Inspiration Series - Ian Prosser & Zoë Gallina of Botanica

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series.

I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices. All photography images courtesy of Botanica.

Featured in this installement are the unsurpassed talents of Owner Ian Prosser & Creative Director Zoë Gallina. Lose yourself below and be captivated by the Beauty that is Botanica!!

Highly coveted and acclaimed, Ian Prosser is a floral phenomenon having created an array of masterpieces for the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Donna Summer, Dan Wheldon, & Kirstie Alley.  Yes, we are "dropping names" here... with this repertoire who wouldn't?!  Not to mention his work in the presidential inauguration of President Bill Clinton & his role as "Floral Design Chair" for the inaugurations of President George W. Bush.

However accomplished and with over 30 years experience, Ian still remains personally connected, approaching each creative opportunity with explicit care and inspired artistry.  Having seen his work first hand, it is simply BREATHTAKING.  A leader and mentor in the industry, a worldwide award winning inspiration to be sought after, Mr. Ian Prosser.

A perfect complement to the ambitious Prosser, let us also introduce Zoë Gallina the decorated Creative Director of Botanica.  With unrelenting creativity and a passion for "the feel of the flower", Gallina has gone on to support and uphold the exceptional reputations of this unmatched design studio.  Winning floral awards as early as age 8 and having been featured in various publications throughout her professional career, she is a blooming talent who is continued to be watched and respected by all in the industry.  Not to mention, she is simply a DOLL!

Special thanks to all the creative minds at Botanica for sharing their artistic expression!

With hopes that you continue on your journey towards inspiration, we invite you to browse our entire Inspiration Series on our blog and perhaps become further fueled to create, pulling inspiration from us here at The 2u Collection.

Inspiration Series - Ronnie Renaud @ RW Chocolate Fountains

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series. 

I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices. All photography images courtesy of RW Chocolate Fountain Rentals.

Featured in this installment is the oh-so-sweetly talented Ronnie Renaud of RW Chocolate.

At The 2u Collection we have been fortunate enough to indulge (inspiration enough) in the simply fantastic creations of this master confectioner & chocolatier extraordinaire. We like to consider ourselves "official" taste-testers, and let me tell you there is nothing to complain about! The only challenge? Putting these delectable dessert treats down! Solution?... We simply refrain from having scales in our creative space..... *wink*

Ronnie sets RW Chocolate apart from other industry professionals with her strong consideration for not only taste but the overall event aesthetic as well. It's not just chocolate flowing down a fountain, it's an adorned focal piece that fits. Truffles and cakes  are carefully arranged to compliment and enhance. You just haven't experienced sinful indulgence, until your lips are glitzed with glitter from her infamous Disco Balls. I'd have to say it's the fun and whimsy of it all that inspires me most. She also does amazing chocolate molds. You can see in the picture below! I had her make these for my best friends baby shower and they were a huge hit!!

I hope that you are lucky enough to enjoy not only these images, but her edible artistry as well.  May her work inspire you to 
break free!

Inspiration Series - Quest Drape

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series. 

I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices. All photography images courtesy of Quest Drape.

I've had the pleasure of interacting with some amazing vendors and it always delights me when a foreign or unexpected medium is translated into a beautiful creation. Check out how Quest Drape takes the simple element of drapery to a level unmatched! The impact alone fires me up...!

 

Inspiration Series-Liga Photography!

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series. 

I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices.

So today I want to share with you, one of my favorite places to go and be inspired. Liga Photography...And Luckily for me, I don't have to go very far. Abby is a close friend of mine as well as she trusts me to handle all of her marketing and branding, and I trust her to photograph all of my work. So if you've visited my blog before you'll know Abby shoot's all of my stationery and products. She even lends her creative eye, imagery and style to our joint stationery line Paper Couture Stationery. 

With work like her's it's easy to be inspired to create great marketing and advertising pieces. And I can tell you that because I have access to all of her images for her marketing efforts, she is an AMAZING TALENT. I can assure you, she isn't one of those photographers that shoots thousands of images, to pull a few strong ones. Everything she shoots is strong, emotional and thought provoking. Whether the subject is Weddings, Engagement, Corporate or just something that personally fulfills her, her images always make a statement.  (pictured above is the striking cover of her presentation brochure I designed. Of course the beautiful image really brings it home how talented she really is)

This is one of my favorite Engagement Shoots she has ever done. The style of the couple is mirrored in Abby's thoughtful placement of props and subject. The true naturalistic environment lends to the natural and easy going feeling of the couple, and Abby's genuine love for LOVE is evident as she captures the spontaneous and intimate moments of the couple.

I am obsessed with details, and I love these images above Abby captured while traveling around France. You can still see her passion for great moments in time... even without human subjects. 

And of course, something she is particularity good at is Weddings. If you are in the market for a wedding photographer- you couldn't go wrong if you choose Abby. As you can see she brings an emotion to her client's day that will live on for years to come. (above is a recent wedding of Miss Liga's. Visit her BLOG to see more. Below is a page out of her presentation piece)

Inspiration Series-Photographer Shira Weinberger

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series. 

I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices. All photography images courtesy of Shira Weinberger

Today's installment is about NYC Expressive Contemporary Photographer Shira Weinberger. I had the pleasure of working with Shira in October of last year on our Gotham Hall wedding in New York City. In a city full of photo opportunities Shira definitely makes the best of them. It takes a special person to be able to capture a couple's most intimate moments and she is able to do that and more. She is able to capture images that really convey the raw emotion of the moment and that is truly a creative gift. 

Enjoy the photos and may you be inspired as well. 

All photography images courtesy of Shira Weinberger

Inspiration Series-Lisa Stoner of E-Events Design!

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series to start the new year off right! 


I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices.

Thanks to Abby Liga, Damon Tucci, Garrett Nudd, Jen Larson, Rhette Pyle, Mark Pennington and Thom Larussa

For this post I chose Lisa Stoner, of E Events. I am lucky to not only call Lisa a good friend, but to work with her on regular basis.  Her work is inspiring and trend setting. She has a style that is un-rivaled and all her own. Her eye for details makes every event she touches classy and spectacular in every way. Not only is she amazing in her professional life, but in her personal life as well, she has 2 wonderful daughters, and one of them I'm sure will be the first woman president. (and I'm being serious!) Just proving further how inspirational she truly is. Take in some of the beautiful imagery below from some of the events she has designed!

You can see what I mean about the eye for details. Romance is carried through, even in the cute heart shaped pat of butter!

 Whether it's transforming an existing venue or creating a venue in great wide open with a tent. Lisa really knows how to pull it all together.

 One of my favorite things that is evident in Lisa's work is the use of the ORGANIC.. She takes, natures most beautiful textures, colors and shapes and incorporates them in her events with modern flair.

If you aren't familiar with Lisa Stoner, of E Events, then it has been my pleasure introducing you to her. If you are familiar with her, then you understand why she is inspiring.