I came across @giddyfiggy on TikTok and was immediately enamored with her gorgeous, hand-drawn invitations (and so thankful for the wonders of the algorithm…). Her art is whimsical, imaginative, and decadent, with bold colors and ornate designs decorating her custom invitations, gift tags, and paintings.
Syd, the face behind the creative wonders, mentions that she’s always had a creative instinct, manifesting itself through art, hosting, and homeware. “I fully believe this comes from my mom. She has a natural touch that makes everything magical, so if I have even an ounce of what she has then I’m truly grateful!” In 2020, Syd created Giddy Figgy and started to post her art more intentionally, which was a big turning point for her creative venture. When she began identifying the things she was making as ‘art’, she decided to share her creations with anyone willing to take a second look. As a lifelong creative myself, I was so excited to learn more about how she started, her artistic journey, and her creative dreams.
When I first came across your page, I was captivated by the hand-drawn feeling of your work – it’s absolutely stunning. As much as I love art, I’m a horrible illustrator myself. How long have you been painting and drawing?
In 2016 I started painting as a therapeutic exercise when I was going through a dark time in college. I remember being in my dorm and making those first brush strokes and feeling so much alleviation from the anxiety that was running marathons in my mind. I fell into a rhythm and style so instantly that I haven't wanted to stop since. At a time when everything else in my world felt directionless and confusing, I found painting to be so natural and intuitive. Although my dark cloud would follow me for years to come, making art was simultaneously healing and restoring parts of myself, even when I couldn’t recognize it. In 2020 I started prioritizing making art, bringing the ideas I have to fruition, and posting them on social media. I’m not exactly sure where this will take me, but I’m just going to continue to make things and see where things go!
Creating is such a powerful activity. When I’m stressed or anxious, I immediately turn to the kitchen to bake. There’s something so therapeutic about physically using your hands to create something out of nothing – especially in the digital age. Is there anything in particular that inspires your designs?
I am deeply nostalgic and sentimental, so my comfort movies, random childhood obsessions, and music that gets me in my feels are all igniters for inspiration. I love ~escapism~, if you will, and getting lost in the stories and worlds curated through movies and shows. I’m big on rewatching and fixating on probably insignificant details, like the red and white striped curtains in Kathleen Kelly’s bookstore in the movie “You’ve Got Mail”, or finding color palettes in the ingredients used in the show “The Bear”. Those tiny details stick with me and can become seeds that spark a new design idea.
I’ve never really solidified what this space I call “Giddy Figgy” is all about, but maybe that's just it. Curating a little world of my own that is safe, whimsical, welcoming, and a product of the insignificant, but significant details to me. Since I’ve started, I hope my style has become more imaginative and playful! I have so many interests and avenues that I would like to expand on, and I always want to prioritize that aspect of my creativity instead of limiting myself to one thing.
Art is such an iterative process! That’s one of my favorite things about it – constantly changing and evolving. As you’ve built Giddy Figgy, what’s one piece of advice you would share with other artists, creatives, and bakers?
Share your work! If you’ve made something you're proud of it’s worth sharing. Whether it’s through social media, or with your friends, heck I’d love to see your creations! Allowing someone else to see what you’ve created could lead to an opportunity worth seeking. For so long I kept my art to myself out of fear of being perceived, but if anything I wish I had shared my work sooner. I’ve met the most incredible strangers who became clients turned friends. Knowing someone trusts me or thinks of me to create designs for them is a compliment and a feeling of gratitude beyond words!
Yes, I agree. It’s inexplicably vulnerable to share creations you’ve poured your heart and soul into, but it’s so worth it.
What are some of the favorite things you’ve designed?
One thing about me is that I LOVE the fall time, especially Halloween, and a few years ago I illustrated a short story called “Halloween w/ Roo & Lou”. It’s a set of illustrations with two sisters trick-or-treating and highlights some Halloween traditions I've held on to since childhood. It’s nothing revolutionary and is something I just made for the joy of making it, but it stands out as one of my favorite projects. One of my dreams is to illustrate a children’s book, so making this little story felt like I was fulfilling a part of that goal. I’d like to revisit those characters and maybe continue building out their world this upcoming fall season. We shall see!
I just love that! Halloween is the best. When your book is published, I’ll be sure to stock it on the shelves of my dream microbakery x bookstore x floral studio . Speaking of, how can I get my hands on your designs? Are you currently accepting orders?
Yes! I love collaboration and making art for others. I do custom work ranging from dinner party stationery, wedding stationery suites, to original paintings, but I’m up for it all! My email is giddyfiggy@gmail.com, or you can message me @giddyfiggy on TikTok or Instagram!
I cannot wait to send dinner party invitations with your gorgeous illustrations! So excited to watch Giddy Figgy grow. Thanks for sharing with the Dolcetta community.
Stay tuned for more creative highlights on the Dolcetta Creator Series! If you'd like to get involved or have any content ideas, shoot me an email at dolcettabaking@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Maya
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