Interview with Las Vegas Illustrator Jodi Pedri
Tonja Steel
May 05, 2009
Jodi, how would you describe your illustration style?
Well I have a background in fashion design so I bring that element into nearly all of my illustrations. I am routinely inspired by European fashion magazines so I may see a beautiful dress on a model and then take the design and work it into the illustration. I think my illustrations have a certain kind of edge too. My target market is women age 20+ so I want to pick up the latest trends and styles.
You recently started working with a writer, how has that changed your illustration style?
I don't think the style has changed so much but there is definitely a lot of inspiration. I wanted the designs to cover every aspect of a woman's life and that includes happy moments like a marriage proposal or the birth of a child. But I think between the writing and the design we are also taking on some real life events that can and do occur in women's lives. Whether it is a divorce, or menopause or even the death of a husband, we are addressing these stages of life with humor and grace.
Can you give me an example of how your designs do that?
Well sure, we've written a book and illustrated it with comical drawings called "Oh $%&*, I'm in Menopause" and in the book we talk about some of things women experience and we bring the lighter side to aging. This is powerful stuff, it allows women to stand up and say this is where I'm at in life right now and that is okay.
You also have a line of holiday cards as well?
Yes, we have several lines for Christmas, Valentine's, Mother's Day and of course Halloween. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and the illustrations really lend themselves well for the card and napkin line. One of my favorite illustrations is a woman in a witch's costume and she says "Take away my chocolate, oh you'll see another side of witchy"
You are debuting at the International Licensing show why now?
I just feel like now more than ever people need to laugh, they need to embrace this time and get together with friends and family and really find the humor. I had a fashion business years ago and my designs were in some of the top stores in the country, the business grew too fast and I lost everything. I can relate to what is happening now with so many business owners struggling, and yet I feel such a sense of optimism. I think great designs that speak to a large base will do just fine in this economy.
What do you hope to accomplish at the show?
There are some fabulous companies that are going to be at the show and I'm looking to partner with people and organizations that can get these designs out in the marketplace in a big way. I know between the designs and the copy that these illustrations can bring a lot of humor into the world and that's really important right now.
I notice in some of your own illustrations, you even poke fun about the recession.
laughter Yes we did a few cards about living on less, one is an illustration of a woman who is all decked out in the latest fashion and it says "I do flat broke in style." Times are tough for a lot of people, but that doesn't mean we can't still have a good time. Maybe instead of going out to dinner with friends and dropping $200 like we did in the old days we have a fabulous cocktail party at home with good company, music, great wine and of course adorable cocktail napkins.
What's next for you?
Well, I hope to have three gift books out and around 80 designs for the license show in June. What's really great about a lot of the designs are that they can be mixed and matched to fit what the client needs.
How's the best way for people to reach you?
The best way is to visit my website One of A Kind By Jodi or better yet, stop by the license show June 2-4 in Las Vegas booth 2474. It's going to be a great time.