Living Locurto is published by Amy Locurto, a graphic designer and mom of two from Dallas, Texas.
Hi I’m Amy! What started in July 2008 as a blog about creative things I did at home with my children, LivingLocurto.com has since turned into a popular lifestyle blog! Today, you will find my original ideas, hundreds of free printables, recipes, party ideas and DIY crafts.
I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to the fine state of Texas after college where I met my husband and started a cute family. With a Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design, I opened a design firm in 1999 called Atomic Egg. At one point I had well over 40 clients, doing work for each one weekly while trying to raise two small children. Deadlines were tough, clients demanding, life was hectic and sleep was scarce, so I started a blog as a creative outlet to save my sanity. Over the past few years, I have given up ALL clients but one to blog and have never been happier! Sorry if you’re wanting graphic design… the firm is officially closed to new clients.
Now I focus on my online ventures, products, practicing my speaking skills and doing freelance creative work for brands and publications. I love my job!!! Find my printable party collections in my shop, Printables by Amy, and a signature line of paper products, Party with Amy Locurto, through American Crafts.
I also love photography and co-founded I Heart Faces, one of the first and largest photography community for women. We hosted over 9 photography conferences and workshops with a forum of over 18,000 women!
You can also find me sharing all things about chickens over on my Chickens are Fun Facebook page!
- Follow Amy on Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
- To book Amy for a creative job or speaking event, please visit the PR Inquiry page.
Photo by Keli Hoskins
Contact
Have a question? Please scroll down to see the FAQ’s before emailing.
Living Locurto Team
I’m proud to have such a creative group of women to work with. Click here to meet the talented contributors of Living Locurto!! ~ Amy
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer do you use?
I love my Canon i9900. This is great for my design comps since it prints up to 13″x19″. I’ve had this for about 6 years and never had a problem. I also have 2 other printers… an HP Laserjet 5000 and a Canon MP 460.
What paper do you use?
My favorite paper is Red River Paper, they specialize in ink jet papers. The 60lb Polar Matte is awesome, it produces really bright images.
I also really like double sided matte paper for when I print on both sides. Epson and Staples brands are both good. You can always find several packages of sticker paper on my shelves as well.
What were you doing when you decided to create your own business?
I started my career as an Art Director for Fossil in the early ’90s. I was in charge of photography styling and design for the catalog, designed watches, belt buckles, key fobs, and packaging, and even worked on some design for the retail stores. Then the internet boom came, so I moved into a career focused mainly on internet design and marketing materials for large businesses.
How do you do all that you do?
I don’t sleep much! Seriously… I only get about 5 hours of shut eye a night. My husband helps out a lot too:-)
What is your favorite pastime besides arts and crafts?
I love photography, reading, yoga, tennis (used to play, not anymore!) and traveling. Hip Hop dance class is a blast too.
How do you make your printables? Are they original drawings or stock? How can I do what you do myself?
All of my designs are original and usually hand drawn, then scanned and traced in Adobe Illustrator. I have gotten pretty good with drawing directly in Illustrator, so some designs I whip out pretty quickly.
Unless you’re a professional designer, you don’t need Illustrator. I’m on the hunt for affordable drawing programs because I get this question so much. Right now, I have been recommending Photoshop Elements. You can download free trials of Adobe programs at Adobe.com. You can also try these online programs… aviary.com and inkscape.org.
See my equipment and recommended products here.
How do you stay so organized?
I AM NOT an organized person! I have good intentions of staying organized, but never follow through:-) It’s the artist in me that works best in clutter I guess.
