The Cowtown Indie Bazaar is a handmade craft show produced by the Fort Worth Handmade Arts Association and sponsored by Etsy Fort Worth. All proceeds go back into the community to support the handmade arts. One of the artists for the fall 2011 show is Stephanie Longoria of Longoria Girls
Discover Stephanie Longoria:
Please give us a brief bio, where you are from and how you came to be an artist.
- My name is Stephanie Longoria, I'm a Graphic designer, wife & mother. My online shop is www.LongoriaGirls.etsy.com I was born and raised in South Texas, and I've lived in the DFW area for the past 8 years. I come from artistic parents. My mom is also a crafter and I've crafted with her my whole life. My dad is an awesome illustrator; he taught me how to draw when I was really young.
When did you first discover your creative talents?
- Making things has always been something I love to do. My first memory from when I was little is winning a coloring contest when I was around 2 or 3. I colored a Cookie Monster picture for a contest; I colored him all different colors even though my parents wanted me to color him blue. When I won the judge said it was because my Cookie Monster was the most creative that he had seen.
Could you tell us about some of your work?
- The idea behind my work is "a new spin on old traditions". Most of my work is based off my Hispanic heritage. I grew up playing a game called Loteria (it’s a bingo type game with beautiful images.) I love using Loteria images in my work. I also love Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), I base a lot of my work off of this holiday.
How would you describe your style?
- I like to take traditional imagery and mix it with new trends to create my own style. I think that mixing my knowledge of traditional crafting and graphic design really set my style apart.
What is your approach to design?
- My approach to design is to just get down to it. I start experimenting until I find the right approach to the project I'm working on.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
- Professionally I would love for my line of products to be in boutiques all over the U.S. I'd love to be able to support my family through my art work.
What artists do you like or look up to?
- Kathy Cano-Murillo aka The Crafty Chica has been a huge inspiration. Her story is very moving. She started off her career selling crafts at local shows, and now has had multiple books published, and even her own craft supply line. To be able to craft for a living is my ultimate goal and that is something she has achieved.
What inspires you?
- I find inspiration all over the place. My children inspire me; they help me keep my work playful and fun. My husband and parents also inspire me. They are all so artistic; I can bounce ideas off them and make my ideas better.
Lastly, any words of advice for aspiring designers/artists?
- My advice for other artists/crafters is do what you like. Not everyone will "get" it but that shouldn't stop you from making what you enjoy making. The people who do "get" it will appreciate what you have created.
The Cowtown Indie Bazaar Handmade Marketplace will take place on October 15th from 9am to 5pm at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex in Fort Worth Texas. Be sure to stop by and check out Longoria Girls!
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