Featured Picniker – Brandi Fitzgerald
Our fifteenth Featured Picniker is Brandi Fitzgerald. A native of sunny Boca Raton, Florida, Brandi moved away from home when she was 19, following love and opportunity around the country to Tennessee, North Carolina, and Southern California where for four years she built a successful career in corporate payroll. Then in 2007, she followed her love and dreams to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!
Brandi calls herself a “craftepreneur,” a mix between crafter, artist, photographer and businesswoman. She owns and manages a gallery inside The Piazza at 2nd and Hancock Streets, she teaches classes on digital organization and basic photo editing, she does custom scrapbooks, refinishes and repurposes household furniture and housewares and in her free time still enjoys taking pictures and being crafty! She loves her family, travel, roller skating, board games and cheese. She’s found that with growth and exploration come setbacks and mistakes, but has also found that that’s what life is all about, and that living in the moment, learning from every experience is what makes life so wonderful. And it brought her to Philly, which she loves.
But yes, she misses the ocean.
Picnik: When did you hear about Picnik, and when was that?
Brandi: I heard about Picnik in the late fall of 2008, through Smug Mug. As a photographer, Smug Mug has not only been an amazing tool for storing and showcasing my pictures – It helped me find YOU.
How has Picnik changed your life?
Picnik changed my life by allowing me to “layer” several creative aspects of myself into my art/photography. The reason Picnik changed my life more than any Photoshop or desktop software ever could is that Picnik is web based, real time and easily accessible. With the Picnik/SmugMug combination, I can be working on projects at home or at the gallery without having to lug my computer around from place to place. Most importantly it leaves me very little delay when getting back to customers. I wouldn’t ever want to say “I’ll have to get back to you – that’s on my computer at home”. I am a right here, right now kind of person… As all service-driven businesses should aim to be! I do wish I could pay for some additional storage in my history tab – I have well over 999 pieces of art that I have created on Picnik and as I keep creating – I upload them to client galleries online, however It is awesome to have them at my fingertips in Picnik. Is that in the future? Is there a desktop version in the works?
Rocky or The Philadelphia Story?
Rocky. hands down. And, P.S. it’s the only statue that has people posing with it at 3 and 4 in the AM!
You describe yourself as an artist. Did photography lead you to art, or has art led you to photography?
The term artist, to me, represents someone who can take something (paint, chords, educational material, dance moves, sandwich ingredients) and turn it in to something that is meaningful for someone else. Something that becomes open to interpretation. Something that makes a difference by enriching our own lives and the lives of others.
What do you use to shoot with?
I shoot with a Nikon D90 DSLR and a Canon G9 for everyday use. There are a couple of things that most any/all of my friends know about me: I always have a camera and I LOVE cheese, olives and peanut butter. Not together, silly!
Your illustrations evidence the fun that’s to be had experimenting in Picnik and layering effects, text, shapes, etc. How long do you usually spend on a piece?
Picnik has limitless possibilities with regards to creation of artwork – I normally spend between 10 and 30 minutes on a piece of work – And then a couple of days making new versions and revisions based on clients suggestions.
Mannequin or Witness?
Mannequin.
What did you like most about Picnik when you first started using it, and what do you like most about it now?
The first thing I liked about Picnik was the catch phrases that you Picnikers use when the program is loading. Clever – It tuned me in and made me want more! Laying Blanket, Watering Grass. Genius. The thing I like most about it now….the ability to lock layers, add effects and not make changes – Having custom artwork that CANNOT be duplicated is priceless to my business and a value to my clients unlike any other. You wouldn’t want to show up at a cocktail party wearing the same dress as your sister in law, right? Well, I wouldn’t want to go to someone’s home and see the same piece of art on the wall :) {minor explanation required – I do offer poster & archival prints of my non- custom work. Work that I create on my own.}
If anything on Picnik could be named after you, what would it be?
If I could have something named after me on Picnik – It would Posterize. I would call it Brandify. This is a term that my clients tend to use when sending me a picture to make art out of…they just say “Hey, can you Brandify this”. It feels good.
Where’s the best place to get a cheesesteak in Philly?
The best cheesesteak for me, can be found on South Street at Jim’s Steaks. Order it Wit. Take your cholesterol meds later!
January 24th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Some great work. I too like the fact that you can use picnik everywhere. I am going to try the layering next.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Hello Picnik!
I am a little 13-year old girl from Sweden who loves to take pictures and editing. My dream is to become a photografer (I’m sorry if the spelling isn’t correct, but remember – I am from Sweden!)
My mom won’t let me buy the premium-thing on your website, and I really want them!! Oh, I am begging you – Can’t you give us ONE free day with premium for all the “non-premuim persons”? It would be awesome!!
Thanks btw, for a GREAT website!
hugs / louise
January 25th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
congratulations Brandi – your work is wonderful, it has a lovely personal flavour that is really appealing and very individual.
