We recently have had some staff changes here at the Knit Picks office. It didn’t take long for me to jump on their graphic designer job posting, because once I read the first line I knew I’d be the perfect fit. I’m pleased to introduce myself to you as the newest Knit Picks’s Graphic Designer!
I’m Elaine, and I am no stranger to designing art and craft books. I have a professional background in graphic design, and more specifically designing art and craft publications. You can definitely say crafting is not only my passion but a way of life for me. I was born in Portland, Oregon but I haven’t lived here my whole life. I was uprooted to beautiful New England where I went to high school and college. After college I made my way back to the west coast designing my way through Southern California. Recently I married my best friend and we both wanted to start our next chapter back where I grew up in the great Pacific Northwest! Which led me to become the new Knit Picks Graphic Designer. I will be bringing a fresh design take to all their beautiful pattern books, e-books, and yarn labels.
Coming from a very artistic family I have had a lot of creative mediums surrounding myself at a very young age. My grandfather is a very talented woodworker and can recreate anything you show him. When I was younger the wood shop definitely intimidated me, but most recently I have found a new love for the scroll saw. Showing off my Oregon roots with this cheese board, and making about 20 of these Oregon magnets for a girls trip my aunts, cousins, and I went on this past spring.
My mother has been my greatest teacher, and crafting guide. Showing me my way around a sewing machine at a young age, and constantly gives me the creative inspiration to create new things. Her and I can find any raw object and turn them into a work of art. Milling around the salvage yard I found these old windows that I turned into sentimental wall hangings. This one I made for my wedding it was our welcome sign at our reception. Together we also created these neat table numbers for my reception that glowed through the night. My coordinator and guest were infatuated with these little guys! They made the perfect decoration for my wedding by the sea.
My degree in graphic design gave me four blissful years studying design and perfecting my craft. Not only has it inspired my creativity in a professional way, I find joy in using my talents outside of work as well. When I’m not creating book layouts I have a passion for creating personalized event invitations. Most Recently creating my own bridal shower invitations and my sisters adventure themed baby shower invites.
I’m excited for my new artistic adventure here at Knit Picks! Being surrounded by wonderfully talented knitters, and all this beautiful yarn how can you not want to pick up some knitting needles? This office is full of seasoned knitters ready to guide me on my journey. Now that I have been properly fitted with the most beautiful Dishie yarn I’m ready to dive into the world of dishcloths. Keep an eye out for my next blog post about my trials and tribulations, I’m sure it’s not going to be perfect but I’m so excited to gain a new talent.
