This Silhouette Spotlight is all about designer Gina Marshall. Gina is from Austin, Texas. She grew up drawing, painting, studying art, and enjoying many artistic outlets, but she didn’t really envision herself as an artist in the beginning. “Although I loved art and design, I didn’t know anyone who made a living as an artist, so it seemed unrealistic. It wasn’t until I had spent some years working in the corporate world that I was offered an opportunity I couldn’t resist. I left my ‘real’ job and became an artisan for a floral crafting business. After that, there was no turning back. I love the creative life. Designing for Silhouette allows me to play with my kids and feed them too!”

Design IDs #267785, 73110, 69099

In 2014, Gina joined the Silhouette team of artists. “I love how accessible and versatile Silhouette is. The possibilities are endless, there are so many projects and ideas to explore. I love being part of that amazing platform.”

Design IDs #269442, 133433, 95179

Gina is a very unique Silhouette artist because most of her Silhouette portfolio consists of her varied fonts. “They are my favorite thing to design for Silhouette. The right font can further communicate an idea or feeling. It might sound corny, but something as simple as displaying a quote you love can change your life. Words are powerful. Living by the right words can change your direction and empower you. When making a font, I like to imagine that it will be used to communicate something meaningful or joyful.”

Design IDs #237625, 260273

Gina says her fonts reflect a playful personality. “I like artwork that celebrates individuality, a joy in being imperfect, and a little whimsy.” Her fonts in the Silhouette Design Store definitely encapsulate all of those things.

Design IDs #73627, 88730, 119744, 146054

The most amazing moment Gina has experienced as an artist has been when she realized she could be an artist for a living. “I get to do this fun, intuitive thing that is more like play than work.”

We asked Gina what her advice is to others just starting out. “There is room for everyone! Create. Live by the Andy Warhol quote: ‘Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.’ I think artists in particular are very hard on themselves. So many of us don’t know where to start. Start with the work. If you love to create, just do it. Make friends with other creative people, lift each other up, be inspired by one another, and be open to learning. Opportunities will present themselves. You will find that the biggest obstacles are the ones you lay down for yourself. So be brave! Go out and do what it is that you want to do, and help as many other people as you can along the way!”

Design IDs # 247402, 237625, 153466, 174616

We think Gina is so inspiring, and we love having her in our team of amazing artists. Click here to check out her Silhouette portfolio.

 

Featured image Design IDs #119744, 118265, 90328, 115139, 269442, 114229, 138902, 116052, 101754, 144125, 98605, 190078, 100774, 140057, 62193, 205931