Your work with layers is fantastic! I have just started to work with layers and there really are no limits to what Picnik can do!
I love Picnik too and have recommended it to a lot of people.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Wow! I love the graphic design elements your photos have!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Thank you all for the kind words – I am going to soon start v-torials (virtual tutorials) on using Picnik – Stay Tuned to my website for details!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 2:39 am
I would love to see you v-torials! What is your website please?
January 27th, 2010 at 6:46 am
Hi Paula! My website is http://www.theresidentartist.com and, by clicking on my name in the first paragraph, you can get there through this post :0)
I have had some questions about the graphic element in some of my photographs – Isn’t it amazing what you can turn a simple photograph into?!
Happy Wednesday Picnikers!
January 27th, 2010 at 6:58 am
You hawe a wery beutiful footo.
I love this. :*
Weru much.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I loves yours footos wery wery mooch! You do surch wondorful workx. I am always in awwwww… Me just not shore hows to express me self!!:)
Loves it though!
January 28th, 2010 at 4:24 am
Hey Brandi,
I think your work is just just amazing.
Seriously i cant believe you used picnik for all your work..thats just unbelievble.
~hey from dubai,United Arab Emirates
January 29th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Bradi. Your works are very lovely! I am also an artist at heart and by heart. I am a Photography Hobbyist too. During my childhood years, I sketch and paint a lot, when I got my phone camera, I take pictures alot than doing the same stuff during childhood years. I appreciate everyone who has the talent in art. I am thankful about Picnick. I can always rely to them when I needed some for my photos. I too model on my own I should say. lol… I wish we could be friends and share works of art pretty soon.
How about getting in touch with you in ya hoo as openskyzz ?
Keep up the good work! Hear ya soon!
Leila
January 29th, 2010 at 8:24 am
*Brandi.*
January 30th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Congrats- love your style!
February 1st, 2010 at 8:11 am
thanks Kris – feelings are mutual – and im missing some so cal weather right about now!
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Hi there.
I was a featured picknicker quiiiite a while ago, and I decided to catch up with the current crew, or something like that. I wanted to say wow, you’re work is very original and entirely likeable.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:59 am
Thanks Jordan – i love what i do and i am happy that it shows in my work! :) have an awesome day!
February 8th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Hi brandi!…
I looooove yours pictures… you have talent!!
I´m from to Venezuela… i write of this way so that you understean my….
I love your work and some day i realy liked have your talent….
Bye.. you are amazing!! =)
February 11th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
:)Hi Brandi
I loove your pictures they are really cool, I love to decorate photos but you do it amazing!
I need just some tips to do it better :/ but I LOVE IT!
bye brandi have a nice day!
February 11th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Great work I love it! is there a way to layer without the premium?
February 12th, 2010 at 4:35 am
Hey Brandii (:
I love the way you layer your edits, it gives them an amazing effect.
Are you sure you do all that on Picnik? :P
If yes, could you please let me know?
Love your pictures btw.
Thanks, tc:
Lamya x
February 13th, 2010 at 4:40 am
Please Make Guids!
February 13th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Hey Brandi,
I love your work!! Question, what feature are you using to layer? Does picnik offer this or are you using with another program?
Brandy
Atlanta :)
February 13th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hi Brandi,
I’m 12 years old and i love photography, but of course I’m not as good as you. I just wanted to know how you layer on Picnik. You have great pictures and I hope I can become as good as you. Thanks!
Briana:)
February 14th, 2010 at 9:26 am
soooooo great!!!!
February 14th, 2010 at 10:11 am
heyy cann youu doo meee one fotoo like that but mian plizz
February 14th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Hi Brandi!
I’m 12 years old and I love photography just like my dad. Your pictures are amazing and I would love to watch the tutorials on how you do this kind of stuff (:
Thanks,
Amanda
February 14th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Is layering only for premium? Where is that located? I cant seem to find it…
February 14th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
i looked at your work on your website. its amazing :) ilove it :) its very inspiring :):):):)
February 15th, 2010 at 1:12 am
WOW…. absolutely inspirational!
you are truley blessed with an incredible gift!
February 15th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
absolutely love your work! I want to try “layers” on picnik but not sure how to get started…let me know if you have on line classes/links on this topic in the future…
February 15th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Wow! Those are amazing pictures. Someday I hope to take pictures that well! =D
February 16th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Great layering effects with Picnik; I’m just diving into this area myself. I’m inspired by your changes in life and how you’ve taken multiple facets of your personality and interests and blended them together for business and pleasure. Doing what you love is of utmost importance in life–thanks for sharing your talents with us. Off to check out your website now! :)
February 17th, 2010 at 3:35 am
What is “the ability to lock layers” referred to in the main article?
I’m a premium user and would LOVE to be able to work with layers, applying tools/effects to inidividual layers etc.
