Twitterview with Kathryn Forss

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to today’s Twitterview with @DaisyMaeDesign. Lets get rolling!

Q – #1    So @DaisyMaeDesign – Where did you grown up, and what are some of the steps in your life that got you where you are today?

A:    I grew up in Rockford, IL (home of Cheap Trick!), then migrated to Chicago after graduation

It was in Chicago that I got into magazine design, thanks to the help of a great mentor, who happened to be my boss at the time.

Loved Chgo (it’s my real home town!), but moved to Mpls to get nearer to the family’s “up north” vacation spot, and absolutely love it here.

Q – #2    So what do you do currently for work, and what kind of clients do you work with?

A:    I started my freelance design firm, DaisyMaeDesign, in 2006. I design everything from business cards to websites.

I currently work mainly in the nonprofit and publishing sectors, but want to add more corporate clients. That’s my latest biz goal.

Q – #3    Now your real name is Kathryn Forss, and your Co. name is @DaisyMaeDesign, where did this Co. name come from?

A:    DaisyMaeDesign began as a partnership, and DaisyMae is the name of my former partner’s recently-deceased Bassett Hound!

When my partner decided to go back to her former career as a solo freelancer, I kept the biz identity (I had done the design for it).

DaisyMae is a much more melodious name than that of my current dog, a Bassett/Lab/Bulldog mix we call “Otto”.

Q – #4    Since you’re a designer, what kinds of things give you inspiration for your creations?

A:    I get inspiration from the details I see all around me — beautiful details in nature, clothing, the angles of bldgs in a cityscape. #

I try not to glean too much of my inspiration from the work of other designers. I feel that looking wider keeps me fresher.

Q – #5    Interesting. So has Social Media helped you with your work in networking and gaining clients?

A:    Absolutely. I’ve made lots of personal connex with ppl I would otherwise never have met. Great for the “getting to know you” stage.

It’s less about pure business networking than it is about making personal connections that make people comfortable with me.

Q – #6    Who are say 10-15 people that you follow that you receive inspiration, humor or other benefits from?

A:    Here are some women with a great “voice”: @ericamayer @girlmeetsgeek @dena33 @socialnetnanny @gemmewent @missshannon @SocialNicole

Some fellow designers: @darrelaustin @SmallBizLady @justcreative @Design4people

@jen_hanson @bittbox @dustinbrewer are more great designers and Twitter fanatics.

Q – #7    Now for the FAVS questions: Favorite restuarant, art/design store, summer activity, gadget.

A:    Fun! Taste of Thailand on Selby/Snelling (okay, a little skeevy, but the food’s fab!) Buy art stuff at Wet Paint on Grand.

Summer activity: I love to canoe near the BWCA wayyy before the sun rises. At that hour, the lakes belong to me and the Loons.

My fave gadget is my iPod Touch. Am an avid Apple fanboi (grrl). New ones in September, I hope! Bring it on, Mr. Jobs.

Q – #8    The hour is just about up, so to end – What thought or mantra would you like to share today?

A;    In virtual life as in real life: Refresh, refresh, refresh!

@JoelECarlson – Ah yes, it’s always great to refresh! Thank you @DaisyMaeDesign for sharing some of your life and interests today! Have good one. :)

@DaisyMaeDesign – Thanks a million, Joel — this was great!