Hey y’all. This week we introduce you to @amyhoodlum cofounder of @hoodzpahdesign, @oddsandsodsco and @connectingthings.co. She is a design guru that carries a spicy sense of humor and dash of seriously good vibes. Follow along this week as we talk about god, marriage and pursuit of your personal dream. Amy has a super great book that just hit the shelf’s called “Freelance, and Business, and Stuff” you can pick up a copy through the link on the @hoodzpahdesign page!!!!
Why is design important?
There is of course the practical side of design - it's at the core of almost everything you touch and see in your life! But then there is the part that I relish as a Brand Identity designer, and that is the way something can make you feel. I've always had this weird brand loyalty ever since I was a kid: Coca-Cola or nothing! Don't you dare offer me a Pepsi. I'd rather drink water, and as any Southerner will tell you, water is the most unpopular of drinks in the South. But I've always been that way! It's why I love sports (Go Lakers) and why I'm crazy competitive, and why I love brand identity design. I get to help brands define that feeling, that storyline.
Tell me about Kentucky?
Kentucky was an amazing place to spend my formative years. I was born in CA, did 4 years there, then moved to NY and did most of elementary school there, so when we moved to KY the culture shock was real! Our Grandmother's side of the family has lived on the same piece of land for generations and she was one of 12 kids. 12. In a small town that means almost everyone is your relative. Every time I'd get a crush on a guy I'd have to trace his family tree to make sure there wasn't any branch crossover. And this was before 23 and Me or Facebook! All jokes aside, only now, when we go back to visit, do I truly appreciate the beauty of it. Everything is so green, and the land is so reasonable, and it may sound trite, but life is much simpler. And there is something cool about a place where people stay for generations. Families have been there for centuries on the same land.
What are your thoughts on marriage?
I'm not a cynic. I truly believe in love. But it's rarer than people would have you believe. And I don't think that marriage has anything to do with love. To me, I don't need to sign a piece of paper in front of the state and a witness to have a truly loving relationship. If anything it just makes things more complicated and puts an unnecessary strain on a good thing. I feel like a lot of relationships last longer than they should because they don't want to have the shame or hassle of a divorce. And every Forensic Files ever proves that if someone's murdered, the husband/wife did it. It's that pressure of "you can only love one person" - I believe a full life is the ability to love many people throughout our lives, and be loved in return. Cue Nat King Cole.
What is God?
God is the one who helps me to love, and who makes me merciful and empathetic instead of Regina-George-level judgmental and bitchy.
Tell me one Amy fun fact...
I played the violin for 8 years: 5 years classical in an orchestra, and 3 years of fiddle in our family bluegrass jam band that rocked the socks off of the Baptist church potluck on Wednesday nights. Some people brought the chicken livers, some people brought collard greens, I brought the solo on "I'll Fly Away".
How are you different than your sister?
It's so funny because we are so different but we are also so the same! I'm definitely more neurotic and obsessive than Jen. Jen is sweet and chill and can join in on anyone's hobby or circle and fit in and have a blast. I'm like a tornado when I get an idea in my head. Whether it's a business idea or planning a vacation, I will fill every minute of it with something. We definitely balance each other out so that Jen isn't too chill and I'm not too crazy.
Give me some happiness advice?
Happiness is a tough one! We're not always going to be happy, but I do believe we can be joyful even when we're not happy. For me the key to joy is knowing your own definition of success and not letting outside elements and forces put their expectations on you. And just finding gratitude in everything you do. Every situation/client/relationship won't be the perfect situation, but that's not the point! If you're looking for perfect you're missing out. Instead of looking for what is lacking, look for the positives and realize you can find fulfillment for the things that are lacking with other people/hobbies/outlets.