This interview could easily have been counted as a Campus Celebrity (or Honorary Campus Celebrity), but we figured it should be news… front page news. We apologize if that line is cheesy, but it seemed to be a perfect way to introduce the subject of this interview, Inslee Haynes. During college she created Inslee by Design, a way for her to express her love of making illustrations, and soon turned it into a notecard business. Inslee used to be a Washington D.C. resident so she knows her way around our nation’s capital, but she recently made her move to the Big Apple where she continues to expand her business. So next school year when you need a new calendar or a new place to visit, Inslee most definitely has you covered! Once you look at a few of her creations you’ll see why we’re obssessed…
So this may seem like an obvious question, but what were your reasons for creating Inslee by Design?
I created Inslee By Design as a creative outlet and a way to share my art with friends and family, I had no idea it would grow to the place it is in today at the time. I’m so proud of how it has evolved.
During college, how did you balance schoolwork and your education while doing something you love?
Being a college student was my main focus first and foremost, because I loved being in college just as much as I love being creative and entrepreneurial. It wasn’t until I graduated that I really poured my heart and soul into the business, and began really actively growing the brand. Juggling a growing business and my senior thesis got a little tricky, especially because the brand really took off right as my final push of research and writing set in, but my family pitched in and were amazingly helpful and we got through it.
What inspired you to take the next step and pursue your artwork as a career?
I graduated in 2008, not a great time to find a job! After a few months of thinking Inslee By Design would be a pet project I kept on the side while I worked for a “normal company”, I realized that none of my leads were turning into jobs and that this was the sign I was looking for to launch myself into my company full time. I’m embarrassed now to admit I saw this company as a side venture at first, because now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. But sometimes it takes time to realize a good thing when it’s right in front of you.
Many students feel pressure to forgo doing what they love or are interested in to take on the business world. For today’s college girl, how do you recommend they tackle post-college life?
It definitely is intimidating to forgo a “normal” career path in search of what you truly love when everyone around you is lining up for the safety of traditional office jobs. But that pressure and concern fades quickly as you realize how fulfilled you are by finding a path that suits you. Plus, just wait three years, all those financiers are going to be musing about how they want to quit and start designing scarves…
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Other than actually creating illustrations, what is your favorite part of your business?
I love my clients and getting to connect with them. Each day is full of communication with tons of new people all over the world who are fans of my illustrations and are coming to me to share their joy by commissioning artwork to celebrate birthdays, pregnancies, weddings, new business ventures etc. I rarely finish an email without a smile on my face. It’s pretty cool to have a job that helps people commemorate their important moments.
What is a life motto that you actually believe in? (It can be cliché!)
A yoga instructor once told a class I was taking during a particularly painful pose, “This too shall pass” and I recite it to myself all the time. It applies to really awful moments and really amazing moments too. It helps me to remember to cherish all of my life, and not to dwell in anger.
Out of all the sketches you’ve made (which are a lot!), do you have any favorites?
I am loving all of my 2013 calendar girls right now. I spent a lot of time last summer carefully planning out each scene and am excited when each new month starts to unveil another one. Get excited – July is my very favorite!
You recently moved to New York City, but prior to that you were a DC resident. Many of us Georgetown students tend to stay on campus, but we always talk about “exploring outside the gates”, but usually it’s only talk! Do you have any recommendations for favorite spots or must-see places in DC?
Well, all of my favorite spots are in Georgetown, so I’m sure you’ve been already! But I absolutely love the Patisserie Poupon for pastries and Urban Chic for shopping in Book Hill on Wisconsin Ave. A hidden treasure I loved visiting was the art at the Kreeger Museum, a small private collection off Foxhall Rd. My favorite Italian is at Dino and best wine shop is Weygandt Wines. I could go on and on…
We saw that you were commissioned by Stuart Weitzman to create illustrations for Beyonce’s tour… Number one, we are enormous Beyonce fans. Number two, we are oh so jealous of your 1 degree of separation. Number three, we applaud you and also hope Blue Ivy is flower girl at your wedding. How does it feel to participate in projects like these?
Haha! I WISH Blue Ivy could be in my wedding. Can you even imagine? It really is an honor to get to work with big names like this. It’s a little intimidating, but definitely a feather in my illustrators cap.
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Now for some fun questions!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Spending too much money on hot yoga. Such a crazy expensive sport but I am addicted!
Favorite 80’s movie?
Was Dirty Dancing in the 80’s? If so, that has to be it!
Name one weird fact about yourself.
I can’t stand seafood.
Who is your style icon(s)?
Not sure if I can narrow it down to just one person – but it’s a mix of classic old movie stars in their feminine glamour.
What is your go-to outfit?
White or black simple top and skinny jeans with mohair smoking slippers.
*The source for all images is Inslee, herself!*