Meet the illustrator!

Ali Durfey is the teeny little beast behind Magpie's signage.  She has been designing Magpie's written style for the last year, and we couldn't love it more!

What do you do?

I enjoy creating a positive and soothing aesthetic in visual design, while incorporating sign-making and merchandising into my role at Magpie. As a background, merchandising, illustration and hand lettered fonts and logos are my strong suit, but what brings out my true sass are my work with those who have Crohn’s Disease, my sweet dance moves, and an undeniable affinity for Sci-Fi and electronics.

Describe your personal style.

Two words: Tween Boy.

Who are you favorite designers and artists?

I admire classic style. Artists and designers who are bold enough to push through the norm make me smile. Don’t reinvent the wheel. String some twinkly lights from it.

What are your favorite places to shop?

Thrifting is a wonderful way to develop a personal style while ditching boring design standards. I love finding floral fabrics and pieces that were made with durability in mind. Flea Markets and swap meets are goldmines, IF you aren’t afraid to do the digging.

Who are your style icons?

Combination Jackie O., Sporty Spice.

What was your most recent purchase?

Electronic components. Next question.

Any stories about amazing pieces you’ve scored?

Herschel Little America backpack- $28, Buffalo Exchange. I carry my life around in this bag.

Do you have any smart shopping advice?

When you find something  you love but aren’t sure about- take a lap. If you meet again, it was meant to be [and if you’re really lucky, it’ll be on sale].

What’s the best thing about what you do?

The greatest thing about what  I do, is that despite my strings of babble and napkin sketches, my team makes me feel great about my work. Their faith in my creativity pushes me to explore it.

Name 5 things you can’t live without.

-My Dog

-Popular Science magazine

-The Sun

-Bobby Pins

-My love affair with lines. Creating, refining, and marrying them to form multitudes of ideas within the numerous facets of design.