Ask Around: an Interview with Diane Schultz of Graphic 45.

Cath with Paper Crafts Planet brings us this fantastic feature on the CEO/Head Designer of Graphic 45, Diane Schultz.  Check out Cath's publications with the links below. 

• Paper Crafts Magazine
• Creating Keepsakes Magazine

I'm thrilled to bring you this interview with Diane Schultz from Graphic 45, friends. From the first moment I saw her work just over two years ago now, I knew that she was bringing something extraordinarily unique and fresh to the paper crafting market.

With her unprecedented approach to vintage and retro design, Diane brings a unique style to the paper crafting world whose attention to detail is utterly astounding. The color combinations she incorporates are rich, the images she freezes in time are vibrant, and her ability to capture a not-so-forgotten era is utterly astounding.

What's more? She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet! Quiet and demure, Diane offers a polite grace and gentle demeanor that you can't help but love to pieces!


Let's get to know her a little better, shall we? Take it away, Diane!

It's always difficult to describe yourself. I wear a lot of hats and love it that way. I'm a mother, an artist, a lover of all things old and beautiful. (In the days when the airlines would allow, I once returned from a trip with an old china wash-basin on my lap.) I'm the owner, CEO, and head designer of Graphic 45, an award-winning paper crafting company—and I'm living a dream! Working with my daughters, Aimee and Charee (two of my six children) is the best part of that dream. I oversee the creative end of things from Salt Lake City, Utah, and Aimee heads operations in our beautiful Portland, Oregon office. I'm passionate about being creative and eager to make it possible for others to find their creative voice. My background includes stints as a designer for, McCalls, Simplicity, Vogue/ Butterick, Mattel Toy Company and a host of other jobs that each, in some way, led me to what I do now. At 45 I went back to school and got my degree in graphic design— I named my company to celebrate that achievement.

Lil Darling

Safari Adventure Club Pattern for Simplicity

Is trend-watching important to your creativity? Why or why not? If so, how does trend-watching manifest itself in your work?

Absolutely—trend watching is essential to being creative! I am always on the look-out for fresh, innovative ideas. When I first started designing 30 years ago, I learned the importance of paying close attention to what was going on, not only in my industry (apparel and conceptual design at that time) but other industries as well. I followed color forecasts, product design, and theme trends. I believe inspiration comes from opening your eyes—right in front of you is a new idea!

Where do you find trends?

Everywhere: nature, magazines, televisions, movies, billboards, apparel, textiles, and junkyards. I am inspired and challenged by combining current trends with those that were popular decades ago. Trends recycle themselves—if I can marry past and present— something fabulous is created!


What websites, blogs, magazines, ads, etc. are the most inspirational to you in terms of trend watching? Why do they motivate you?

I eat up home decor and graphic design magazines, especially Veranda, Architectural Digest, and Communication Arts, and am truly in heaven when I find dusty old books and magazines in used bookstores or unexpected places!

Image from Veranda

Image from Architectural Digest

Brizo Smart Touch Print Ad from Communication Arts

Name a designer (or two) in the scrapbooking industry that inspires you. What do you like about his/her work?

I am most inspired, of course, by the users of our product. Our online galleries are full of genius works of art by our outstanding design team and other contributors who truly amaze me.

Domestic Goddess Card

I was influenced early on by fashion designer extraordinaire, Coco Chanel, who taught me that good design is timeless. An individualist who was unafraid to think outside the box, her classic style has remained alive and vibrant long after her passing. I’ve also been influenced by Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and the Arts and Crafts movement.

Coco Chanel from prikprik

Without giving anything away that you are working on, what trend(s) are you currently watching?

I am so excited about our product launch for July CHA. We will be introducing our first line of embellishments, adding four new papers (eight designs) to our current Christmas Past collection, and releasing two new paper collections that really push the envelope. I get goosebumps thinking about it!

Best of Show CHA Booth

In your opinion, what paper crafting products are trendy right now and why do you think they are appealing?

People are really trying to think outside the box with techniques and embellishments. The altered art look using ephemera and found objects has become very popular. Some of the best inspiration and embellishments come from non-traditional sources like junkyards, antique and consignment shops, and yard sales (my personal favorite places to treasure hunt.) Again, many of us are looking for ways to tell a story by connecting to the past.

Diane in an Australian junkyard

What is your favorite medium in which to work and why does it appeal to you? Has that changed over time? Why or why not?

For 30 years patterns and textiles were my mediums. In the past two years, paper has become my passion. I have found that there is very little difference between them. Creating beautiful artwork is a delight across many mediums.