It’s the one area where I have to resort to ‘other software’.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Hi All! Thanks for the great feedback and I am going to be doing the first Picnik V-Torial in less than a week – I will touch on some of the basics and focus on the layering that you all seem to like in my imagery. Yes, all of my work is created in Picnik and I have no use for any other software!
If you would like to be included – Please send me an email and as soon as the V-Torial is ready, you will be notified! Email: brandi@theresidentartist.com
If you wish to participate in a live V-Torial, Please mention in the email as well!
Thanks to the Great Folks at Picnik – We are all able to share something in common – the love of Picnik! :)
Sidenote: Locking Layers refers to adding items to an image and combining the layers to continue working toward a finished product and/or combining all layers once finished with a piece!
Have a great day!
Brandi
February 17th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
your work is amazing . i am soo inspired by youu!
February 17th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Hi i have a question how do you add “layers” to your pictures please if you have time feel free to answer :) thanks :)
February 18th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Hi Lex and others!
I would like to mention to you all that “layers” is not a specific Picnik term however the term is something that I have coined for myself to identify the way in which I use Picnik. I call it Selective Image Layering when I explain it to my clients :)
The first video is already in production – Stay Tuned for details!
Brandi
February 18th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Do you need a premium account to use these effects?
February 20th, 2010 at 11:03 am
ablsolutely wonderfulllllllllllllllllllllll
February 21st, 2010 at 2:24 am
absolutely nicee :)
February 21st, 2010 at 2:25 am
very nice :) :) do u take art school?
February 21st, 2010 at 9:29 pm
how do you merge the two photos together :D
x
February 24th, 2010 at 12:55 am
I love your pictures..
What other programme do you use except picnik?
February 25th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
i don´t speak english but i say you art is very very wonderfull..
February 25th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
hello:) im a big fan of picnic and my friends and family can get me off of it!!!
Really would enjoy having the premium but my parents won’t buy it for me:(
do u think u could gave a free day on the premium items?!!?
well i also wanted to say that your pictures r amazing and im so inspired:)
also wanted to know if you use any other software / programames (other then picnic)
February 26th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
your amazingg =)
February 27th, 2010 at 6:49 am
this is amazing :)
I am a hug fan or art, photography and design, and that is what I am heading into.
I recently just got the premium picnik, and i think its great!
I also love what you have done with your photography,
it has your true style.
i love it :)
keep rocking!
February 27th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Your work is wunderful !
I’ve never seen something like this – it’s special.
It inspires me. Hope you’ll make hundreds of this kind of pics.
You’re .. genious . I can’t use another words.
February 27th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
suggestion for new featured picniker:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26586732@N04/
her work is amazing, and really deserves it.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Cool pics..! U r really talented…
Cheers from Spain!
March 1st, 2010 at 8:46 am
these are.. fantastic.
i love how your using such natural colours as you reflect the city!
welldone! :)
March 1st, 2010 at 8:44 pm
how do you layer your pictures?!!? i absolutely love it!
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 am
i like the nyc one: THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS in the background is really cool
nice brandii (:
@j: when you edit a photo, “photo basket” will be on the bottom. click it and drag another photo onto the original, then fade it and stuff as you please.
<3 !
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:47 am
Hola! He visto tus fotos.. la verdad esque las encuentro maravillosas…
Como Quisiera saber cuales son tus trucos!
Un beso! (:
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
umm i have a question how do u layer ur pics?
March 4th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
how will I be able to access my premium picnik now–only from smugmug or direct from my desktop or how?
March 5th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
love it! its so cool!
March 6th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
how do you puht your text on your background? like whats the code?
March 9th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Any tips n how to make an album cover for my music?
March 10th, 2010 at 4:27 am
Good work .
March 10th, 2010 at 4:29 am
how can i do the “layer” effect??? is it a premium feature?
March 10th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
awesome pictures!
the layering came out really nice. how do you do it? i have premium but i can’t find that feature. i LOVE the last picture.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:56 am
i really love the picture of the horse cuz i have a horse:) i love how you makes the pictures look the way they do:)
March 11th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Hii; i love your pictures so much and they’re amazing; truely amazing; they look like they can mean so much like so much of everything can just be unreveled from them! i’m 13 and i love photography and picnik like you said it one of the best editing promgrames because you can get to it anywhere; i’m about to take graphic design as one of my options and would love to become as good as you one day! :] x
March 11th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Amazing pictures. How many layers do you generally use? From what I understand from the Picnik demo, you can only use 2 layers. Also I’m interested in your class on layering.
March 12th, 2010 at 3:47 am
I LV HORSE HAAH !!!!
March 12th, 2010 at 5:59 am
Sooo very cool :) Very PRO . <3
March 15th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
i´d love your pictures!
March 16th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Wow! nice works! How’d you do that? ^^
March 17th, 2010 at 12:18 am
Hey, is the effect Posterize only for Picnik Premium?