If you ask my friends what I design on a day-to-day basis, you would be lucky to get the same answer twice. In 1992, after many years of working as a technical artist for a large corporation, I left and began my career as an independent artist. I launched my own creative art studio called Garza Art & Design. I’ve designed everything from company logos to neckties to floor coverings.

Working with the computer and all the different technology allows me to explore many creative fields. Early on I noticed that I kept gravitating to working with pattern and color. So it was by accident that I found I really enjoyed this process. The idea of having my visual concepts come to life by the click of a mouse was very stimulating. In 1996, a friend suggested I attend Surtex in New York to learn about selling and licensing my surface designs, which I was digitally creating.

Several years later, I got the courage to exhibit my work at the International Licensing Show in New York. My contemporary pieces (abstract graphics) stood out, and I was encouraged to contact rug manufacturers. That same year I signed my first licensing agreement with a rug manufacturer. Other products followed and that was the beginning of venturing into home decor and furnishings.

I use bold color to create designs strong enough to be hung like abstract artworks on a wall. Some of these pieces have been created as fine art giclée prints and have been exhibited at a Museum Gallery as well as sold in retail shops.

My art is influenced by the mood I’m in or a particular feeling I’m having. I love color and movement and try to capture this energy and vibrancy in my work. I’m most satisfied when the simplest of forms captures a dynamic image. Fashion is a constant source of inspiration. Anything can attract my attention, from buildings to colors to other artists’ work.

Black and white patterns (especially in damask and baroque) continue appearing in home decor. I see environmental and earth colors continue to be popular. Home furnishings seem to be influenced by fashion, as they are using more trendy colors. An ultra-modern look appealing to the 20- to 30-something group continues to flourish.

I prefer working intuitively, developing my own style rather than following trends. However, trends provide an inspiration as well as a motivation for me in developing new collections.

Having worked on a multitude of projects over the course of my career, I know the importance of understanding my clients’ vision. I enjoy being in a business of building long-lasting relationships and incorporating my creativity and industry knowledge as a creative service provider.

Bense Garza is the founder and principle designer of Garza Art & Design — a design studio based in Kansas City, MO, that specializes in surface design, licensing and product development.