Focus On... Thunder Peep! {And A Discount!}

Michelle of Thunder Peep is just the nicest person ever! She shared a bit of her creative process with me and even offered a discount code for you lucky ducks! Read on. :)

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I'm a graphic designer by day - illustrator under the cover of dark. I like to play outside, watch scary movies, read printed newspapers and drink coffee.

{2011 calendar - on sale now!}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I start with basic pencil and paper sketch to let the idea play itself out and then I re-create it in Illustrator. I love the feel and look of clean sharp lines and the contrasts that I get from digital drawings. It takes a bit more time, but time well invested.

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I've been a big fan of etsy as a shopper and I like the idea that's it's not just about shopping. It's a real community. It's a great way to reach a wide variety of customers but it's also such an amazing community, I have learned so much from other sellers and artists on etsy.

{midsummer dreams print}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am a big fan of folklore and tradition. In particular Scandinavian folklore and design. It's functional, colourful, personal and quirky. Being that I live on the West Coast I also can't help but be influenced by all the shapes and shades of nature. 

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Lately I have been really getting down with The Sounds (from Sweden) and all the fun 80's tunes mixed into my itunes!

{lordy lordy}

When it's cold outside...

I am that rare person who loves the cold so I'd be outside. Walking the seawall or up the mountain snowshoeiing. I love being able to bundle up in my toque, scarves and mittens :)

When I'm hungry...

I stare at my cupboards looking for the easiest thing to make! 

{ice castle print}

When I need a boost...

I Skype. Good friends are the best motivators and pick me ups I could as for. Sometimes there are drinks involved ;)

{manon tissue cozy}

I wish I was/were...

more organized. I have a tendency to leave things to the last minute

{snowpeep adventuresome card set}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

2 minutes. Everyone is so rushed and attached to their technology these days, I would like to give everyone 2 minutes to just stop and appreciate the moment. It's sometimes the little things in life that have the biggest impact.

{kissing in a tree}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

my Grandma. She was such a great presence in my childhood, I would love to have that now, as an adult.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A penguin. After seeing March of the Penguins I fell in love with the story of the Penguins. Their perseverance and sense of community. Plus they live in Antarctica, one place I would love to visit.

{manon notecard and clutch set}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

Hmmm... that's a tough question. The Ice Castle is my most recent piece and when it was all finished I literally wanted to live IN the image i was so excited about it.

{you're gross}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

CraftMBA has been a great learning tool for me as I attempt to make a business out of my art. Also on my list of regulars:

Decor8, Print Pattern, and the Calgary Flames Insider  - I'm a huge hockey fan!! 

You can find Thunder Peep 

on Facebook, 

on etsy, 

and on twitter!

And since Michelle is just the coolest car around, she has offered a discount code just for Kate and Oli readers! When you enter the code "kateandoli", you will receive a 25% discount on your order! So, head on over and get to buying!