This month, we’re partnering with Vermont-based illustrator Vizcaya Wagner. Vizcaya is a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and illustrator. She says, “This piece represents the connection to something bigger than ourselves and the importance of caring for each other. For me, that’s what builds my passion for this life.”
To learn a little more about Vizcaya, check out our short Q&A.
Where is home for you?
Vermont, where I was born and raised, will always be home. I’ve lived in several places over the years, but I’ve finally returned to my roots.
What is your definition of a successful life?
I think it’s always changing and evolving for me, but the first things that come to mind are: showing love, practicing gratitude, caring for those you love, achieving goals despite fear. It’s about pursuing and living your beliefs.
Describe your perfect day.
Wake up slowly, make coffee, make a big breakfast, have nothing to do, then go strawberry picking, jump in the river, eat ice cream, or have margaritas on the porch with delicious snacks. I will. Maybe you can invite some great friends too!
How did you get into the world of design?
As a kid, I spent summers in my dad’s office and I remember someone explaining to me what a logo was. I loved this idea that an image somehow summed up a person or an idea, so I started creating “logos” for all of my employees. I interviewed them about their lives and created something that represented how I saw them… They were terrible, but the exercises were so much fun. Fascinating. I think I knew from then on that I wanted to do something in that field. My family is made up of artists, designers, and makers, so I was very well supported. I went to college to study studio art, and my internship focused entirely on graphic design experience. The rest is history! I love that my career includes such diverse approaches to solving problems and creating experiences.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I think my greatest source of joy and inspiration comes from the natural world. Being close to unobstructed nature always feels great. But I think traveling and experiencing new cultures can do the same thing for me – anything that changes the environment and exists in that time and space.
What is your dream design project?
There are a lot of things I’m looking forward to, but lately I’ve really liked the idea of working on wine labels.
Who are the designers and thinkers who influence or inspire you?
My parents, my partner – Tanner Bowden, my friends – Eliza Carver, Sidney Howard, Chase Pellerin, Bailey Sullivan, Vincent Conti, Anthony Eslick, Michael Boswell, David Silverstein, Kyle -Sticker, Tereza Wozniak, Simi Mahtani…and many more.
So many people I found online – Bayley Elder, Cody Hudson, John Zabawa, Javier Reyes, Stephen Lockwood, Niall Greaves…the list goes on and on.
And the OGs – Isamu Noguchi, Georgia O’Keeffe, Matisse, Calder, Anni Albers, Ruth Asawa, Donald Judd, Cezanne, Hilma af Klint, Helen Frankenthaler, Ellsworth Kelly…and beyond. too!
What is the inspiration behind this design?
This work expresses the connection with something bigger than ourselves and the importance of caring for each other. For me, that’s what creates the passion for this life.
How does the theme of passion affect your life?
I think my world is driven by my passion to create, to strive, to challenge myself, to build a life that inspires me…this was the example my parents set for me. I still feel cheerful and ready to learn, play and explore.
What is your favorite so far…
Color: Plum
Food: Burrata and grapefruit salad with chili crisps
Song: Paprika by Japanese Breakfast
Quote: “You can find a way to do something and then do it, or you can do something and then know what you did.” – Isamu Noguchi