What is your favorite part about your job and why? What is your least favorite part about your job and why?

Owning your own company is a double-edged sword, allowing both freedom and responsibility for creative choices. That said, I absolutely LOVE the journey I am on, especially the opportunity to work with my INCREDIBLE daughters, Aimee and Charee—the other half of Graphic 45. They take care of the day-to-day business that can be a big distraction to a designer and they keep me grounded with the title (and inside joke), “Grand Pooh-Bah”. I can’t say enough about our staff and design team, they are truly remarkable people! Finally, this industry is amazing—in our travels we have met so many wonderful creative people. So really, there is little to complain about other than a twice yearly zombie-like state due to 80-hour work weeks and little or no sleep.

Charee, Aimee, and Diane

Do the evolving trends change your paper crafting style, or do you inject the trends into your already established style?

When Graphic 45 first entered the market two-and-a-half years ago, our goal was to become a front-runner in the paper crafting industry by offering a unique product with broad appeal. Although Graphic 45 is recognized for vintage design, we work hard to make sure that the interpretation is new, fresh, and always evolving. We believe that almost anything can be transformed into art with the use of beautiful paper and embellishments. Come visit our booth at CHA to see what I mean!

Thanks, Diane, for taking the time to answer these questions about trends and how they influence your design!

Friends, I'd love to hear what inspires you the most about what you've read here today. Leave Diane a comment by midnight MDT on Sunday, June 20 and I'll draw one random winner to receive the Le' Romantique collection as my thanks for showing her some love!


Me? I'm most inspired by the vast amount of experience that Diane has in the art world--and I love that she started this journey into the world of paper crafting at the age of 45, proving that it's always a good time to pursue your passion!

Grateful for Diane,

~Cath

Thank you Cath for the amazing feature. 

Happy Papercrafting!

Team Graphic 45!

Comments

[Debbie Nelson]

I love the Arts and Crafts Movement, we own a Bungelow home and it is funished with that time period furnishings. So Graphic 45 is the only paper products I use !!!

[Beverly Jordan]

Thank you for sharing with us! Diane inspires me with all she has done in her life! I get my inspiration from architecture, old ads in magazines, trinkets from the past and different color combinations from even this time period as well. I tend not to be only one style and try different mediums, and trends.

[steph]

loved this interview of diane! saw it on moxie fab's site too. how inspiring that diane obtained her graphics degree at 45. i find that amazing and wonderful! it's also amazing that she is able to work closely with her two daughters. that is awesome! i heart the le romantique collection. it's beautiful! have a wonderful day! *hugs* steph :)

[bernadette]

Dreams do happen! Diane is living one of my dreams! My goal one day is to have my very own scrapbook store and teach paper crafting. Thank you for this inspiration!

Le Romantique is one of my favorite collections. I'm already reserving this collection on my future wedding pictures. Of course, i will have to use Baby to Bride collection too :)

More power to Graphic 45!

[Tracey Locher]

Thank you for this great interview. It was great to find out how the company was named... what a cool accomplishment! It seems that almost everytime I see a photo of Diane, she is wearing a vintage hat or sharing a new vintage find... the photo shoot of her in the Aussie junkyard was AWESOME! She likes the same vintage things I do, so I'm always inspired when I see her new finds.

[Lynne Zickert]

Loved the interview. I'm inspired by Diane herself - she branched out into an entirely new world and is very successful at what she does. Love everything about the paper - high quality - attention to detail.

[Tona]

I think that Diane proves that you can follow your dreams at any age. Now that's inspiring! She does amazing work and is very talented.

[cindy barriga]

Dear Diane,
I agree completely with you about junkyard inspirations. They are a meca of wonderous treasures and delightful visions. I can never seem to find enough time inside a junkyard or more to the fact time flys by when I am in a junkyard. Thanks for sharing!

Fellow JUNKSTER,
Cindy Barriga

[Sandy]

I really agree with that inspiration is all around us and usually right in front of our eyes. This is so true! Its all about opening our eyes to see it

[CeeCee]

Great interview! It's always nice to hear from people that are the helm of successful companies, a seldom occurence. I'm most inspired by the fact that went back to study at the age of 45 -- what an achievement and we're all benefiting from that! Every single line of papers from Graphic45 is fab, bringing me both a "feel-good" feeling and inspiration. Thank you, Diane, for giving us wonderful supplies to play with.

