From The Desk Of: Sarah Gottesdiener
Feb 03, 2016
When designer Sarah Gottesdiener's tabloid posters first appeared in our press queue, we immediately took notice. Her positive feminist message made statements that we loved, with bold graphics that we enjoyed even more. We sat down with Sarah to learn about how she taps into her creative side, what's always on her person at any client meeting, and the best piece of professional advice she's gotten recently.
Photos by Nancy Neil.
What’s on your desk?
Pens, computer, paper, to do lists, and some sort of beverage, or four.
Fill in the blank: "I don't show up at a meeting without _________."
Pens and paper.
What's on your reading list?
I mostly read tarot books as of late! The only magazine I subscribe to is the New Yorker. It is a dream of mine to get an illustration in there before I die.
What are the apps you can’t live without?
Map my run, instagram! moon phase apps.
What’s in your Netflix queue?
Twin Peaks.
What’s in heavy rotation on your Spotify/iTunes/SoundCloud/record collection?
I'm obsessed with Fleetwood Mac and Nite Jewel.
What’s in your bag/always on your person?
Too many lipsticks to count. Eye drops. My eyes are the driest eyes ever.
I'm a true believer in... / Major skeptic about...
Magick/ Politics
My proudest accomplishment is... / The next goal on the horizon is...
Completely supporting myself freelancing for the last 2 years/More time for art, music, fun and friends
Constantly craving... / Don't see the appeal of...
These amazing stir fried soy curls my boyfriend makes / A certain very expensive juice
I'll never give up _____ / Ehh, I'm kind of over _____
Trying to make better work, faster/comparing myself to any other designers out there.
Describe your personal aesthetic in three words:
Funny, refined, gradients.
Describe the creative space
Small, white, near the LA river.
What are your design inspirations?
Old fashion magazines from the 80's, Comme Des Garcons, Sheila deBretteville, riot grrrl.
How does one tap into their creative side?
Through work.
What’s the motto/life philosophy/advice you live by?
They are always changing. Right now it is : "You can have everything you want, just not at the same time."
What is your favorite aspect of the job you do?
I love that some of my work becomes a part of someone's life.
The paper product I can’t live without is ____ and I use it to _____
Post-it notes / Make lists
What career moves and/or aspirations brought you to your current role?
So much work! I sometimes think I should take more risks, but I have definitely taken a few. My aspiration has been to make a living doing what I love and I get closer to this aspiration every year.
Share an insight on your life or life in general that you’ve discovered:
The magic is inside of you, the magic is inside of you, it is up to you to choose to see it!
When do you feel like you’re at your best?
When I'm making things that make me smile, when I'm helping others in some way
What is the best professional lesson you’ve ever learned?
To make great work, be on time, meet deadlines, and always be kind.
The vice you’ll never give up is __________
shoes
What is the best advice you’ve received recently?
Chill out
Tell us about your latest printed project:
I'm always trying to think up ways to use Paper Chase to print popular tabloids that I sell.
What was the inspiration behind this project?
Feminism, nature, positive slogans
What brought you to Paper Chase Press?
I love that Paper Chase is local and that their printing is stunning
How often do you use printed goods to promote your business?
Often! People love free postcards, or beautifully printed business cards.
What's the response like to these printed goods?
People hang them on their walls, put them on their fridge: they are activated objects.
make your own
Tabloid Posters
$0.99 per poster, no order minimums
Flat Cards
10 cards for $20