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In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!

This week we are talking with Danielle Styles, an Illustrator and Graphic Designer based out of Linden, Michigan. For the last few years Danielle has been steadily building up her portfolio with everything from band posters to murals, magazine work, and even t-shirt design. Coursing through all of her work is an artistic style that is cool and playful, and often finds her utilizing a vibrant color palette. Also of note is the way Danielle seems to share as much of an affinity for digital methods as she does traditional ones like painting and drawing.

Was there a specific moment in life when you realized you wanted to pursue a creative path?

I would say in middle school I started thinking about being an artist. There was an after school program that my school offered that taught you how to draw cartoons, and I just fell in love.

Who are your design heroes?

I have so many! I am constantly on the lookout for new artists, but I would say my biggest inspiration within the past few years has been Charley Harper. I love his wildlife paintings and how he uses rather simple shapes and lines to describe creatures and their environment.

Can you share some details about your most recent project?

I just finished a fun book cover for a young adult novel. It's set in a school and involves a lot of fun drama and middle school level hijinks. This is the image before any typography was set on top:

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Are you currently working on any projects?

Yes, I have quite a few in the works at the moment. I'm most excited about a cat portrait and a big abstract piece that will be going in our beautiful, newly renovated kitchen!

Walk us through some of your process for creating.

I start with a bunch of rough sketches, just to get some ideas out. Then I move onto a more finished drawing once I choose which direction to [take]. I usually have a color scheme kind of in my head by this point, but sometimes I'll do a small color study to help. Then I move on to finalizing it, either on the computer or traditionally (my favorite paint to use is acrylic). Usually lots of coffee and maybe a bit of wine is involved in the process also.

What is your favorite project that you've completed and why?

This past summer I was honored to be asked to do a mural in a private apartment/garage space for a couple. The wall it's on is for a kids playroom, so I figured a bunch of fun, simple animals would be perfect. I feel like I really learned a lot, especially never having worked at this size before (the wall is roughly 13 ft high).

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What tools do you find yourself using repeatedly?

I still love sketching using a good ole fashioned pencil. For some reason I prefer sketching in either a small sketchbook, or on tracing paper, so I have tons of [sketches] lying around. When I do any digital work I either use Photoshop or Illustrator (my personal favorite).

Do you have a ritual for getting in design mode (music you listen to, certain exercise, food you eat)?

Oh totally. I usually start off the day with a cup of lemon/honey water, go to the gym for an hour and then I'm ready to go! If I feel particularly creatively stuck, sometimes going on a bike ride or a walk can help. I am lucky to live in a beautiful area with lots of nature and wildlife nearby that I can [immerse] myself in, and I find it very inspiring.

Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?

I do love to cook and try new recipes! I also really love listening to music while I work and searching for new stuff. The new Mitski album and the Grimes album that came out earlier this year have been on heavy rotation.

If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three tools, what are they?

Pencils, sketchbooks and maybe a set of acrylics (with some brushes of course)!

Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your Coroflot portfolio?

Updating it is definitely important (although I am guilty of not being very good at this). Also, having a good range of different projects is great too, it shows you can be creatively flexible.

To see more of Danielle's work, check out her Coroflot portfolio!

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