[Colleen]

I have wondered about the name "Graphic 45" and was so happy to hear the personal story behind it. Now that I'm 45, I have discovered truly fabulous treasures by going through attics, basements and drawers with my mom and mother-in-law. Along with finding amazing treasures, I also learn the stories connected to their past! Thank you for your wonderful designs. Colleen

[Tammy Roberts]

Awesome interview Diane! Thanks for sharing with us. You are truly an inspiring woman.

[Anita W.]

I always wondered what inspired the company's name! I discovered G45 about six months ago and I can't get enough of it. Thanks for sharing your story and visions.

[Deb C.]

Great interview! It was both inspiring and insightful! G45 papers are always the most exciting to see upon reveal day :) I love the way the life change was converted into the G45 name. Keep the designs coming! We love them :)

[Kim Wolff]

Diane,
I love your style. It is so vintage and stylish!

[Mary Paetz]

Thanks for the interview.Now I know why this is one of my favorite papers.Love the colors and designs.I am so inspired by these collections.

[Amy Munn]

Thanks for sharing the interview- a very interesting read. The moment of inspiration occurs to me the first second I pick up that sheet of paper. Somehow I am reminded of photographs locked in my memory ... my great grandmother stirring apple butter in her back yard, my great-great grandfather's blacksmith shoppe...that picture of me and my cousin on the beach 25 years ago...
They all flood back in just one instant.

[Kay G.]

Great interview Diane. I love G45 papers and Diane's style.

[Amy Rozeboom]

Its great to hear the story behind G45. You're my favorite brand of paper, without question.

[Laura De La Rosa]

WOW Diane your interview has really inspired me. I am in love with advertising and brought that into my world of scrapbooking. Being a part of this Design Team really excites me!, I am able to work with the newest papers G45 has to offer and yes I am going back to school for {Art & Science}!!! Thank you for your inspiration and letting us know that we can achieve our dream at any age!!!!
Keep on creating!

[Brenda Saunders]

Family is what inspires me.
I am a stay at home mother and I am always inspired by other mother's who are doing it all.
Thanks Diane.

[Toni Hinchcliffe]

Wow! What a great interview! Diane's love of what she does is totally evident in the beautiful paper that Graphic 45 produces. I also love that she began with fabrics! My mom was an amazing seamstress--she made literally ALL of my clothes until I was in junior high--and I remember going to the fabric store with her to pick out fabrics. She passed away a few years before I discovered papercrafting, and I really wish she was still with me to share my newfound passion because I know she would have loved it too!

[Karen H]

Going back to school at age 45 is inspiring to this 43 year old. Congrats to Diane on her successful endeavors, and keep it up! Can't wait to see the new releases!

[Veronica]

Thanks for sharing where your inspiration comes from. Graphic45 is recognised for its "chic" vintage style and I can't wait to see the embellishments. Sure they will be a success! Thanks again, Veronica

[Marcia Deignan]

I was also inspired reading about Diane's journey and taking a new direction at age 45. I am 64 years old today and I feel like I am also evolving and enjoying the creative process more and more each day! I love the inspiration from Graphic 45!

[pam allen]

Thanks for sharing love knowing the person behind the art. Love Graphic 45 soooo much. thanks for giveaway also.

[pam allen]

I also love the fact she went back to school for her degree at 45 and love knowing the meaning of Graphic 45. I too love Coco Chanel and her style.

[DebbieK]

Your papers take my breathe away. They are incredibly gorgeous. What I'd like to know is who DOESN"T love them! Keep up the great work. For those of us who love altered art, these papers are stunning additions to what we all crave! Best of luck to you Diane and your wonderful business:)
- Debbie Kaste

[Gini Cagle]

I really enjoyed reading about your inspirations. Love your papers and am really excited to see your new line of embellishments.

hugs,
Gini

[Christie]

What a fabulous interview! I loved every word. Diane is such an amazing, beautiful and TALENTED woman! I feel so honored to play a part (no matter how small) in her fabulous Company! Me + Graphic 45 = Love at first sight!

xoxo, Christie

[Jules]

I just learned of this beautiful lady Diane! I didn't know a whole lot about G45 but I'm so glad that I saw and read this interview! I love G45 even more now!! Thanks so much for sharing this interview! I appreciate and respect Diane for her accomplishments and bringing this industry up into another level...a better level...a more glam level!!

Jules:)

[Mandy C (Pearl Maple)]

Great interview Diane, with lots of ideas that inspire the imagination.

Lovely to meet and chat with you in Australia recently and can't wait to see what you have in mind for us at the next CHA.

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