Jennie Bottone – Multimedia Designer, Graphic Artist, and Illustrator

December 21, 2012

To try and move away from the perception that I live on this design island, I decided it would be beneficial to pick the brains of some great creative professionals. This series will not solely focus on web design/development, but I think there’s more than just a little bit to be learned from the way other great photographers, illustrators, or crafters go about their daily work.

In this series of interviews, I want to give you a glimpse into the professional lives of some wonderful creative professionals.

First up, Jennie Bottone. I’ve known Jennie for nearly 7 years and she is a fantastic illustrator. She currently designs for educational games and has dabbled in web as well. Let’s just get right to it!

What is your name, title, and company you work for?

Jennie Bottone. I am a Multimedia Designer in Orlando, FL, for the Military and Part time freelance graphic artist and illustrator (Jennie Bee Designs).

If asked what you do as a Multimedia Designer, what would you say?

That is a complicated answer because my job is really dynamic and I have a several specialties. In short, I like to tell people that I am a game artist because I primarily have been working with game technology for education and training. I enjoy the creation of 2D graphic elements, characters and backgrounds the most.

I also have a lot of interest in Transmedia, how it can be applied to interfaces, and the connection of human computer interaction to storytelling.

While freelancing, I focus on just the creations of graphics.

What made you want to become a multimedia designer/illustrator?

I’ve always enjoyed art. When I was in junior high, I created a poster for a book called Tangerine by Edward Bloor for class. I came up with the slogan “Tangerine, it’s appealing”. That is when I noticed that the creation of art was something that could be turned into a career.

In High School, my teachers really took interest in my talent and encouraged me to go into the field. I became interested in digital media because I saw the field changing from creating pieces by hand to creating them with the computer.

Who are some of your inspirations in the field of web design, illustration, or the arts as a whole?

My style has definitely evolved over time. I think that I have come to find most of my inspirations today from cartoonists, 1960’s advertising and the utilization of Pinterest.

I love Tom Whalen, David Perillo, Jorge Gutierrez, Joseph Game (Chrogrin), Derek Yaniger, Steve Lambey and so many others. I get a lot of my inspiration from their work.

What makes you most excited about working with Illustrator or any of the other technologies you use on a daily basis?

I mostly use Illustrator and I get excited about just focusing on the project and coming up with ideas for what I’m going to make. I like that I don’t need to worry about using the tools.

What do you expect (or want) to see happen within the graphic design field over the next several years?

I think there will always be a need for graphics, it just may be displayed in different ways. Because the technology will always change, it’s important to have a foundation of the elements of design, of typography, and the principles of design.

I think that Mobile technology will play a major role over the next few years, especially in the way we create graphics. For example, using it as a sketch pad for ideas, painting on larger tablets, etc. I think 3D graphics will become stronger (even if it has a 2D look – Like Archer or South Park).

If you had to choose a different, completely unrelated career, what would that look like?

Something related to dance, like a magic dancer, theme park dancer, or a dancer on a cruise ship. I’ve also always been interested in being a kindergarten teacher.

Is there anything else, personal or professional, people should know about you?

2013 is going to be an exciting year! This year I joined a community of Freelancers for the theme parks, so I am hoping that next year I will fulfill a dream of working with some of them. I am also am getting married in May, so watch out for my name change!

I love new clients! If you are interested in working with me please contact me.