We have some stellar staff at Bee Paper, and we wanted to introduce ourselves! We are proud to be part of the Bee Hive and we enjoy Bee Paper products in our personal lives. We've explored our own art expression even more thanks to being the Bee Paper staff! We're all at different levels and each have our own different art style, which Bee Paper is all about!
April was poetry and diversity month - a double knockout of a month! All 3 of us chose a meaningful quote that represented what diversity means to us personally, and used our paper of the month, Stipple Paper, to express it artistically. We're pleased to introduce Tara, Rachel, and Kate!
Tara
How did you first start drawing?
It was Sailor Moon who sparked my interest in drawing. Seeing the anime for the first time when I was in 5th grade made me what to pursue a career in animation/fashion design. I don’t know if you have seen the anime, but Queen Serenity’s dress was everything to me. I would spend all day drawing different variations of her dress, even during class when I was supposed to be learning. If only I had kept my notebooks. They were rarely filled with notes, but instead filled with doodles. Lots and lots of ugly, interesting, and Picasso like doodles.
What is your favorite Bee Paper product, and what do you use it for?
The Bee Creative Mixed Media paper, because I like the hard cover and the fact that I can throw anything on it without really thinking about it. I’m still experimenting with different media’s so just having one heavy duty paper that can take whatever I’m in the mood for is why the Bee Creative Mixed Media Journal is a good match for me. I’m also really rough with my sketchbooks, so having that hard chip board cover to protect my work is pretty sweet.
What kind of art styles do you like the most?
I’m really into cute but prickly type of art. I don’t know how to explain it, but I really love artists like Fafi, 123 Klan, and this Instagrammer called Ghoulkiss, who has been my latest fascination.
What do you want to do with your own art style?
I want to find it. Being a designer is great, but it turns you into a chameleon to have create to fit others’ needs. I want to establish my own style and be confident enough to rock it.
Which quote is yours, and why did you choose it?
Rachel
How did you first start drawing?
I wanted to be a cartoonist in 5th grade. Being young, I basically created a female version of Garfield. After a while I lost confidence in my art and still haven't drawn real "pieces," but I can still draw a pretty good cat!
What is your favorite Bee Paper product, and what do you use it for?
I like the Super Deluxe the best, because it can do so much! I've used watercolor, ink, and colored pencil in it. It really is super and deluxe, and so many other customers like it too!
What kind of art styles do you like the most?
I like minimalism, metallics, cute/kawaii art, animals (especially cats), and geometric designs. I really love the watercolor florals and galaxy designs that I see people tagging Bee Paper in!
What do you want to do with your own art style?
I want to get better at watercolor pieces and little designs for my bullet journal. I'd love to be able to bust out a portrait of my two cats, or landscape pieces of my favorite places in Oregon!
Which quote is yours, and why did you choose it?
I did the "we rise by lifting others" quote by Robert Ingersoll. I personally try to be as optimistic and kind as possible to others, and I believe those two attitudes really empower diversity. The sunrise gradient added to the hopeful message and looked awesome with the Stipple paper texture! Kate
How did you first start drawing?
Honestly, I hated it as a kid. It was too much work and I was a perfectionist from a very young age (I’d say I’m in recovery though!).If anyone was better than me I thought I shouldn’t even try. As an adult, I realize that’s nonsense and it’s about the fun of creating, learning, and growing more than the final product. It was Instagram actually that encouraged me to give it a try. Seeing everyone’s beautiful work gave me the motivation to give it a shot. Just a few years ago I picked up some pencils and a sketchbook and decided to give it a try.
What is your favorite Bee Paper product, and what do you use it for?
The Bee Creative Watercolor Journal! I started watercolors a little over a year ago and absolutely love it. I like this paper particularly for wet on wet work. It can take so much water, it’s amazing. Watercolor is a challenging and unforgiving medium, especially for someone who’s never really done a lot of art, but it’s totally worth it!
What kind of art styles do you like the most?
I’m a big fan of the pen and ink work I see you all do on Instagram. The clean lines, and how much can be done with a piece with just a brush pen. And the marker art too! Before I started working at Bee Paper I had NO IDEA you could do so much with just markers. Blows my mind.
What do you want to do with your own art style?
I think this is actually my biggest challenge right now. I love to doodle, sketch, watercolor, and so much more, but I wouldn’t say I have a “style” that’s mine. I want a look that’s more me. However, I think the best way to get there is through lots and lots of practice, so that’s where I’m at! If you have any advice, I’d love to hear it!
Which quote is yours, and why did you choose it?
The quote I chose was “Together we can do great things” from Mother Teresa. It’s pretty simple but gets the point across. There’s no way to put into words how valuable it is to work as team, but we do know it’s truly great in every sense of the word.