Creative Archive::Where do you live and for how long?
Ramona: I just moved from NYC this past April back home to where I grew up in Burlington Vermont to launch my company Float. I am in Sanibel, Fl right now for the winter so I split my time between the two places. I am a 31 year old snow bird. :)
Creative Archive::So your occupation is?
Ramona: Designer and Owner of Float Designs - a line of luxe women's resort wear.
Creative Archive:: Florida seems like such a great place to be while creating a resort line! Is there any other place would you find inspiring to live and in what ways?
Ramona: I would love to live in Hawaii, but it is too expensive for one thing and way to far away from friends and family! I went last year to visit my friends that live on the island of Kauai and I loved it! Kauai is the oldest and most northern of the Hawaiian Islands. I really had the "Aloha Spirit" when I was there. For those who do not know what the Aloha Spirit is it is an attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous. However, it also refers to a powerful way to resolve any problem, accomplish any goal, and also to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire. So needless to say when I was in Hawaii I was very inspired by life and also for Float collections, by the laid back attitude of people and the luxurious landscape the island had to offer. My first signature print is even named "Napali" after a visit to the Hawaiian Na Pali coast.
Creative Archive::Where else do you do get your inspiration or what do you find inspiring when creating your line for Float?
Ramona: I get inspiration mostly from being at the beach and seeing what people are wearing, and also from my own needs and desires when dressing for a day at the beach. I am also very influenced by 1920's - 1960's beach wear. I collect black and white beach photos for design inspiration because I love the old fashioned detailing of vintage beach wear.
Creative Archive::Any last words? Where can we find out more information about Float?
Ramona: Please check out Float Designs at www.floatdesigns.net. We have a brand new/bigger collection previewing in January so please make sure to check back in the New Year!
Creative Archive:: All of Floats great designs pictured above are available on the float website...
January 14, 2008
Interview::Float Designs, designer, Ramona Senese
October 23, 2007
Interview::Jill Lee, limited-edition screen-printed cards, stationary & art prints.
Jill's creative space in Brooklyn (above).
Creative Archive::Where do you live and for how long?
Jill L.: I Live in Brooklyn, N.Y. ...that is also where I have my studio. I've been in New York for almost 15 years though! I'm originally from Miami.
Creative Archive:: Miami is one of my favorite cities to visit! They have great flea markets as well. Whats your opinion on Miami?
Jill L.: I guess after being in NY for so long, I appreciate it so much more. It's relaxing, the weather is wonderful for the most part and the ocean is a beautiful aqua instead of grey! I love just laying on the beach or pool with a mojito in my hand in the middle of the afternoon! And who doesn't love the art deco architecture?!
Creative Archive::What other place would you find inspiring to live and in what ways? Or where do you travel to that you find inspiring?
Jill L.: Viva Paris! France of course...I believe I was French in my past life. I love French food; its culture particularly in art / film / fashion, and old French design / interiors (yes, I love all that dingy damask wallpaper in Chateau de Versailles!) I still have a lot of traveling to do though.... I would think I would be inspired by Switzerland and Japan, too. I've only been to their airports! 
Jill L.: I was working fulltime at the Gap designing baby clothes for almost seven years, but am now part-time there. I'm happy to be able to concentrate on my business making limited-edition screen-printed cards, stationary & art prints.
Creative Archive::Where do you discover your Inspiration?
Jill L.: I find inspiration by looking at my fellow designers and artists, going to museums to reconnect with the past, looking through my favorite books on artists like Louise Bourgeois, textiles and decorative design...sometimes coming across the simplest patterns in everyday life can also spark a whole collection.
Creative Archive::Any last words?
Jill L.: [I'm] working on my website due to be out by the end of the year, as well as, an Etsy shop, which will be open soon!
Creative Archive::Until Jill's website is up you can follow her blog for updates on her art openings/shop or to contact her if you are interested in purchasing prints.
www.mystudio302.com
