Meet Linda Cranston | Graphic Design and Artistry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Cranston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have identified as an “artist” since I was 5 years old! I always knew that I would be in a creative career. My father was the one who suggested Advertising Design. He had to explain to me what it was. I went to the Art Institute of Colorado and got an associate degree and have been working in the graphic design field ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was in art school, I worked an early morning job at JCPenney as a maid. I cleaned toilets, dressing rooms and offices. There was an office for the ad designer and I would sit at the desk and think that I would have that job one day. I graduated and the job became available and I got it! I befriended the gals in the corporate advertising office and got offered a job there. I took the bus from Boulder to Denver — commuting 3 hours every day. Then I applied for a job I saw in the newspaper to work for a publishing company. I worked for that company for 36 years as art director for many trade magazines. During that time, I started my freelance business on the side. It turned out to be great extra money. When I got laid off last year, it was full steam ahead on freelance opportunities. One of my latest contracts is with Insights magazine. I have learned that working for yourself requires focus and dedication. The best resources have come from friendships and past colleagues — those who know my work and commitment to quality. People like to work with people they know and like. I have been creating pretty much my whole life — using acrylic paint, alcohol ink, watercolor and stained glass. Using my hands outside of the computer is great therapy. Most of my creations are abstract in nature, eliminating the need to make something look like something and giving me total freedom with my medium of choice! I am also the president of the Left Hand Artist Group, a local non-profit. I designed their logo and website.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely head to Pearl Street Mall in Boulder and find some patio seating and people watch. Catch a show at Red Rocks. A hike, dinner and a show at Chautauqua. Folsom Field for a Colorado Buffalos football game! A leisurely stroll around McIntosh Lake. Happy hour at Jeffe’s or Tacalli’s in Longmont.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Special thanks to Kayleigh Connroy for nominating me for this interview/story. She is a very talented and creative hairstylist, loving wife and mother! She has an Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hair_by_kayleighann/

Website: https://www.lindacranston.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindacranstonart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-cranston-83158810/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.cranston.92

Other: http://lolastypehype.blogspot.com