computer journaling onto traditional scrapbook layout
How do you describe your work, Di?
I create cards, scrapbook layouts, mini books, altered projects, and ATC’s, using either paper, digital or hybrid techniques. My blog header reads: paper, digital, hybrid, doing it all and loving it! I chose that because it’s true, I really love having the mix of all mediums. Along with the above I also dabble in beading, acrylics, sewing, I’m probably better known in the card circles for my sketches.
What is your creative process like?
Usually when I create I have a goal in mind. Whether that’s for Design Teams, for submission or for fun, I start with a clear goal of what the project entails and yes I am a planner, I am a list maker, and calendar keeper. Most of my work is done for deadlines and so I have to have a clear idea of what needs doing in what order. 50% of the time I am given specific product to work with so the majority of those projects is putting the product on the table and seeing what comes out at the end. For 30% I’m led by topics, like article headers, tutorial subjects, so I’m given an outline with creative freedom within that realm. The other 20% is fun. On a typical ‘creative day’ I get to creating around 1pm and finishing up around 6pm to start dinner. Having my own space to create means that if I get chance I’ll pop in during the evening, or whenever I have some spare time. I do create daily, whether I whip up a card, ATC, add journaling to a layout or just tidy up my supplies. Music/Silence varies a lot for me, depending on my mood. I’m quite emotionally driven with my creative work.
Hybrid layout. Digital elements are the journaling panel and photo editing.
What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
In college I studied graphic design and printing. I’d always loved art, drawing, and anything creative (including knitting, crochet, sewing, etc). When I first saw scrapbooking supplies in the local craft store I told my husband “I could never get into all that!”. I would eat those words a few years later, when I rekindled my love of photography I went back into that store and bought my first scrapbooking supplies. I was making the occasional handmade card and created my first layout in 2003. In 2005 I found online message boards and discovered that regular people could get their projects published in magazines and set myself that goal. I got my first card picked up that year and published that Summer, and a tag published in January 2006. I guess for me 2006 was the start of seeing this as something more than a hobby. I set myself a few goals that year: get published again; and I did *smile*
Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
My computer! I use it on almost every project. Even if it’s just computer journaling, or post processing photographs. Besides that, it puts me in contact with other creative people!
Paper card. Mix of techniques including layering, inking and sewing.
What inspires you to create?
Digital designing: I get inspiration from everywhere. My kit “diva approved” was designed around some photos of my friends 4 year old daughter. Other times it could be a theme, color scheme, or just some fabric I saw.
Sketches: again anything. I tend to go through phases with sketches, usually when I’m watching TV or taking some quiet time, or waiting at the Dr’s office! I always carry a notepad to scrawl down a rough sketch.
Creative projects: Obviously that depends on the project. *wink*
What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
People who email me telling me that I inspire them. Or that they started cardmaking (or other craft) because of me. That is the reason I share my work, and especially my sketches. I love seeing what other people have created using my sketches as inspiration. It’s a fantastic feeling.
Project using envelopes as a mini book for holding letters
What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Never say never! Always attempt new things! And plan some time, to simply PLAY with your creative product. There is no such thing as a mistake in art!
What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
My dogs and husband. I walk the dogs 3 times a day and they lay down in my scraproom when I’m creating or on my computer (they are in here now snoring after their midday walk!). Other than that dirtbiking is one of my other passions. I own a Honda CRF 230, a recent upgrade from my TTR 125e. We spend quite a few weekends out in the mountains riding dirt trails. Though that has been more difficult this season due to the wildfires last year. I have also recently gotten into cooking, especially Indian Cooking. We both love Indian food, and our friends from Bangalore are teaching us their secrets :)
100% digital layout
What’s your favorite comfort food or other items?
I’m not a big comfort eater. I tend to journal a lot for comfort, or lose myself in music. Really I guess it boils down to the fact that I don’t dwell on things that require comforting, more of a positive “let’s work on a way to fix it” kind of person. Optimist rather than pessimist.
Hybrid card. All papers are digital and printed. Added some brads and inking for traditional elements.
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POSTED IN: Artist Profiles, Book Arts, Business tips, Collage, Creativity, Journals, Mixed Media, Paper, Photography, Quotes
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