#FeatureFriday – Escape to Paradise with the Product Designer of Sun-Kissed

Happy #FeatureFriday, everyone! We sat down with CM Product Designer Alex to get a behind-the-scenes look at her design inspiration for the NEW Sun-Kissed collection. For your sandy-toes, sun-kissed-nose memories of beach and tropical travels, you’ll love the Sun-Kissed collection… and you’ll also LOVE the details Alex dishes about this collection! Let’s get started…

Meet the Designer

Alex has been working with us as a Product Designer and Illustrator for almost a year. She started in July 2017, right before taking off for a three-week trip through France (whoops!). Before working for Creative Memories, she was a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. Spending that much time working alone at home (talking to her pets) finally started to take its toll… she was thrilled to join a team again, and now she happily spends her days making art for you fine folks. Other collections she has designed so far include Bee Mine and Full Bloom, and she has a collection launching soon that she is very excited about (you’ll have to stay tuned to find out what it is!). Outside of work, Alex loves to work (haha), as pattern-making is one of her hobbies. She likes to cook, travel, read nerdy sci-fi novels and snuggle with her aforementioned pets, Larry (dog!) and Alphonse (cat!). She’s also in the process of planning her wedding, set for late August.

What Inspired This Collection?

“Originally, I had two ideas for this collection. The first was a lush jungle theme with tropical leaves galore, and the second was a very pastel, Miami Art Deco theme. The team loved both, so we decided to mash them together!”

How Would You Describe the Color Palette?

“The palette is very light and airy, a bit faded by the coastal sun. The pinks and teals are integral to the Miami style, and the variety of greens and blues speak to the ocean and greenery life in the tropics.”

How Would You Describe the Papers?

“The papers are mostly a tribute to Art Deco, but we are trying out some new ideas! A few papers are full photos with vacation-themed imagery, one of which is the perfect setting for single-photo layouts. Have a picture you’re especially fond of? Let it shine like the sun on our palm tree paper.”

How Did You Pick Your Paper Designs?

“We wanted to test the waters (pun intended) on using a few full-size scenic photos in place of patterns. The layouts I have seen so far have been so fresh and playful, I love the effect. I do prefer simpler layouts in general, and these really create a tropical atmosphere. I have a paper that I based on tiles seen in South Beach, ones with trendy flamingos, hibiscus, shells and pineapple. The papers just kind of say ‘vacation,’ whether that means ‘beach,’ ‘pool’ or simply ‘sunshine.'”

What is Unique About the Collection?

“The combination of traditional design elements with a fresh, modern-jungle vibe is what makes this collection special. No matter what type of tropical vacation you’re on, this is sure to fit your aesthetic.”

What Do You Envision This Collection Being Used For?

“Of course for family vacations! Or perhaps romantic getaways, destination bachelorette parties, summertime events, family reunions, spring break, birthdays… The tropical look is so popular right now, you could almost use it for anything! I plan to use it for my honeymoon photos… we’re going to Maui!”

What is Your Favorite Embellishment?

“I can’t decide between the toucan or the hula girl. ☺”

About Sun-Kissed: Inspired by South Beach, Miami, and its iconic art deco elements mixed with a fresh, modern jungle vibe, the Sun-Kissed collection includes a full line of “island getaway” scrapbook supplies, including a 12×12 foiled Album Cover, Fast2Fab™ and Fast2Fab™ Bundle, Paper Pack, Embellishments and Stickers.

Comment below and tell us what you think of this tropical travel collection!