20 Questions with Cynthea Sandoval of Doodlebug Designs

I have had the honor of designing page examples for Doodlebug Designs and owner Cynthea Sandoval since the winter of 2004. Most of my interactions with the company are with Cynthea's sisters, Kathy and Tonya. So, I am just as excited as anybody to be able to interview and get to know Cynthea better. You will find she is as delightful as the papers she creates.

1. When did you start doodling? When did you start to save your doodles to make them into papers?
   I have been doodling for as long as I can remember. I used to talk on the phone as a teenager and doodle on every scrap of paper that I could get my hands on! So, scrapbooking just fit for me. When I first started thinking about the possibilities of paper back in 2000....my doodling was then transformed into whimsical, colorful papers.
2. Where did the name "Doodlebug" come from?
   My sister Tonya and I had been trying to think of the perfect name for the company.....and it just came to me. I wanted something cute and friendly, and since I was a lifelong "doodler".....it just seemed to fit.
3. How did your husband get involved in Doodlebug?
   I guess the way most husbands in this industry do.....us wives rope them in!! ~kidding~ I needed help, and he is always there for me, so he just jumped in and volunteered. It's great being able to work together and build the business. I love every day of it.
4. When did the company start? What was your first line of products?
   We started in July of 1999 with four papers and two diecut sheets. We added eight more papers and two more diecuts in the fall and then took a big leap in the spring of 2000 with about 75 papers, diecuts and stickers.
   
5. Doodlebug is known for its vibrant colors; what was your inspiration in the beginning? Do you decorate with such color?
   I have always loved clean, bright colors.....still do. So, the color choices were just something that I thought was missing in the industry. And.....I do decorate in such colors.....It's just me!
6. Doodlebug is known to be a family company. Do you bring your kids to work sometimes? What do they do?
   Of course! My daughter Abby (8) usually draws or colors, as well as Alex who is 5. I also have Mike (16) who creates all sorts of fun things on my Mac and then there's Jo.....he usually brings his skateboard and skates in the warehouse.
7. Ever won any art contests as a child?
   Nope.....can't even remember entering any!!
8. How many sketches does it take to create a Doodlebug dingbat?
   Not usually very many. I have drawn the same sorts of things for so long; I can usually do it pretty quick.
9. Doodlebug is created with the consumer in mind. A line printed two years ago matches the newest release. THANK YOU!! Was this your original intent?
   It was. And, it is a great palette of color to do that with. It's timeless and fun. We update the look from time to time, but we are able to stick with what we like, and what we do best.
10. Piggybacking off the last question, how do you keep it fresh when using the same color schemes and such?
    We just try to update pattern and product. For example.....we just added "jewels" and "sugar coated cardstock" to our line. New products and textures but consistent colors from our palette.
11. What is your #1 "go to" for inspiration? Magazines, fabrics, etc?
    This is a hard one. We get inspiration from everywhere. Clothes, fabric, magazines, cards, packaging.....it's just everywhere. Whenever I need inspiration, I go window shopping. You can learn so much about trends.....plus.....who doesn't love to shop??
12. We have all come to love and seek Doodlebug ads. Do you have a favorite?
    Hmmmm......I would have to say that my favorite was last year's Christmas ad. It was a little village of paper houses and embellished trees. It was adorable. We actually ended up getting such a huge response that we made the houses to sell as a kit. My fabulous sister Tonya did most of the work on it. She's incredible!
13. Favorite paper line to date?
    Right now my favorite is the Teen Girl line. I love the bright colors mixed with chocolate. I hate to admit it, because I am usually such a "pink" lover.....but I am really loving chocolate these days.
14. Ever created a line because you couldn't find what you were looking for?
    Yep! That's exactly what inspired me to start. I was throwing a baby shower for my sister....and wanted so cute little baby bug papers for her soon-to-be baby boy. No one had any....so I drew my own.
15. Are you a regular scrapbooker yourself? How do you make time?
    I scrapbook....but not as much as I wish I could. It's one of my goals to try to find more time to actually sit and play. I love cardmaking too.... and beading....and making jewelry. All things crafty make me happy!
16. Do you keep a copy of all your releases? How do you store them?
    Yep! The paper and stickers are in binders. A LOT of binders. I haven't even started with the embellishments.
17. Do you frequent message boards and/or galleries?
    No.....just don't have the time.
18. Any hints as to what to expect from Doodlebug this next year?
    Lots of FUN, COLORFUL, PLAYFUL things. We are still working on our CHA Winter 2008 release, so I don't want to give anything away.....but it's great and I can hardly wait.
19. You rocked the scrapbooking community this last CHA by steering away from your usual style with the "Teen Boy/Girl" line. Anymore new themes coming out?
    I would love to! We had a great response to them. We had a lot of fun mixing things up a bit, yet still being "doodlebug".
20. Was the black and white line a one-time release or can we expect some updated prints this next year?
    This has been a wonderful line for us. No immediate plans for an update.....but maybe later in 2008.