Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Ruff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been attracted to global textiles. I’ve dreamed of visiting those countries immersing myself and walking through miles and miles of artisans textiles. After visiting a few island countries and Mexico, I was sold – all I could think about was the color explosions and joy that the combinations of prints and patterns gave me. I decided after years of exploring surface pattern design, I would take a full experience course in pattern design, called Immersion. I finished that up a few months ago and am currently working to build my collection portfolio.
Thankfully I have the experience of a design degree and 15 years of design work under my belt to build the foundation of design, this is just a turn in how I create. The hardest part in learning this, is investing the time it took to take the course. It was an eight week course that required an extra 10 hours or so each week. This course came at the perfect timing as a lull in my business and the summer months that are usually a bit slower, so i dedicated the time to it and pursued it.
Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always considered myself an artist, and from a young age until now it’s always been present. I’ve dabbled in and sold my work in several different mediums, such as wedding photography, product photography, lifestyle photography, wedding stationery design, print products, marketing design, branding design, and collateral. After several years in those mediums, I started watercolor painting and calligraphy to physically use my hands instead of a mouse to create my work. After combining the two together – watercolor and digital art, my love of surface pattern design grew. I then began to create custom digital art for clients who sold my work on lifestyle items such as aprons, table runners, napkins, etc.
If you give me the vision, I’ll bring it to life. I have an impeccable eye for detail, but I do love when the imperfections become part of the whole picture. That’s where I shine – collections, creations, and visual answers.
If you have a blank space you need filled, ( think wall, tattoo, phone cover, you name it ) I can create a design or pattern to fill it. But also, if you have a vision for color or design, I create an image that makes an impact.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
No judgement.
After taking the Immersion course, the incredible community that is built on building each other up and sharing resources, I want all art communities to be this way. There was no judgement, only encouragement. Praise, congratulations, sharing wins and encouraging each other. Art is hard work, it’s emotional and it’s from the heart. The last thing we need is someone judging poorly on something coming from the heart.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I do wish I would have gotten into the Immersion/Flourish community earlier. The course has been going on for years and I have never been a member until now. I don’t use it as much as I’d like because of time commitments, but I see its benefits. The resources, community, and friendships are worth the while.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.image2impact.com
- Instagram: @ashleyruffart
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/imagetoimpactcreative
Image Credits
All images and photos copyright Image to Impact/Ashley Ruff.