Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Maggie Stephenson, the artist behind the new Paloma Throw Blanket. Maggie is a Polish-born artist and illustrator based in Florida. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the human experience, she’s known for her distinctive use of form and color, creating art that feels warm and approachable. 
1. Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in your city?
I wish I had a great answer for this one but I’m absolutely hopeless when it comes to knowing the local scene (I rarely get out to explore locally 😅). I’m either in my studio working away or out walking somewhere. So if there are amazing new creatives in Jacksonville, someone please needs to fill me in!
2. Where are your favorite places to go in your city?
Jacksonville is full of fun places to check out! When it comes to food, for Italian definitely Salumeria104, for coffee The Greenhouse Bar, for sound baths I love Soma Collective, for city walks I love Riverside and when I need to fully disappear, the Jacksonville Arboretum is really nice and peaceful. Great for evening strolls and spotting some wildlife. 
3. What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to not stress so much and just keep creating. All that time spent worrying about what other people think is time you could use to actually have fun with it. You’re going to get plenty of rejection anyway but you’ll also get a lot of wins, a lot of great connections and some really wonderful jobs that are meant for you. Just relax and enjoy the creative process :)
4. What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
My studio playlist is kind of all over the place. Tame Impala, Khruangbin, Polo & Pan, Villagers… it really depends on my mood. And when I’m trying to get a lot done, I’ll switch to pet relaxing music. It works on my pets and on me too :P
(Maggie curated a playlist to go with her throw: Maggie's Spotify playlist)
Paloma Throw by Maggie Stephenson for Slowdown Studio
5. What inspired your design for this latest blanket design?
The inspiration for this blanket came from the fact that I didn’t get to travel much this year. Life was just full of ups and downs and it kind of put a damper on taking a proper vacation. So instead I traveled in my mind. I pictured tropical summer days in a fun getaway city, surrounded by people, eating ice cream, relaxing by the water. That’s the kind of feeling I wanted the blanket to carry. I hope it resonates and brings that sunshine energy into homes.
6. What’s your favorite way to slow down?
My favorite way to slow down is just being somewhere unplugged. Laying around, watching the birds and the plants, listening to music, sipping coffee. Simple things but that’s really my happy place and sometimes those moments are exactly the kind of slow luxury we need :)
7. What’s the most memorable book you’ve read in the last few years?
I absolutely love to read but I haven’t had much time for that lately… I feel terrible saying so because I really should just make the time for it. One book I did finally start, which is the first in a while, is The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. I’m only about a quarter of the way in but I’ve been enjoying it so far. It’s such a great reminder that genuine happiness can fuel success, not the other way around. Curious to see where the book goes with this, my interest is definitely peaked :)
8. What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is when someone reaches out to say a piece of mine connected with them. It’s such a simple thing but it feels super special. Knowing that something I created in my studio can reach someone else in another part of the world is just the coolest feeling.
9. How does living in your city influence your work?
What I really appreciate about living here is that it’s such a big city space wise. Yet it still gives me all the spots I need to unplug and recharge. We’ve got the beach, gardens, trails, woods and it’s not overly crowded, so it’s easy to slip away into nature. That’s usually where I get inspired and where ideas start flowing.
10. What are you most excited or looking forward to this year?
What I’m really looking forward to this year are the connections that come with new projects. Every collaboration feels like a possibility to create something special. The brainstorming and starting fresh is such an exciting process!
Instagram: @_maggiestephenson_
Website: https://www.maggiestephenson.com
