“I still have a few jars with the lids “glazed” to the vessels that will never open, on a shelf. They are a great reminder of the lessons I learned, and incredible fun I had. And a reminder that we are all imperfect humans.”
Hello everyone. Meet Judy Kolcharno-Krohn, a Marywood University graphic design graduate of 1986. Judy is one of those people that folks in college now look at and say, “wow, that’s where I want to end up!” She has this quality to her work where you can see how much love, effort, and talent is put into each and every square inch. Judy is currently a Lifestyle Homegoods designer and fiber artist and has been doing this for 15 years! I have had the amazing opportunity to meet Judy through email and a small email interview. To say that this woman is amazing is an understatement. Her work and work ethic is inspiring, she has a positive and beautiful outlook on life, not to mention, she is an amazing artist and professional. Continue reading to take a peek into Judy’s amazing life. Also, check out her website and Instagram!
What was your favorite part about studying art at Marywood?
Thinking back, I would have to say my favorite memory of my Marywood days was the exposure to all of the different art offerings. The studio spaces always felt magical to me. Maria Hall was the most beautiful place to draw in. We were surrounded by windows. The pottery studio was a great place to experiment with clay, and see what was coming out of the kiln. You could swirl in the rotating door of the darkroom, never knowing what friend was in there hanging prints. And the graphic arts studio was on the cutting edge, getting “Apple Computers” the first at Marywood! Wow, how far Marywood has come since then…
How did your art education at Marywood help your career?
Marywood did not help my career, it made my career! I learned so much in the design department. Sister Cor had instilled such confidence in me, I left feeling like I could do anything. The print making with Peter Hoffer carried through to taking a typical graphic design project to a higher level by hand screening prints rather that traditionally printing them- marrying the fine arts with the graphic arts and doing work for clients that stood apart from the ordinary. How learning about photographic exposures could turn common imagery into creative solutions. And hearing the wisdom of a NYC fashion illustrator could turn into my specialization of lifestyle design. I never realized at the time how each individual class could apply to my future. I suggest keeping a very broad mind and try as many different classes that you can.
Marywood did not help my career, it made my career!
What attracted you to this career path?
Well, to be honest I wanted to be a pottery major. Unfortunately, or should I say fortunately, I just could not “get it”… my pots were heavy, really heavy. Eventually, I got some “gentle” advice to try some other classes. I did. I started taking graphic classes, loved them and never looked back. Graphic design was completely different when I was a student. We were rubbing down type, cutting rubies and developing film in canisters. (Google it, LOL) I am envious of all the incredible technology students have today.
Did your career path match your vision of a career path? What is different?
So yes, my vision of my career is very much as what I hoped it would be. I began working in an ad agency, which was my dream job. I started as a graphic designer. Long hours, hard work, design revisions, designs revisions, presentations, more design revisions. I moved around, worked as an art director in Philly on some really cool accounts, and then as a creative director in NJ with accounts in NYC and Boston. Longer hours? Oh yes. I did lifestyle branding which encompassed hotels and furnishing accounts. I have to say for how intense it is to work in ad agencies, seeing your design work come to fruition makes it all worth it. I never imagined I would see one of my designs 12 stories high hanging over Times Square! What is different? I never thought I would run my own studio. I took a break from the agency scene and thought I would do a bit of freelance. One thing led to another and within a few months I had small agency running out of the back of my house. That was around ’02, quite a bit before work from home was a thing.
What is your favorite thing about your current job?
Everything! I had made a subtle shift over from lifestyle branding to designing wallpaper and fabric. Then I started to practice “slow making”… working with fibers and doing a meditative stitching practice. I studied embroidery and jewelry making with a teacher in Beirut over zoom. And Japanese weaving in New York. I am combining the two by weaving and constructing simple garments with handmade embellishments. I feel so lucky to be able to do this everyday. There is so much to learn in fiber arts and so many resources, I make a practice to learn something new daily.
Are you currently working on any interesting side projects?
I am. I volunteer on a farm that grows food exclusively for food pantries and serves communities in food deserts. I think everyone should work in the soil. It really makes you aware of how delicate our earth and human existence is. And how hunger is so prevalent. We plant, cultivate and harvest 10 months a year. (For fun, I just made bandanas for the crew with the farm logo.) My other “side” project is operating a cozy guesthouse on the Delaware River, Bucks County is a great place for visitors!
What are some of the biggest rewards in your career?
Hands down, the friendships I made along the way. We laughed, we cried, we held each other up! It was also great working with interns and getting them started in their careers.
What is something that would surprise people about your day-to-day?
I love to bird! My son is a bird biologist, and he got my husband and I hooked on birding. The first hour of my day is coffee, binoculars, and birds. My life sometimes feels like the movie “A Big Year”, it’s hysterical, I highly recommend it.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who give of themselves and never ask for anything back. I find myself reflecting much more each year I get older. I like to read spiritual books in the morning, (just a bit), and hope to carry the message in my heart to hopefully pass along to others. Currently I am reading Hafiz and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. And yes, I thank Marywood’s philosophy department for this. If nothing more check out Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphy, it is stunning.
Any advice for current art students at Marywood?
Yes!
- Take a marketing class and pay attention in philosophy class, it will serve you well.
- Shut your phone off when you are creating. Interruptions stop the “flow”… imagine what The Starry Night would look like if Vincent vanGogh kept getting texts.
- Walk slowly and bow often. (A quote from Mary Oliver) Oh, how I love this quote.
Judy came back to Marywood University a few weeks ago for a visit and to donate some books to the Art Dept’s student library. While here, she shared this with me and I felt it necessary to include:
Judy said, “I have never felt more welcomed or warmth than when I stepped into Marywood’s Art Department a few weeks ago. I felt such hope and love. I know that our world will be OK! I am so proud to be an alum of this community.”
Thank you for reading about Judy Kolcharno-Krohn. And remember to check out her website and Instagram. She posts some pretty cool content!