If you’re unfamiliar with the work of Lori Whitlock, you are in for a treat! Lori boasts nearly 9,000 designs in the Silhouette Design store so we can guarantee you’ll find something you love! Lori is a treasure trove of resources, tutorials, and designs– make sure you check out her website! We are thrilled to announce her sale in the Silhouette Design store! This week get 40% off her designs, and check out her free design, an adorable Bubble Gum machine card. Lets get to know Lori a little bit better!

Where are you from?

I grew up spending my summers on a farm in the middle of South Dakota and my winters in Texas. I currently live in Utah with my husband and my daughter (we have 2 older children that are in college).

How long have you been a Silhouette user? 

I’ve been using Silhouette pretty much since it was created… I have been a contributing artist for 11 years this summer.

Which machine is your favorite? 

I am loving the new CAMEO 4!

What type of crafting is your specialty?

I have always enjoyed all sorts of crafting and sewing. When I was young, I loved to find antique furniture and refinish it. My mother taught me how to sew and we even made a large double-wedding ring quilt while I was in high school. I enjoyed other crafts such as cross stitching and embroidery. Then, in high school I learned about scrapbooking and I was hooked.  This is where my love of paper crafting began. As an artist I’ve explored many different styles and types of paper crafting, but I suppose 3D projects are my signature. 

How is your personality reflected in your work? 

I like things to be in order, and I think that is reflected in the way that I design. I am careful to make sure that my die lines precise so my projects go together well.

When did you join Silhouette artist team? 

I joined Silhouette as a contributing artist almost 11 years ago in the summer of 2009 (the Design Store was still in “beta”).

Tell us about your graphic designer career. How did you get your start? 

I went to college and received my degree in graphic design. After several years of experience of working in a design studio, I found my true love and passion — developing products for the crafting industry. I took a leap of faith and quit my job at the design studio where I was working and started my own studio at home. This is where my love of crafting collided with my education and career, and, this is when things began to get fun! Over the past 15 years I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful companies including Creating Keepsakes, Project Life, CratePaper, Echo Park Paper Co, Silhouette, Sizzix, Riley Blake Designs, and more. 

What was the first design you created? What do you like design more?

I believe my very first Silhouette design to upload was an apple. I enjoy designing all sorts of things. I guess for me, I thrive on “variety”. I get bored with designing just one thing all the time. It’s fun to spend part of my day designing paper and then mixing things up with some cut files later in the day. To some degree, I think this helps me avoid creative block. 

What is your favorite thing about what you do?

As a self-employed designer, I love the freedom to work on whatever I feel inspired to create. I also love hearing positive feedback from my fellow crafters and using that information to inspire me to create more. 

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out?

If you’re a designer that is just starting out, just know that it’s going to take two things to be successful – consistency and time. Don’t expect overnight success. That can happen in some rare cases, but for the most part, when you are building a business, it will take a lot of hard work and patience to see your business grow.

How many designs do you have in the Silhouette Design Store?

I currently have about 8900 designs in the Design Store. 

What are your most popular designs?

The most popular designs have definitely ebbed and flowed with the trends and over the years. Sometimes an unexpected random file will be the most popular. But, overall, my 3D cards are something that I am well known for and they have always been a hit for me.

Why do you do what you do? Why did you decide to become a SDS artist?

I was first introduced and was using digital cutting machines before Silhouette was born and I was thrilled to be able to use my computer to design die lines and mock things up using a digital cutter. I instantly fell in love with the technology and was initially using it to create projects for Creating Keepsakes Kit of the Month program. When I received an invitation to join Silhouette as a contributing artist, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I truly feel like my path as a designer and crafter up to that point had prepared me for the opportunity to become a SDS artist. I had learned the things I needed to know, so that when the opportunity presented itself, it was a very easy decision to jump on board and give it my all. I absolutely love creating and sharing new projects with all of you – that’s what keeps me going. 

How do you overcome creative blocks?

When I am having a creative block, I know it’s time to take a break. I try to do things that take my mind off of creating for a while like spending time with my family, shopping, gardening, cooking, traveling, etc. Then, when I feel ready to design again, I can come back to my work refreshed and energized. Typically, that breaks the creative block for me.  

What has been your most amazing moment you’ve experienced as an artist?

My career in the crafting industry has given me the opportunity to do many things that I could only have dreamed of. I’ve had the chance teach, travel, and even present on HSN for Silhouette (which was terrifying, by the way!). But, honestly, the most rewarding thing about my job is all the wonderful people from around the globe that I’ve been able to meet along the way. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to share my talents with all of you. Thank you for being so loyal to the Lori Whitlock brand and for buying my files over the years — it means the world to me. I love knowing that I’m creating fun projects for crafters to make. I love knowing that many of the projects that YOU make are given as gifts and shared with loved ones and that it’s putting smile on someone’s face. We are making the world a better happier one craft project at a time. 

A huge thanks to Lori to taking the time to give us a glimpse into her creative wonderland! Make sure you take advantage of the sale going on this week on the Silhouette Design Store!