Meet the Blogger: Lauren Willhite of Color Collective

Lauren Willhite, Color Collective

Start us off with 5 words that describe you:

CREATIVE, THOUGHTFUL, PRODUCTIVE, FUN, and DEDICATED

Describe your job, and the best things about it…

I’m currently doing freelance graphic design; specifically website design, logos, and print.
1) When I create something that I love AND the client loves, it makes me happy:)
2) I can be creative all day long.
3) I am constantly looking at inspiration.

4) Since I work from home, I get to work in my PJ’s

What inspired the blog Color Collective?

A few things! These past few months I have been trying to figure out what my dream job would be. I came to the conclusion that I would love to be a color designer someday. I’m not even sure what that means–but if it involves choosing color palettes, finding color inspiration/trends or producing mood boards, I’m in (and available, so if you have any suggestions feel free to contact me)! Also, as a designer and blogger I have realized that there is a lack of good online resources for color palettes. I wanted a blog where people could be inspired by art and discover current artists and designers, and also have a resource when they are working on a project and need help with color suggestions. My husband, also a graphic designer, sometimes struggles with finding just the right colors, so whenever he is designing a website or logo he goes to

Color Collective and picks a palette!

What is your process for finding new color pallates and co-ordinating color schemes?

I bookmark just about everything I come across on the web (and in real life) that I like and that inspires me. I find the art and designers that I enjoy through other blogs, flickr, etsy, etc… Once or twice a week I will go back though the bookmarked pages and pull images that use amazing colors and perfect combinations. From there I take them into photoshop and play around with the colors from the images (love that eyedropper) until I find a lovely palette composed of 5 colors.

Name some go to resources for your design inspiration:)

I just counted, and I have 150 blogs bookmarked–I check almost all of them daily!
Here are a few of my morning tea reads:
Design for Mankind, Share Some Candy, Coco + Kelley, Print & Pattern, Oh Joy!

Favorite thing to do on the weekends?

I love having different theme parties with a small group of friends. This weekend we are having an ice cream social, and in a few weeks a shimmer and shine dance party! It’s a great excuse to get together with friends, and be creative with party decorations, attire, food and drinks.