Patti Pogodzinski: On Creativity
Marianna
What are the unexpected turns your life took to lead you to become who you are today?
Patti
My spinal cord injury definitely led me to pursue a career in Illustration. Before I had my injury I was very focused on athletics and wanted to pursue that professionally…but since I wasn't able to go back to competitive synchronized swimming, I had more time to develop my other love, which was painting and illustration. Despite it being a difficult time, I remember with fondness the days where I listened to music and drew for hours as a way to escape reality. It was very therapeutic.
Marianna
What sources of inspiration do you use to foster creativity in your work?
Patti
My parents are Polish, so I grew up speaking Polish at home and was surrounded by a lot of Polish books and movies - particularly from the 60s and 70s. There's a children's textbook called "Elementarz", which had a huge influence on me when I was a kid learning how to read and write in Polish. It was filled with expressive watercolor illustrations by Janusz Grabiański and I still look through it regularly for inspiration.
Some other things that bring me a lot of joy: the Czech illustrator Mirko Hanak's illustrations, the illustrator Brian Wildsmith, Hayo Miyasaki, and Isao Takahata's animations, and the soviet film "Gypsies Are Found Near Heaven". Also, I love looking for references and inspiration from the fashion world.
Marianna
How would you describe your creative process?
Patti
My process isn't very linear or the same per project, as much as I wish it was. If I'm working on an illustration, I start with a rough sketch to get my idea down on paper. I try to directly paint without making any pencil drawings first because otherwise, it makes my painting look too tight.
Since I work mostly with watercolors, which can be unforgiving, I figured a way to fix mistakes without starting over. Sometimes I leave it and fix it digitally, or I collage over the mistake. Sometimes I will cut out a part of my painting that I like, and paint the rest on another piece of paper. Since most of my work is viewed on-screen or on fabric, I don't mind if my painting ends up being cut up into different parts.
Marianna
How do you make sense of chaos in your life?
Patti
Becoming disabled at a young age forced me to accept unexpected challenges and acknowledge the fact that our lives and the universe are full of chaos, and sometimes there's not a lot you can do about it, besides adapting to it and moving forward.
I think creativity lends a lot of help in adapting to the chaos in life, and chaos fosters a creative mind at the same time.
Marianna
Do you have a routine for entering into a creative headspace?
Patti
I always make a cup of coffee before I start painting or planning my next project. The few minutes it takes for me to clean out the mokapot, fill it with water, coffee, and put it on the stove gives me a moment to clear my mind. As I wait for the coffee to brew, I visualize myself laying down paint onto the paper and how I will move my hand to get the perfect stroke of color.
Marianna
Where do you think ideas come from?
Patti
Ideas work like dreams, they come from everything that your subconscious absorbs in your waking life - but an idea appears in your mind as something to pursue.
Marianna
When do your best ideas hit you?
Patti
My best ideas usually hit me while I'm painting from observation or mindlessly doodling. Once I'm in the zone, my brain gets hit with ideas that I need to write down instantly or I'll forget the moment I pick up my brush again.
I can't force myself to have a great idea, they always seem to come to me when I'm in the middle of something creative. That's why it’s important to never stop doodling or painting when I stop that’s when the new ideas stop!
Marianna
Why do you think people get stuck on problems?
Patti
Fear to move forward, fear of being unable to live up to your own expectations or say the wrong thing. I get stuck on paintings a lot, afraid to make the next move because I'll ruin it. I wish I had a solution to this, but I think the best thing to do, is to allow yourself to make mistakes!
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About Patti Pogodzinski:
Patti Pogodzinski is an illustrator, currently residing in Northeast Florida. She obtained her MFA from the Illustration Practice program at Maryland Institute College of Art, and where she completed her undergraduate studies in Fine Arts.
When she's not working at her desk with her favorite watercolor set and a cup of coffee, Patti is probably spending her time cooing over her cat, Sunny, or watching Florida’s majestic wildlife frolic in her backyard or swimming laps.
Her work spans from illustrations based on family history to surface pattern design for clients such as H&M, Calvin Klein, Prabal Gurung, and others.
Currently, Patti is working on illustrations for the music project: Music Across the Water.
Learn more about her work by visiting her Website or following her on Instagram.