A #GIRLBOSS Moment w/ Artist, Wesley Bird

Oh hey guys— who else is super stoked it’s Friday?! Ahhh… I am really really looking forward to a relaxing weekend after the crazy week I just had.

But, before we indulge in a glass (or 3) of wine, let’s kick things off right w/ some #GIRLBOSS inspo. Cause lets be honest, weekends are great, but after 2 days of straight chilling- you’re bound to lose some motivation mojo. This fox right here will make sure you keep your eye on the freaking prize come Monday morning.

I first found Wesley Bird on Insta (what’s new- love me some Instagram) and I was immediately following + obsessed. Obsessed w/ her art, her hair, her style, & her adorable lil’ yorkie. Call me weird, but if I see someone who has a yorkie, I automatically consider them a “friend”. I know they get me… & my fixation w/ my dog. Yorkies for the win.

[ get the above look: striped shirt dress- similar, Steve Madden Swift leopard pumps, Ray-Ban Clubmasters ]

Anyways, I am getting of track per usual. Long story short, I’ve been not so secretly obsessed with the world of graphic design, so… when I stumbled across this insanely talented artist//illustrator//graphic designer// & stylish babe- you better believe I wanted to pick her brain.

Warning: this post will induce some weekend shopping, so be prepared. I already have a few “carts” full of items based off of her beauty recommendations/ current fashion lushes (can’t wait to try out her go-to purple shampoo!).

… & without any further adieu, I am pleased to introduce you all to the lovely & talented miss Wesley Bird. Happy reading!

xx, E

▸▸ Hey Wesley- really excited to have you & your epic art/style on the blog. Let’s start off with a lil’ intro- tell us about yourself.

Wesley Bird: Thanks so much for having me! I’m a 24 year old artist currently living in Los Angeles, CA. I moved here a year ago for my job and absolutely fell in love! I am the Senior Designer over at Society6, an online artist community and e-commerce site, where I handle all the creative (photo shoots, art shows, overall creative vibe of the brand).

I have the coolest little yorkie, Sawyer (named after Tom Sawyer of course), who loves early morning walks and weekend trips to Palm Springs just as much as I do. And I have a little motorcycle that I’m obsessed with, but hardly ever ride in LA because…let’s be honest, the people here drive like maniacs.

▸▸ How did you get your start in your career? Have you always had an eye for art/ graphic design?

WB: I majored in painting and printmaking in college but got into graphic design when I interned at Hurley the summer after my freshman year of college. I thought it was an awesome way to use my artistic abilities to actually make money, haha. So I stuck with it!

I have always loved art and fashion. For 6 years my dad worked at Gap Inc. and I would go to work with him and sit in on the accessory design meetings and sketch out my own fantasy pieces. Working as a graphic designer for an apparel brand for a big part of my career allowed me to blend two of my passions.

[ get the above look: AllSaints black skinny jeans, perforated leather tee- similar, Steve Madden Surfside platforms ]

▸▸ What motivates you in life/art/the world of fashion?

WB: I love music. I think it is incredibly influential in my art. Sometimes I am inspired by just one line of a song and can go off and create a whole piece around it. I also really love reading and find a lot of motivation to create when I find myself immersed in a new book.

▸▸ What projects are you currently working on?

WB: A fun little apparel capsule collection for NY brand- Glamour Kills, some new home goods pieces for Urban Outfitters, and some branding/design work for a new California kids label- Heroes & Hooligans!

▸▸ You’ve done a ton of work for Urban Outfitters (so rad!), how’d that come about? [SIDEBAR: shop all her work for Urban here– it’s seriously epic].

WB: They originally discovered my work through my Society6 shop back in 2011. It was through Society6 that I signed my first licensing agreement with Urban to let them sell one of my prints in their stores. The piece sold incredibly well and ever since I’ve been working with them on a number of different products including throw pillows, duvets, wall art, etc. It’s been a very overwhelming and fun experience and has opened a lot of doors for me.

▸▸ Favorite artist(s)?

WB: Seriously so many but I’ll try to keep to just a few…Maya Hayuk, Jenny Morgan, Steven Harrington, Charmaine Olivia, Wendy Ortiz. Chuck Close, Warhol and Jeff Koons are my favorite big timers as well.

▸▸ What’s your favorite fashion/ style tip?

WB: Always start with black and white and then add color. Keep it simple. Less is more. Be a babe.

▸▸ If we emptied your purse right now, what would we find?

WB: Cherry chapstick, Ray-Bans, camera memory cards…paint chips from home depot to draw on haha.

▸▸ Best kept hair and/or beauty secret?

WB: Shimmer Lights purple shampoo and conditioner! If you’re blonde it makes your hair all silvery and if you’re rockin’ the lilac it dramatically extends the life of your color.

▸▸ Speaking of hair, I am totally obsessed with yours. Love love love how you die it different Pantone colors. Any tips for the girl wanting to make the jump into colored tresses?

WB: Well I’m seafoamy-green now! I can’t stay any one color for too long before I need to switch it up haha. But, if you’re thinking of trying it, just do it! I hesitated for years before I finally just went for it and I’m so glad I finally manned-up.

I was worried I would come off as a little too “punk”, but I’ve realized if I dress in basics, lots of black and white, and keep my style a little more tailored and clean then the colored hair can come off as cool and trendy instead of too “in your face”.

▸▸ All time fave shopping spots??

WB: AllSaints for skinnies and leather jackets, Brainwaashed Etsy shop for vintage tees, For Love and Lemons for skivvies, Wasteland, Nasty Gal and Urban Outfitters for everything else.

▸▸ First thing you notice in an outfit?

WB: How well the person rocks it. I know it may sound cheesy or cliché, but honestly, if you’re stoked on your outfit and it fits your body well people take notice!

▸▸ What do you skimp on fashion wise? What do you splurge on?

WB: Skimp on basic tees. Never skimp on well-made denim, bras, and shoes.

[ get the above look: AllSaints leather mini skirt, Rebecca Minkoff studded clutch, Amanda Hunt ‘Kissing Snakes’ ring ]

▸▸ Fave beauty &/or fashion trend of 2014?

WB: The mini top bun! Seriously, I can’t stop rockin’ it….I’ll let you know if I ever get sick of it.

▸▸ The one thing every lady should own, whether fashion or beauty wise?

WB: A good leather jacket and waterproof mascara.

▸▸ Your top 5 fashion pieces you are lushing over right now?

WB: 1. Kathleen Whitaker’s small cuff gold earrings
2. Pretty much ALL of For Love and Lemons FA14 ‘knitz’ collection
3. Nasty Gals’ new Kink denim skinnies
4. Biltwell’s “Gringo” helmet (maybe not a “fashion” piece but I love riding motorcycles and their helmets are gorgeous!)
5. Always a huge fan of Rebecca Minkoff bags…always.

▸▸ Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

WB: Try it, you’ll like it.

[ get the above look: AllSaints black skinny jeans, vintage tee- similar styles found here, black strappy heels- similar ]

✚ ✚ ✚ Shop Wesley’s Picks ✚ ✚ ✚