Dacha Collective

By Cat Fanale

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About

I have always been a tinkerer and a creative. As a child I had many (uncommon) hobbies I obsessed over, including but not limited to loom-beading, fly-tying, crochet, nail art, musical instruments, mural-painting and hydroponic gardening.I continued my exploration of the arts at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where I took nearly every class in the art department. After exploring painting, printmaking, bookbinding, ceramics, and more, I moved on to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I was awarded a presidential merit scholarship. I focused on product design, architecture, and ceramics.Now, I am working on a variety of different projects. I am Lead Designer and Creative Director at Laughing Stock LLC, a humor-based consumer product startup. I recently launched Flipjoy Journals, the only journals with a hand drawn flip book down in the corner of every page. Theres always some side quest in the works.I believe that being intentional with the objects we surround ourselves with can have a huge impact on our perspective of our environment and ourselves. When objects of routine, like a coffee cup, a hairbrush, or a pen, are chosen mindfully, we can immerse ourselves in an environment that is fully our own, laced with all the threads that make one who they are.

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Experience

Work

Creative Director / Lead Designer - Laughing Stock LLC
_{-brought products to market, including design sketching, CAD, in-house prototyping, package design, production strategy, product photography, and marketing. Also produced a full brand identity, including color palettes, font pairings, an extensive logo set, characters designed from scratch, a collection of comics / graphics, and more. Collaborated heavily with web developers, packaging consultants, and manufacturers to bring products to market.}Freelance
_{-i've worked on projects for individuals and businesses doing:
-graphic design             -product design
-architectural design      -interior design
-photography               -design consulting}Furniture Sales Associate - CB2
_{-learned about designers, collections, and products to provide personalized service based on clients' budget, needs, and style}Photographer/Data Collector - Westrock Appraisal
_{-Took photos and collected data, contacted building managers as needed, organized materials for streamlined delivery to appraiser}Ceramics Studio Tech - Art Institute of Chicago
_{-managed materials and tools, performed kiln maintenance, and maintained a safe environment}

Education

Walnut Hill School for the Arts - Diploma with Honors
_{-founder and head of ceramics club
-visiting families campus tour guide
-multiple public art murals}School of the Art Institute of Chicago - BFA with Honors-“limelight” mural: 1-100 block w couch pl, chicago
-presidential scholarship~Oxbow School of Art
_{-glassblowing for tableware}Floyd Center for the Arts
_{-ceramics and stained glass}

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Contact

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