Laura L. Leatherwood
Surface Designer
Hello! I design print for fashion apparel and art canvas. I’ve been working in the visual arts for over 14 years combining traditional art mediums with digital design.
Laura L. Leatherwood
SURFACE DESIGNER
The world will always need artists. They are the creative problem solvers, thought provokers, and entertainers of the world. The creative arts will never be stifled during difficult times. Creativity is not a process an artist can merely turn off. It lives within the artist and it will flourish during troubling situations as well as fortunate ones. The strength of an artist is identifying how to funnel this innate creative energy into something inherently meaningful to that individual. For myself, I create art as a form of self expression and sharing my design work with others is a blessing.
I want to introduce myself formally. I am an artist named Laura L. Leatherwood and I launched Pen & Ink Magic in 2007. My design work is often filled with an artistic use of color and abstract design elements. I have merged my education and training in the fine arts with skills as a graphic designer, illustrator and photographer. My modern intelligent design gives me an elite distinction among other surface designers.
When you shop with Pen & Ink Magic, you will be supporting my small California business that appeals to customers globally. You also have the ability to connect with a current living artist. Because of this accessibility, you can have your inquiries resolved in regard to designs on products sold. In addition, special requests and commissioned art can be made on the contact page.
TEXTILE ARTISTRY
I founded a career with Pen & Ink Magic that fulfilled my art passion and love of textiles alike. As the daughter of a seamstress, quilter, and fashionista, I was immersed in an artistic culture, cultivating a rich knowledge of textile materials, prints, and surface patterns.
Later, I went to college and took many years of art courses in drawing, painting, digital art, and also surface design. I joined a quilt guild for several years and most appreciated the fine art quilts, fabric dying, appliqués, and the multitude of material surfaces and textures that fabric provided.
From a fine art perspective, I was drawn to the interaction of mediums on these surfaces. A passion for art exploration began and design confidence emerged after years of experience.
I enjoy designing in the moment. Instead of tight work, it is expressive and lyrical in movement and style. The colors are often strikingly bold to match the vigorous nature of my complex compositions.
For me, surface design is not only a job; it is an all encompassing journey that serves as a hobby as well. It can help me express so many emotions. First, it can embody a therapeutic form of meditation and inner thought. The result is a sense of peace in an otherwise complex world. On the other end of the spectrum, my design process often serves as a logic puzzle, keeping my mind active and fresh. It can be exhilarating and fun on so many levels!
As an artist, I find abstract art to be a natural extension of myself. I treasure my creative time immensely as personal artistic exercise of self-actualization. As a result, I detail my thoughts in a visual manner, much as a writer would scribe their thoughts in a journal. My mindset, at that moment, manifests in my designs and the excitement of trying out new art mediums makes the process even more fulfilling.
See the post about the artist for more information.
LATEST POSTS
Fees
Professional Service Fees Professional surface design rates are $75 an hour. This fee is in addition to the cost of software subscriptions, stock images, fonts, art supplies, and miscellaneous fees associated with the design project. Rush jobs, holidays, and overtime are accrued at twice the normal design rate. It is customary to pay a non-refundable … Continue reading Fees
Integrity T-shirt Offered at Amazon
With all that has been going on in the world lately, the least people can do is offer self integrity. I have never been one to discuss politics and business at the same time, but I have certainly reached my breaking point. When I shop at the grocery store, people are there without a mask … Continue reading Integrity T-shirt Offered at Amazon
Artist Block is Real
As with a writer with writer’s block, an artist can have a problem with creative flow as well. Artists deal with this artist block in a multitude of ways. For me, shopping for a new tube of paint is sometimes all I need to put me back in the mood. Sizing up the variety of … Continue reading Artist Block is Real
Basic Understanding of Colors
If you visit any art or craft store, you can pick up something called a color wheel. It is usually a cardboard disk with colors of the light spectrum. It is a great visual aid in seeing how paint colors mix together. For instance, it will show if you combine green and yellow together, the … Continue reading Basic Understanding of Colors
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VIDA & Co.
