Lora DiFranco

Lora DiFranco, illustrator of Free Period

Help our followers get to know you. What does a typical day in the life of Lora DiFranco involve?
Publishing coloring books is my passion project. I have a full time job as a product developer at a greeting card company. When I get home from work I do some normal house things and spend most of the evening on my laptop emailing my collaborators. I try to get up early on the weekends to get big chunks of work done with a fresh brain. Oh! And I've been using the Headspace app to meditate every morning, which has been great.

When did you first become interested in illustrating?
Like most people, I drew a lot as a kid and then stopped when I felt like it was too much of a "kid" thing to do. As a teenager, I saw art as something scary that I didn't "get." As I got a bit older, though, I realized that art is just what you like to look at and what speaks to you, so that way of thinking reignited my interest in art. Because I don't have much experience as an artist, I have been collaborating with artist friends to create coloring books with me. I'm much more of a business-oriented person, so it's been really fun to work with artists to create the books and then get them into the world.

What are your favourite things to draw?
I love drawing geometric patterns-- there's something so soothing about drawing the same thing over and over. 

Where do you find inspiration?
I'm definitely inspired by nature and all of the patterns that occur naturally. I recently moved across the street from an amazing park, so it's easy for me to escape to the woods whenever I need a pick-me-up.

If you weren't an illustrator what would you be?
I consider myself a small business owner more than an illustrator-- so I guess it'd be that! I love coordinating all of the pieces and parts that are involved in getting something new into the world. It's very satisfying. 
If I weren't involved in coloring books, though, I would definitely be more involved in the non-profit sector. I have a lot of issues that I'm passionate about, like education and environmental issues, that I wish I had more time to dedicate to. 

Why do you think adult colouring books have become so huge?
I definitely think that it's been our response to a super plugged-in world. Even if you're busy shooting off emails all day, at the end of the day, you don't really have anything to show for it. So coloring is something that you do with your hands and when you're done you can see what you've accomplished.

What does your working environment look like?
Ha! A very messy desk covered in books, pencils, and to-do lists. :)

Do you listen to music when you work? If so, who/what?
It definitely depends on the mood I'm in, but my most frequent go-tos are Aye Nako, Pink Martini, Carla Bruni, and the Worldbeat Pandora station.

What are your favourite things in life?
Family, friends, and being outside all make life infinitely more amazing. Ooh, and a good book that completely engrosses you (most recently -- The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Sooo good!). 

Finally, please give 3 words that describe your work.
Geometric, relaxing, imperfect 

Free Period can be purchased here on Amazon, and you can find a pocket- sized version and postcards on Etsy.