If you enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of fall, then you’ll love the Gather Together collection. The entire collection is authentically autumnal through and through. Everything about it makes you feel like it’s a brisk October day, no matter what time of year you’re looking at it. Being able to capture the essence of fall into a scrapbook collection is no easy task. So how did Design Manager Carrie do it? We sat down with Carrie to learn more about the inspiration for this collection and how she went about creating it. Check it out!
Meet the Designer
For over 15 years, Carrie has worked for CM as a Graphic Designer, Product Illustrator and currently as the Design Manager. Throughout the years, she has honed and mastered her artistic skills, creating original works of art for scrapbooking fanatics worldwide. Other CM collections she has designed include Star-Spangled, Brave, Secret Garden, Black & White, Textiles, Archiver’s, Glacier, Mix & Match, and more.
What Inspired This Collection? What Was Your Process for Designing it?
“This collection was inspired by fall love, family gatherings, Thanksgiving and nature at its best! My process for each collection usually follows a similar path. First and foremost is deciding upon a palette and style. I do a lot of research into what colors are trending, what style of artwork would best suit the theme and gather as many ideas and inspiration to bring it all together. The color palette for this collection includes sunset orange, golden yellow, sage green and deep navy to give it some richness that you see during the fall seasons. Then, once design starts, I like to begin with the paper pack. This component sets the tone of the collection while also giving me artwork to make stickers, die cuts and the remaining correlating products!”
How Would You Describe the Papers?
“The papers depict several fall icons and also include many general patterns to pair. I wanted to make sure that this collection appealed to a broader audience (not everyone has four seasons like MN), which is why this collection is equally heavy in florals and falling leaves.”
What Was a Challenge For You When Designing This Collection? Would You Change Anything?
“I do this from time to time, but I actually designed another fall collection, got done and decided it wasn’t the right fit or look. So I started over and designed Gather Together and love this one so much more! If I could change one thing, it would be to add more rose gold foil!”
What is Unique About the Collection?
“The uniqueness of this collection is the deep navy color paired with more traditional fall colors. Along with that, it was also designed to coordinate with Croptoberfest and Pumpkin Spice! I wanted it to be seasonally themed while also taking into consideration the different types of climates our Advisors and customers live in. This is why there are lots of leaves AND florals!
“I also wanted to focus on the message of ‘gathering together’ – which is referenced quite a bit in the typography. Fall is a beautiful time of year to appreciate nature and loved ones! This collection is great for family gatherings, Thanksgiving, autumn celebrations and anything else that makes you feel especially grateful.”
What’s Your Favorite Part of the Collection?
“This collection contains two things I love to draw: leaves and flowers! But I do have to say that I’m partial to the pumpkin sticker that says ‘pick me’ on the little tag. Makes me smile!”
What’s Your Favorite Part of Fall/Thanksgiving?
“I LOVE fall – it’s my favorite season of the year. The weather in Minnesota is absolutely perfect (for me) at 65 degrees and I can never get enough of driving up the North Shore during this time of year. Nature’s palette at its best!”
The Gather Together collection is all about bringing the natural beauty of fall and putting it on the page. What is your favorite part about this collection? Let us know in the comments below!
I love reading about the designers of our CM collections! Gather Together is my favorite fall collection. I also love all the other collections that Carrie designed. It’s funny how we love certain collections, then find out that the same person designed all those collections!! Thank you for these blogs. My customers also enjoy reading them.
Thanks Teri! Glad you like it :) It’s fun to feature the creative minds behind our products.
I like this entire collection, however if I have to pick a favorite it would be the Misty mountain screens and words on the mats. I grew up looking at the Blue Ridge mountains and they were so beautiful in the fall, alive with so much color. When November came, you could find fog in the mountains, and the mats remind me of those days.
The creator and designer captured fall very well.
I love everything about this collection!