Hi! I’m Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner! I guess I would say I’m one-of-a-kind. I stay creative throughout the day and my mind is always racing with an idea!!! Here’s a little more about me in all facets of my life…

Words I use to describe myself:
funny. random. zany. odd in a good way. open-minded. cat-lover. sweets addict. dancer. singer. provider of useless pop culture tidbits.

Growing up

I think this sums me up in a lot of ways… “You can take the girl out of Kentucky, but you can’t take the Kentucky out of the girl”. I was born and raised in Kentucky and lived there for 30 years of my life (I just recently became a California transplant). I grew up in Hartford, KY in Ohio County (in KY people refer to where you live by what county you live in). I had a humble and hard-working upbringing. I became obsessed with TV and pop culture at an early age, imitating and singing songs I learned from watching too much MTV (yes, Mom, I was watching when you didn’t know it).

I was always exposed to arts and crafts as a child. My first creations were hairbows, finger loop bracelets, puffy paint applique shirts, and friendship bracelets. I also loved to draw, doodle, and draw houseplans. As a kid, I wanted to become an architect (that changed when I learned Math was involved!) In high school, I won a local newspaper ad contest won an ad contest where I won a big prize, my very own computer. I was exposed to photography right after high school and it has become another passion of mine!

Family

I have a super productive and skilled dad (Chuck) and very creative seamstress Mom (Sharron). I am the baby in a blended family (my biological mom, Norma passed away when I was a six, she was also wildly creative). My oldest brother is Charles and I have three stepsisters (Cynthia, Angela, and Sophia), though I consider them my real sisters! I also have super cute nieces and nephews…Brock (11), Taylor (9), Grant (9), and Ava (1). I’m very proud of them! I consider Taylor to be my mini me. She’s a very crafty and driven and she has her own blog!

By Day

I’m a graphic designer at iLoveToCreate in Fresno, CA. On any given day, you can find me designing signage for stores, logos (I created the corporate one above), ads, packaging, and much more. I also help develop and compile content for the iLoveToCreate Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, blog, and other social media outlets.

By Night

I stay pretty active in the blogosphere! I work on many projects ranging from jewelry to digital illustration to home décor. I’m always making something! I’m also involved with my local Etsy team, Fresno Etsy Especial and create Fresno buttons that have gotten some local buzz that I sell at a my friends boutique, Twee.

My Girl Pixie

I’ve had Pixie for about 5 years now. She was full grown when I got her. She’s super skiddish, but at the same time super sweet. You just have to let her come to you. She has the cutest little meow and loves to get her belly rubbed (what self-respecting cat wouldn’t). She is shy with people at first, but once you get to know her, you learn to love her!

Other Randomness
In no particular order, I am obsessed with the following things…I still have a lot to add!

Vintage signage, Bright Color, Fonts, Pop Art, Mid-Century Style, Umbra, Pinups, Hatch Show Print,my iPhone & Hipstamatic App for iPhone, chocolate dipped ice cream cones from DQ, pennant flags