Check out Allison of Array Design ‘s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison of Array Design.

Allison, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My adventure of honing my artistry began at the age of three when I stepped into my first combo class at a dance studio. I quickly learned that I love movement. It is an opportunity to explore and create with nothing required but an ability to get out of your own way to move. My love for dance led me all the way through college as I studied dance and business at Arizona State. I appreciated the juxtaposition of working hard physically and mentally through 90 minutes of a modern dance class and then soaking up a microeconomics lecture ten minutes later. It was the best of both worlds. I didn’t want to have to choose one or the other. I had a desire to meld my artistry and my economic curiosities. Initially, it wasn’t clear how I would make these two work together, so I worked on growing my understanding of business as a commodity manager for an aerospace company and then with an electronics company.

I chose to make some of the floral arrangements at my own wedding which captured my curiosity for floral design. It was just a hobby at first, but I quickly recognized my passion and ability come together and knew this is what I wanted to do. I started helping brides make their big day beautiful by creating their floral arrangements. I stumbled upon the opportunity to pair my creative outlet with my business intrigue.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a floral designer for weddings and events. I find great joy in meeting with couples to hear their love story and seeing them light up as they talk about their engagement. Together, we dream up beautiful design ideas that I have the opportunity to use my creativity to bring to life for their wedding day. A bridal bouquet gets to be at the intimate first look, walking down the aisle to meet your beloved, and in all of your fun wedding photos. It is an honor to be able to create such a memorable wedding element. Not to mention the rest of the floral design that ties each space of the wedding together from the welcome table to the ceremony, off to cocktail hour, and finally the full reception space.

Weddings are such a sweet time in life and I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to support couples as they embark in the covenant of marriage together. I just love helping them design a great party to celebrate that monumental commitment to beginning their together.

The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
The reality is, pursuing a creative career requires a lot of time, energy, and financial commitment. It takes balance which can be extremely difficult when you’re pouring your heart and soul, and every ounce of time you have into your art. In order to learn best practices of my art, I reached out to a veteran in my field to gain the new understanding of the craft. I am always working on developing my artistic practice but it is equally necessary to become profitable and sustainable. The road to that might require sacrifice like working a second job or cutting back lifestyle expenses to make your dreams a reality. For me, becoming a student of the business side of things has been key. I create S.M.A.R.T. goals for myself as well as my business and ask for help to supplement my skills when I need it, like managing my business’ finances.

There are so many great folks out there that want to cheer you on and see you succeed, especially in the Phoenix community. Just find a way to ask for support when you need it and keep believing in yourself. We can do it!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can support my work by sharing it with a friend or by commenting on the pieces you like on my social media. Referrals and word of mouth are the best ways to encourage small businesses, we so appreciate your help! It is so fun getting to meet Phoenicians through my art to reach out and comment on Instagram so we can connect!

If you or a friend are planning a wedding, I’d love to sit down and chat about how I can help bring your wedding ideas to life for your big day! You can reach out through the “Get in Touch” section on my website.

In person, you can find my arrangements in Phoenix at Local Nomad on occasion for holidays and you can see my work at each of Ballet Arizona’s main stage performances.

You can check out some of my past work on my website or my social media accounts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ArrayDesignAZ.com
• Phone: 623-297-6479
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/arraydesignaz/
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/arraydesignaz/
• Other: www.ArrayDesignAZ.com/get-in-touch/

Image Credit:
Aly Kirk Photo, Darling Detail Photography, Annie Ruby Photography, Kaylee Chelsea Photography, Katelyn Cantu Photography, Blake Hogge Photo

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.