Julie Hughes - Ski Girl Design
instagram.com/skigirldesign
ArtRoom Collective Studio #2
We sat down with Julie Dean Hughes of Ski Girl Design, Studio #2 at the ArtRoom Collective, to hear her story—how a lifelong love of art evolved into a 27-year career in design, and how she’s now embracing watercolor, jewelry, and mixed media in her studio practice today.
What kind of art do you create?
I live to create watercolors, jewelry, and mixed media.
Can you share your journey as an artist?
What inspired you to pursue this path?
I have always loved art since I was a tiny kid. Always doodling, drawing, painting, fiber arts and anything I could get my hands on. In high school I had amazing teachers that pushed me to apply for art school, work on my portfolio and even designed classes for me when I took every art class they had to offer. I ended up attending Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts to study art and communication design—leading me to become a graphic designer and art director for 27 years, working mostly in print, magazine, pharmaceuticals and identity work. I worked for Seventeen Magazine, redesigned Barbie packaging and a ton of other cool projects. I still do some design work, but my main focus is more fine arts now!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up right outside New York City in a small town called New City, NY.
What inspires you?
Our surroundings inspire me everyday. What we love to do as a family - skiing, fishing, hiking, birds and animals in my yard, biking and so much more.
How long have you been producing art?
I have always made art. But I just joined the ArtRoom Collective in February of this year.
What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
My biggest passions are skiing, mtn biking, fishing and family time with my husband and two awesome kids.
Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should look out for?
I am constantly trying new things. Recently I have been experimenting with turning my watercolors into earrings and wearable art, and making cyanotype prints.
When is your favorite time of day to create and why?
Mornings are my favorite time to create, but my brain never shuts off.
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
After working in NYC as a designer for years and living through 9/11 and the Blackout, I quit my job and career to become a ski bum in Jackson Hole with no plan. One year led to 7 years, meeting my husband and living my life to its fullest.
Favorite piece you've created?
Recently, a Calliope Hummingbird that a friend of mine had generously shared a photograph he had taken, and I decided to paint it. So proud of it, I have prints and cards of it to share and sell. It's the first image above.
What's something not many people know about you?
I used to have a red hot sport Honda Hawk motorcycle named Fabio that I rode all the time in the Tetons.
What are you selling in your studio right now?
Watercolors - on paper and painted on wood blocks, notecards, prints and earrings.
Anything else you'd like to add.....
I am so grateful to be in Durango for over 12 years raising my kids, working in the ArtRoom and getting to share my art with everyone.