Joy Wagner

Creative Director

Creative Juicer

Q: Plan a road trip. Where would you go? Who would you take with you?
A: I would drive (ride) to Key West via scenic US Highway 1. My fellow passengers would be Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Shel Silverstein (via audio books); all were residents of this island paradise. I would also need a trusted chauffeur, as I detest driving!

Q: Of your creative accomplishments, what has given you the most satisfaction?
A: Recently, I went to a girl's night at a painting studio. We were asked to provide a portrait of someone to paint in the style of Henri Matisse. Fearing that I may uglify my subject, I chose a garden gnome rather than an actual person. I had absolutely no expectations in regards to what I could produce in this expedited painting event. (I have not held a paintbrush since my disappointing college painting studio.) But three hours later, a delightful gnome was staring back at me from my canvas. This gave me the most satisfaction because I did not put any pressure on myself. I enjoyed the process, not worrying about the result. And, when the class ended, I decided to be satisfied with my painting, even though the perfectionist in me wanted to keep "tweaking." Gnomey, as I have named him, looks exactly as he should, imperfection and all!

Knowledge Seeker

Q: What is something new you want to learn in 2012?
A: I want to learn how to play Mahjong.

Q: Describe a recent problem that you solved in a unique way.
A: I was making roast chicken, but I did not have a rack to elevate the chicken that the recipe demanded. So, I propped it on a bundt pan by inserting the center of the pan into the chicken's cavity. Little did I know that there are many recipes for Bundt Pan Chicken!

Productive Partner

Q: Who was your favorite mentor and why?
A: My favorite mentor is my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Swope. Kindergarten was my my first experience with an educational mentor, and was perhaps the most important. Part of each day was spent choosing from different activity centers located throughout the classroom. The centers were identified by a color and shape. I don't remember any of them except "Black Circle", which was a wonderland of art supplies. Mrs. Swope encouraged me to visit that station as often as I wanted, instilling in me the axiom: "Do what you love."

Q: Share a secret tip that you use often.
A: When I order something on-line for myself, I always take advantage of free gift-wrapping. I also include a digital note to ME from ME! Earlier this year, I received a New Year's gift wishing me "the best for 2012!"