Focus On... ALT Designs! {and a giveaway!}

ALT Designs 19 is backed by Amanda Trader, a super nice, super talented, super generous artist based in North Carolina. I first saw her art a few months ago and fell in L-O-V-E. You will too, I promise. Plus, she's giving away one print to a lucky winner! Read on for more details!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

My name is Amanda Trader. I am 24 years old and recently moved to Asheville, NC with my fiancé. I nanny to pay the bills and I create art in my spare time.

{taquito the cat}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I use pen and paper to create a design. Then, I scan the design and edit it on photoshop. After that, I have the image printed on cardstock. I like creating this way because it allows me to create affordable artwork which looks neat and clean.

{x marks the spot}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I was inspired to start an Etsy shop after seeing the Etsy shop of an artist friend. I thought it was a great idea and wanted to be a part of it.

{it was air in the shape of air}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from everywhere. I love to put quotes from pop culture into my work. I typically just put whatever pops into my head into a design.

{we will all live forever}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

I don’t typically craft by music; I like to watch TV shows on my laptop (like the Rachel Zoe Project) or listen to podcasts on my laptop (like To the Best of Our Knowledge) while drawing.

{you and me - my favorite!}

When it's cold outside...

I like to snuggle inside with my fiancé.

{alligator print}

When I'm hungry...

I like to eat Mexican food.

{outside looking in}

When I need a boost...

I like to go on a walk or drink a caffeinated beverage.

{funk meets klezmer meets rap}

I wish I was/were...

Able to make a living from my art.

{the beauty myth}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

A trip to any destination they have ever wanted to visit.

{the timeless and immortal self}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

My fiancé.

{glinda - my 2nd favorite!}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A bird.

{knock knock knock}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

Right now it’s “Lovely.”

{lovely}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

I always check Etsy, Facebook, Nylon magazine, and NPR.

Amanda also has TWO other etsy shops, 

Amanda Trader on Etsy, 

and Sunshine Paintings.

Amanda has awesomely offered to give away one print of her favorite work, Lovely, to a lucky winner! 

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. - 

First entry (mandatory):

Head over to ALT Designs 19 and tell me your favorite item!

Extra entries (optional):

- Heart ALT Designs 19 on Etsy.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link. 

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time November 11, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on November 12, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Amanda will ship anywhere in the world!