August 2012 Artist of the Month

For the month of August our Artist of the Month is Victoria Tully.  Victoria is a wonderful artist that creates her magic through paper making wonderful handcrafted cards.  Each one is a special piece that takes the art of working with paper to a new level.  It's always great to be able to get to know our artists a little bit better, so without further delay, here's Victoria's interview.

Question:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Toledo, OH but spent most of my life in Phoenix, AZ. I have lived in the Tampa area for 20 years, almost 17 of those in Westchase. I love being active and involved in the community.

I’m the owner and operator of Victoria Tully Designs. I have always loved art, making things and being creative. Many years ago I began making scrapbooks for myself and family members. One year for Christmas, I tore apart my daughter and son’s baby books, added photos from their childhood through young adulthood and made a big scrapbook for each of them. To this day they say it was the best gift I ever gave them. The following Christmas, I decided to do one for my stepdaughter and stepson and included not only their childhood photos but pictures of their father in his childhood and young adulthood. They loved them! My husband always encouraged me with my scrapbooking hobby and often said he thought I had a natural talent and I should go into business. I would laugh at him!

Then in the spring of 2011, I found myself not knowing what to do. I had recently lost my best friend, husband and my number one encourager of nearly 25 years. I needed something to fill my time and emptiness and give me some degree of happiness. It was my son (who had since become my number one encourager) who sent me an email with a link to a scrapbooking and card making business and said, “Mom, you can do this!” After kicking around the idea for a time, I thought what better business to start than to do something I really love. I had been working on a scrapbook for my neighbor’s 80th birthday celebration and realized the fulfillment and joy I was receiving from creating this keepsake for her. That was the beginning of Victoria Tully Designs…handmade invitations, scrapbooks and greeting cards. On April 27, 2011, Victoria Tully Designs, LLC was filed with the State of Florida.

Question:  What first made you want to become an artist?

This question tickles me. I am still getting accustomed to being referred to as an “artist.” I can’t pinpoint an exact thing that made me want to become an artist. I believe art has always been part of me. More importantly, it has always been God’s plan for me.

Question:  Describe your creative process.

I am inspired by an individual, a happy couple and/or an event. I play around with paper textures, colors, layers and embellishments. God has given me a talent to listen to an individual's vision, along with their likes and dislikes, and then be able to make it come alive in a card, invitation or scrapbook page.

 Question:  movies, website, groups…

My favorite books are anything involving spiritual growth, encouragement and understanding. I read from the Bible daily. I also love books about art, cooking (my second love) and decorating. My favorite website is YouTube. You can find out how to do almost anything on it!

My taste in music is very eclectic. I like pop 40 to jazz and classical. One of my favorite things is the “Shuffle Songs” option on my iPod. I listen to music all day long.

Question:  In ten years, I’d like to be…

Receiving as much joy from my art and clients as I do today! The Lord willing.