Anon-Y-Mouse :: Angeleno Series + GIVEAWAY

Jonathan Ventura of Anon-Y-Mouse Print & Design wants to change the way you think about wedding invitations and print design.  Relatively new to Etsy (Jonathan set up shop in September 2011) but in the business of wedding paper for over two years, Jonathan and his team challenge themselves to produce innovative designs and clever packaging for wedding stationary and other paper goodies.

"Jessica" save-the-dates from Anon-Y-Mouse

When Jonathan and I “met” on Etsy last year, I was excited about his products (and of course, I still am) – with a background in graphic design and photography, Anon-Y-Mouse’s invitations are equal parts simple beauty and modern elegance.  To my delight, Jonathan agreed to answer some questions about Anon-Y-Mouse AND sponsor a giveaway (keep reading for more details!).

What has been your biggest inspiration as an artist/crafter?

People.  I want to create art that inspires other people, just like I have been inspired.  I love to know about artists that came before me, whether they are print designers, painters, or photographers.  It’s neat to see how things were done before Photoshop and Illustrator.  They inspire me to get better and never stop learning.

Can you describe your work space and/or work process?

I am very messy and sporadic, tending to work on whatever is in front of me, then getting distracted by another project, until I end up back where I started.  I deliberately try not to be organized; I feel I work better this way. It keeps me from feeling "bored" or burning out.

Who would you say influences you the most as an artist/crafter?

Alvin Lustig.  He, for me, is the epitome of print design and the person that inspired me to create things on paper, and still influences my use of shapes and simple text.  I have a good collection of his work at my home that I constantly look to for inspiration.  He was a multi-dimensional artist, working not just on book covers but business identity and even interior design. I try to model myself after that—I work on different art forms such as print design as well as photography.

How did you come up with the name of your business?

Well, “Anon-y-Mouse” is a play on the word "anonymous.” For the longest time I didn't have an Internet presence at all. I struggled to put my work online.  I preferred my work to be found by other means, like word of mouth.  I didn't want to use my name for that reason the work should speak for itself.  The company should be known for the work, not me.

The "Eliza" invitation by Anon-Y-Mouse

What is your personal favorite item for sale in your shop?

The Eliza Invitation.  I think it’s a very unique wedding invitation, something you don't see every day.  I love the way the whole thing came together, the font and compositions seem to be made for each other.  The design lends itself to be printed.   It looks great in your hands.

What is your most cherished possession?

It's a three-way tie between my iMac, camera, and book collection.  My iMac holds every design project and photo I have ever created.  My camera is special because photography is my first love.  It's what I went to school for and what started my artistic journey.   And I just can't live without my books.  I have been an avid collector for about eight years.  They inspire me and I also love to read.  It’s one of my favorite things to do.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

I hate to admit it, but there is nothing in my fridge because I eat out all the time.  I prefer to eat out at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and discover great new foods.  I know I don't have time to cook so I don't buy many groceries, when I do they just sit there and spoil.

Where would you like to be in five years? Ten years?

Well, first, I would hope to be in a studio at least twice as big as what I have now with a lot more natural light.  I find I work best when it’s bright and it helps me get better product photos.  I’d like to be out of Los Angeles and living somewhere semi-rural.  I'm in love with nature and want to be closer to it.  In ten years i hope to be doing the same type of work, just bigger and better.  Hopefully my design/photography skills continue to improve.  Even now, I learn new things every day and will continue to find ways to make my products better. There’s always room for expanding my product line, as it is now I only have about 50% of my work up on Etsy.

WIN a set of 8 Valentine's Day cards!

And now (drumroll, please!) I am pleased to announce that Jonathan has ALSO generously decided to host a giveaway for a set of eight Valentine's Day cards, just in time to share with your favorite Valentines.  The winner chooses the style (winner receives eight of the SAME style).

To enter the giveaway, visit the Anon-Y-Mouse shop on Etsy and add it to your favorites.  Leave us a comment here to let us know you added Anon-Y-Mouse to your Etsy faves and mention the set of V-day cards that YOU would choose if you win!

For extra entries (leave a comment for each additional entry):

1. "Like" Anon-Y-Mouse Prints on Facebook (leave a comment with your Facebook name)
2. Follow this blog (leave a comment with your GFC username)
3. Share this giveaway on Twitter; suggested text for your Tweet: "I just entered to win #Valentine cards from Anon-Y-Mouse Prints @annadeloresLA: http://annadeloresphoto.blogspot.com" (leave a comment with your Twitter handle)
   
4. "Like" Anna Delores Photography on Facebook (leave a comment with your Facebook name)
5. Sign up for the Anna Delores newsletter

The deadline to enter the giveaway is one week from today: Thursday, February 2, at 11:59 p.m. PST.