An artist seeks opportunities filled with inspiration to fan the flames of passion for his or her craft as well as high quality products with which to create. Brenda Baxter, owner and principal designer for Custom Drapery Designs, joined fellow artists in the interior design field for just such an occasion this spring.
Finding design inspiration from other top professionals
Vervain, a high-end fabric and trimmings company, invited Brenda and other professionals to a dinner with Barry Dixon, an interior designer with his own fabric collections. She also attended a casual meet-and-greet at the Vervain and Duralee showrooms in Dallas with both Dixon and Tobi Fairley, an award-winning designer with her own consulting and design company.
“We enjoyed listening to them speak honestly about their experiences growing as interior designers, as well as providing personal recommendations on how to build a successful design business,” Brenda shared. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves while meeting others within the industry and shaking the hands of such genuine design professionals.”
Barry Dixon—world influencer, with Southern charm
One of “the world’s most sought-after designers,” according to his biography, Barry Dixon embraces a world of influence while wrapping it all in Southern charm for his fabrics, trims, furniture and accessories. He even has his own line of paint. With all of his achievements, Dixon remains down-to-earth and accessible, as Brenda discovered during their dinner together.
Barry’s design inspirations come from his travels all over the world and the history he finds in each place he visits. He finds brilliance even in simple items all around him on his 300-acre farm in Virginia. The rough beauty of a cantaloupe and the smooth pattern of haystacks translate to deeply beautiful textures and unique patterns.
Tobi Fairley—helping and mentoring other designers
Tobi Fairley brings encouragement to designers, business owners and women with her example of a successful design company and through her online training and consultation opportunities. Tobi’s desire to help others in the industry could not be more clear. Tobi TV brings professional design tips free of charge to anyone looking for home interior inspiration. Tobi U offers rising designers two semesters’ worth of design business knowledge from the comfort of their own homes.
Tobi’s style reflects her bold, vivacious personality. Tobi Fairley Home and Tobi Fairley Fabrics for Duralee boast large designs and eye-catching colors. Her design inspiration comes from classic designs, modern trends in color and runway fashions. She is fashion-forward with fabric lines that are always evolving and developing.
Brenda counts both Barry and Tobi as two more inspirational forces behind her company.
Where do you find stimulation for your creativity?