SHOP FASHION & ART
The most exciting project I am currently working on is a collaboration with VIDA & Co. A bold use of color and adoration for abstract design allows me to create art inspired clothing, accessories and décor that are a perfect fit for VIDA’s mission to create beauty while supporting philanthropy all over the world.
Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder and this collaboration also allows myself the freedom to create a wide variety of wearable art pieces in a plethora of colors and designs so that there is something everyone will love.
This freedom to share creations on clothing and accessories is something I have always dreamt of. Each piece of wearable art captures the customer’s own unique personality and allows them to feel ostentatious, adventurous, and beautiful when they wear it.
Due to my prolific design flow, two VIDA & Co. stores were necessary to catalogue my design work. The first store, LAURA, is fully saturated with visual content while the new store, LEATHERWOOD, remains in its infancy.
Life is too short to wear boring clothing. The VIDA & Co. clothing shops don captivating show pieces from colorful abstract designs, fabulous florals, nature inspired butterflies, every shade of popular blue trending under the rainbow, and subtle prints that whisper sophistication.
DESIGNS ON FASHION & ART
All of the original, artistic designs can be found on:
SCARVES
- Modal scarves that are perfect for summer and add color to any outfit
- Moreno wool scarves that are elegant and stylish
- Cashmere and silk scarves that add instant sophistication to any outfit
- Cotton bandana style scarves that are as versatile as they are easy-to-wear
- Infinity scarves that are eco-friendly as they are created with recycled fabrics
- Classic cotton scarves that never go out of style yet are so stylish
WRAPS
- Kimono style wraps that are perfect for the beach, going out, and beyond
- Cocoon wraps that are sheer, eco-friendly, and feature original art
- Poncho wraps made from twill wool that will keep you warm and elegant
CLOTHING
- Variety of tops and tee styles that are a work of wearable art
- Full length leggings that are flattering, and come in artful designs
- Yoga leggings with four way stretch and striking art
- Sweatshirts that are beautiful and made to be lived in
ACCESSORIES
- Gorgeous handbags that make a bold statement wherever they go
- Clutches that can be worn with anything and hold just enough
- Totes and carry-all pouches that can go anywhere
- Studio bags for all your artsy essentials
MASKS
Protective, filtered masks in lots of artistic colors and patterns
This is my best selling item at VIDA & Co.
HOME
Every item created for the home features original works of art designed to invoke a feeling of happiness, joy, peace, and love of family.
- Decorative pillows
- Glass trays
- Wall art
- Greeting cards
There is so much to choose from here, but to get you started, my most popular items right now are modal scarves, sheer wraps, cashmere and silk scarves, essential tops, and of course, masks.
The best way to shop with VIDA & Co. is on your desktop using the Chrome browser. You can shop by selecting filters on the website for color, categories, or style. You can also sort by best selling, new arrivals, and price of product.
Order gifts early and be mindful of shipping times. Some items are manufactured and printed in the U.S. with a quick turnaround. Other’s are processed in numerous locations around the globe. Shipping delays due to Covid-19 are possible.
Gift certificates purchased at VIDA & Co. are also a great option for gift giving throughout the year.
Pixels
MUSEUM-QUALITY FRAMED PRINTS AND GIFTS FROM PIXELS
Pixels offers a great 30 day, money back program which adds consumer confidence to your purchase. It is also often found that if you use the Pixels advertisement at the bottom of the website, an additional discount may be given. Be sure to check for latest details on their website. This third-party store is powered by Pixels or Fine Art America.
Categories
- Wall art
- Home decor
- Stationery
- Bags
- Apparel
Custom Design
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I would be happy to collaborate with you to create something special. Some of my past collaborations have included abstracts in particular colors, pet themes, and even a Frida Kahlo T-shirt. Commission a custom piece by entering your project requirements and contact information below.
