Zip. Zing. Verve. Fire. Sparkle. Bang. The little girl, who was always attracted to cutting, pasting, and making things brings a new meaning to those words now in her adult age. Design artist Linda Zacks describes “zip, zang, verve, sparkle bang” as being electric…like experiencing the “icy chill” of eating ice cream too fast…and as being “messy, raw, and unexpected.”

Zacks adds that extra oomph into her work by using very flowing and vibrant themes. With a mix of a New York, New York style and the everlasting amusement of Woman, America, and words, all conform into what Zacks feels tackle the “mysteries of being human.” This, along with feelings associated with loneliness, angst, and resilience, all work collaboratively to create these amazing works of art.

Rebutting what some people may say about her work reflecting feminist views, Zacks replies, “…its got 10 fingers and 10 toes, it’s human.”

This daring artist isn’t afraid of a challenge either. Whether it is a matter of meeting a “pressure cooker” deadline or working with an unconvinced client, Zacks admits to rarely turning down work, unless of course the demand vs. the almighty dollar is unreasonable.

Apart from the design industry, Zacks manages to savor the taste of a life free from editors and critics with her homemade books.

“It’s imperative to retain a part of your creative life that’s sacred just for you and your thoughts…shielded from edits and opinions and the wind of a thousand flapping jaws…my books are just that, pure explorations into things or ideas or subjects that move me to elaborate. A whimsical playpen of what-the-f@$%! Anything goes, any how, any way and it feels good to make these little handheld screamers,” Zacks explains.

Admitting that it does take several years of practice and a lot of rejection to develop a thick skin, Zacks advises new artists to remain focused and never give up, despite the negative feedback brought on from the industry.

Here is more from our interview with Linda Zacks.

ANM: Do you believe Americans will respect a woman as president?
LZ: Do Americans respect anyone? They will take down anyone for any reason, and being a woman is a great reason for a lot of people

ANM: Who are some designers you look up to?
LZ: I look up to all kinds of people doing the incredible things they believe in.

ANM: What’s a normal work day for you like? And do you ever feel overwhelmed handling the business side and the artistic side of your work?
LZ: There is no normal day when you work for yourself—it could be blizzards or droughts or full-arced rainbows. A full day from beginning to end is always overwhelming to orchestrate, but luckily there is always time to wander through the streets in the sunlight and catch your breath.

ANM: Your style is very distinct; would you say that having a distinct style is important to being a designer?
LZ: Continuing to explore and establish a voice is important yes! Being a bit chameleonic is good too, move & bend with your mood.

ANM: A theme I notice in your work is that it’s always flowing and vibrant. Can you explain a bit about the themes that flow through all or most of your work?
LZ: Anything goes with me…but some that have stuck: New York, New York, that crazy beast called Woman, America the Strange, Words/alphabets/making letters with anything and everything I can find, loneliness, angst, resilience, all the wondrous mysteries of being a human being on Planet Earth.

ANM: What’s next for you? Any exhibitions, new projects, etc?
LZ: Hopefully I’ll find out tomorrow.

ANM: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
LZ: I can’t wait for the summer!

To find out more about Linda Zacks and her work please visit www.extra-oomph.com

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