Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tricia Rider. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tricia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The Dapper Playing card set holds a special place in my heart, as it not only became a success but also originated from a simple classroom exercise. During my final year in school, we were tasked with illustrating a single face card from a standard playing card deck. The exercise ignited my passion, and I couldn’t let it end there. Post-graduation, I transformed this concept into a complete set of playing cards featuring hand-drawn illustrations in a vibrant palette. My inspiration drew from the sophistication of 1920’s formal wear, infused with a touch of comedy and my love for cats, resulting in the “Dapper Cats” playing card set.

However, translating this vision into a profitable printed product presented challenges. The costs of producing high-quality playing cards were substantial. That’s when I discovered Kickstarter, a platform that enabled me to seek support for my project. To my delight, it successfully raised over $3,600 in funding within a month, allowing me to pursue wholesale production. In a wonderful turn of events, my creation gained national recognition in Parade magazine as the top gift idea for shoppers during Christmas 2020. This success inspired me to expand my portfolio with the “Dapper Dogs” Playing Card set.

Embarking on this creative business venture has been an exhilarating journey, as I continue to evolve my craft. I currently showcase my work on Etsy (www.triciaridercreative.etsy.com) and at local craft fairs, with hopes of reaching a broader audience soon.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a passionate creative based in Sacramento, California, where my artistic journey began with encouraging teachers who helped me get a strong foundation in design at a young age. My educational path led me to a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at San Diego State, emphasizing space, presentation, and project management. I then pursued a degree in Graphic Design, a discipline that empowers me to translate ideas into clean, engaging, and innovative solutions across digital and print media. My enthusiasm for design spans various mediums, and I aspire to explore them all over my lifetime.

In my professional life, I’m fortunate to collaborate with local companies as a freelance Graphic Designer, where I create captivating and imaginative solutions for digital and print media. In addition, I operate my own small business, where I infuse my illustrations onto playing cards, greeting cards, clothing, stickers, tote bags, and more—essentially, any canvas that sparks my creativity. A fun fact people might not know is I’ve also become quite the painter and wood worker on the side. I’m a perpetual learner, embracing new crafts as they come my way, and I’m dedicated to living a beautiful, creative, and adventurous life while inspiring others along the way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Witnessing the transformation from concept to creation is the most exhilarating aspect of being an artist or creative. There’s a constant sense of surprise and wonder as I watch something materialize from seemingly nothing. It’s a process that keeps me engaged and continually prompts me to step back and marvel at my own creations. This journey has heightened my appreciation for art and design in the world around me, fostering a deepened sense of gratitude for the creative process.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Navigating career choices can be challenging, especially for creatives who possess a myriad of interests. I faced this dilemma during my educational journey, torn between various disciplines. Ultimately, I selected Interior Design as it offered both creativity and innovation. This path equipped me with invaluable life skills, but I sensed it wasn’t my true calling. I craved a more creative outlet, prompting me to apply for graduate school in architecture at Cal Poly Pomona. However, this transition led to burnout and less creativity in the real world, leaving me dissatisfied. I realized that Graphic Design was my true passion—a realm where I could blend drawing and problem-solving skills harmoniously. It took time to arrive at this point, but the journey was worth every twist and turn. The key lesson learned was that the duration of one’s path to fulfillment matters less than the pursuit of happiness. In the end, I’m content with my creative trajectory and the constant exploration it entails.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.triciaridercreative.com
• Instagram: @triciaridercreative
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/triciaridercreative
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/triciaridercreative
• Other: www.TriciaRiderCreative.Etsy.Com