BB– What images, music, paintings, and/or objects did you initially look to for inspiration? 

AB– I was inspired by Japanese woodblock paintings, caribbean colors,  and Mexican folk patterns.

BB– What inspired the color palette for your design? How does it connect to April/spring for you? Any personal or specific memories?

AB– I was definitely inspired by the signature Birchbox pink when I was thinking about the color palette. I also wanted the pattern to be rich, vibrant, and playful. I looked to a lot of Mexican textiles and wanted to be sure the colors reflected spring.
 
BB– What types of flowers are featured on the box? Can you tell us a little bit about the significance of these buds and what they mean to you?

AB– All of the flowers on the box are creative interpretations. Even though I look to a lot of florals for inspiration they’re not necessarily based on any one particular type, but rather a combination of lots of different ones that stand out to me.

BB– What are your preferred tools for sketching out design ideas? (Paints, pencils, etc.) Why do you think these work best for you?

AB– I typically lightly sketch with pencil and then go straight to the final design with gouache (my favorite medium). I’m not big on doing very involved sketches. I would rather just dive into the final painting and make any adjustments digitally. 

BB– Any design rituals? Locations, foods, music, habits?

AB– I usually do most of my creative work late at night when the office is quiet. I’ll grab dinner and then put on music or a TV show while I paint.

BB–  How many drafts do you usually go through of a design? How do you know when a design is finished?

AB– After I am done painting I will do any edits or drafts digitally such as playing with color or scale. I probably run through at least three color options for a pattern before settling on the final version. It’s typically done when I feel great about it or I step away for a bit and come back to it knowing there’s nothing else I want to change.

BB– How do you hope Birchbox subscribers will use the box once they receive it? 

AB– I hope subscribers will keep and use the box for something special such as storing mementos or brightening up their office while storing supplies.

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