Artist Profile:  Fran Downs

Fran Downs described herself as a "Christmas junkie" when presented with the opportunity to design for MyChristmasCard.com.  "To say it's my favorite time of year is an understatement," said Downs.   "And helping to provide a forum for family photos was especially near and dear to my heart."

After studying graphic design and freelancing with logo design as a specialty,  Fran temporarily put away her art supplies to raise a family. Meanwhile she stayed in touch with her artistic side by assisting with classroom art projects and painting sets for school plays.  "As my children gained more independence, I decided to head back to painting as a hobby. It was like getting back in touch with an old friend."  She was reluctant to pursue graphic design again since, over the years,  computers had completely changed the way things were being done. To update her skills, she studied computer graphics and now enhances her drawings, paintings and photographs with the "endless magic" of design software. "It's like someone handed me another hundred or so paintbrushes and tools.  I sometimes start with a plan and end up with something completely different. Every piece is a unique little masterpiece."

Fran resides in Redmond, WA with her husband, son and daughter, two cats and a dog. In addition to creating two dimensional art, she also works as a florist, which she describes as "painting in 3-D with flowers."

More on Fran:  Bio > Frances Downs

2005 Christmas Cards exclusive to MyChristmas Card.com designed by Fran Downs include: