We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, that we are pleased to continue a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We also ask them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here
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Today, we have an interview with alumni Stephanie Hofmann. Stephanie has taken MATS A, B, Bootcamp and entered the Global Talent Search.
Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design
I studied graphic design and worked as a designer for 15 years whilst
gradually getting into surface pattern design as a side line.
Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’
I love illustrations that are quirky and tell a story. If I have a great idea I get super excited and can’t wait to get it realised into a finished piece.
Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
My favourite market is the editorial market. I love coming up with concepts and visual stories around editorial briefs.
What are you working on currently?
I have just finished some editorial assignments for 2 German magazines, which will be in the shops in May, which I am very happy about and I am working on surface patterns for Surtex.
What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?
Through taking MATS I have learnt about the different markets and what they involve. Being able to try all of them out made me see that I could do other stuff than just surface design. I would never have thought of doing editorial work, if it hadn’t been for MATS and the assignments were great preparation for doing real client work. When I started getting jobs I felt confident that I would be able to keep deadlines and MATS gave me tools for each stage of an assignment.
How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
The MATS community is very generous and helpful with feedback and I feel humbled by the amazing artists I have met. When I started MATS I felt a bit stuck in my work and the courses have helped me to feel more confident and really excited about my work.
Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?
Through MATS I have become freer in my work and have discovered that there are so many different kinds of markets to explore and that I was capable of applying myself to all of them. Completing MATS A and B and doing the Global Talent Search last year gave me the confidence to quit my part time graphic design job and try my luck at illustrating full time.
What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?
I have done work for several online and print magazines and I am en route to being able to support myself full time with a combination of editorial jobs and selling surface pattern designs.
How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art
Taking a MATS class will help you grow artistically whilst teaching you everything you need to know to feel confident when taking on professional assignments. You will grow at high speed in a safe and positive environment.
What is your dream gig for your artwork?
Any gig that I am getting feels like a dream gig at the moment, as I am just so happy that I can do what I love and support myself!
See more of Stephanie’s work here: Website | Instagram
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Would you like to experience the Make Art That Sells class yourself? Browse our live and self-paced classes here
Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!
[…] Read Stephanie’s Alumni Success interview here. […]
Dear Make art that sells team, thank you so much for this, I only just saw this!! Really excited to be featured and thank you for everything that I have learnt in your amazing courses! xxxSteffi