Designer Spotlight - Heather Thompson

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Heather Thompson — one of the most prolific designers on our Free Backgrounds site. She has posted over 250 backgrounds on our site, so let us introduce you to her!

What is your occupation?  Graphic Designer / Entrepreneur

What software do you use to create backgrounds?  Adobe Photoshop CS and Paint Shop Pro 9

Where do you find inspiration for your backgrounds?  Most of my inspiration comes from nature and my surroundings.  But I also love to get my color combinations from current fashion trends or from books and magazines.

What was it that first got you interested in digital design?   I started a web design company about 8 years ago, which led into the higher demand for graphics.  I dropped the web design aspect of the business and dove strictly into computer graphics/clip art.  I still do this today but I also incorporate the traditional art of watercolors and acrylics to spice things up and gain a wider audience that is drawn to the "homemade" look rather than the "digital" look.  As for designing backgrounds and elements for my digital scrapbooking kits, I fell in love with it about 2 years ago.  I found Picaboo at a scrapbooking convention and have been designing for them ever since!

What is your favorite background or set of backgrounds that you have created for Picaboo?  It's so hard to pick just one, but I would have to say my current collections, Hocus Pocus and Polka Dots simply because they incorporate the primitive, whimsical watercolor look.

What do you like to do for fun?  I stay active, such as running (after my boys) and Pilates.  I also love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

What would be your dream vacation?  Well, I would love to return to St Maarten because I fell in love with it and didn't want to return home.  Returning here would be a dream vacation for me. 

What is something that you’ve always wanted to learn how to do?  Sky dive (just once)

We would like to thank Heather for sharing her backgrounds with us and taking part in our Designer Spotlight.  We look forward to introducing you to more of our designers over the coming months, so stay tuned!