My design influences come from the cartoons and comics I grew up with as well as a range of appreciation for the functional design of everyday objects such as 1950's kitchen appliances, 1960's cars, kitschy souvenirs, velvet paintings, and 1980's  electronics.  I love the inherent design found in an old ad or restaurant menu.  I hold dear to my heart a nostalgia from before my time.  

I live in a world of design.  Everything I create contains a certain personal touch.  My home is a veritable museum of bygone decades.  Melding the old with the new is my favorite talent.  I am a grass roots artist, using my self taught skills and perceptive eye to create a unique environment for my projects and art work.  Whether it is a vintage fruit crate acting as a frame for a collage of found objects or an entire window installation; my artwork is distinctively styled.

I have worked exclusively for the SoCal clothes boutique known as Blue Moon for many years.  Nestled in eclectic and historic downtown Ventura, Blue Moon has been a staple of the Main Street scene for nearly twenty years.   I began my work with them in 1999.  What started as a window painting job became a training camp in graphic design.  Suddenly I was able to put my illustration and design techniques to use on a larger scale.  Soon I had become an "art director" for the entire store.  I was responsible for the in-store displays and window installations,  clothing signage, business cards and all print ads.  I have also designed and currently maintain the Blue Moon website. My favorite task however, was creating the almost life size canvases used in the window displays.  The paintings are done in acrylic on loose canvas and feature retro looking ladies basking in the sun, swing dancing, dining at  outdoor cafes, practicing yoga or as a waitress in an Oriental bar, serving martinis to a fez wearing, cigarette smoking monkey!

I am very proud of my accomplishments at Blue Moon.  Working there, I was able to get a taste of what it will be like to be a graphic designer.  I love seeing my art on the printed page or hanging proudly in a store front.  I hope to see it soon in magazines and advertisements or maybe even billboards!  It is now  time for me to expand on what I have learned and jump into the world of art and design full time.  I am most happy when I am sketching away or working on a design concept.  I believe I would be a great asset to any design company.  I look forward to all there is to create and learn.

-Amber Felts