Meet Our Youngest Contributing Artist

The Pepper N' Queen, And Tan

I met a spunky high school gal on Independent Fashion Bloggers a few weeks ago known as the "Pepper N' Queen."  I checked out her blog, Pepper N' Queen, and found that she does these amazing graphic design collages that are "to die for!"  I immediately wrote to her and asked if she would like to contribute some of her funky designs to The Compassion Fashion Project.  I was really stressing about my blog banner and needed something that was going to reflect not only the project, but me as well...and let me tell you, her art struck a cord with me.  I asked her to design my blog banner and here is what she said:

"My answer is YES! YES! I would love to be your graphic designer and donate my time to make your banner, because I believe in your cause and how important it is to educate people about domestic violence! You are, so far, the only blog I have heard of, who is supporting a good cause and also blending it with fashion (it is absolutely genius)! Both service and fashion is my passion so I will support, follow, spread and promote your blog to the end, because I believe in what you are doing and the fact that we must do something about this issue! Message me what you want your banner to look like, or if you have a rough sketch on how you want it to look like, design wise, and I can add to it using my peppernqueen magic!"

Buy this tee now!  

Once I got confirmation that the "Pepper N' Queen," who I now know as And Tan, was on board, I had to explain what I wanted.  This was a bit difficult for me, because I honestly was not sure what I wanted exactly, so here is what I said and this is why I wanted Tan to design my banner:

Support The CFP and purchase this original design by And Tan.  

"I'll tell you what really made me connect with your work and that is that for me personally, I always have a ton of thoughts going through my mind: Ideas, art, designs, words, phrases...I'm just constantly thinking. If someone was to be able to see what was going on in this brain of mine (as an image), I think it would look something like your collages!"


With a few more details about what I envisioned, here is what she said:


"Hey love, I fully understand how you want it to look, I can envision the image in my head and the tone and emotion it will evoke, so let me start making you one and I will send it to you via email after I finish :)"


What I received was the blog banner at the top of this page.  I was thrilled with the outcome and you can now purchase some of And Tan's work on our online boutique to help us raise funds for The Compassion Fashion Project.  She is wonderful and a joy to work with.  Not only that, but I am so impressed by such a young lady that is interested and understands the importance of what we are trying to do.  I know from our demographics that young women between the ages of 13-17 only make up about 2% of our readership.  Likewise, women between the ages of 18-24 are in the minority with only 12% of our readership.  I can only explain this by the fact that at that age perhaps women and young women have not yet fully understood the severity of domestic and sexual violence against women. My lovely And Tan is a pioneer in her age group as far as this issue is concerned.  I couldn't be prouder of her and feel super lucky that our paths crossed.  There are no coincidences.

New design for The Compassion Fashion Project, By: And Tan.  

Find out more about the Pepper N' Queen in this interview below:

Q.  Tell us about your design process and how do you describe your artwork?

A.  Whenever I design anything whether it is for work, or for fun, I usually have to listen to music and somehow the creativity just flows through me. My artwork is a mix and match of objects and places that I personally think are beautiful. I would like to think that my art is a play on my mood and expression.  I use my art and my blog as a way to express myself.  It is very imaginative and expressive.

Q.  Where are you from and what is the style like there?

A.  I am Filipino; I was born and raised in the Philippines. Fashion plays a big part in the lives of the people here. It is a very fashion forward country, the fashion industry here is a growing business, and the designers here are so very talented as well as many of the local brands.

I titled this piece "Pretty Collaboration" and you can own this design on a vintage tee.  

Q.  What materials do you use in your art?

A.  In terms of graphic designing, I mainly use my macbook, which has all my design softwares such as Adobe In design, Photoshop and Illustrator installed in it.

Q.  How would you describe your blog?


A.  My blog, for me, is a place where I am able to express my emotions through my photos and art. It is a place where I compile all the things I love like, art, fashion, photography and designing. I would describe it as self-centered, playful, colorful, innovative, and artistic.

Drink your coffee or tea in style. $14.95  

Q.  Why did you decide to donate artwork to The Compassion Fashion Project?


A.  I am really big on service and the idea of giving back to the community. I am glad that I came across this amazing blog that puts together the two things I love: Fashion and service. I decided to donate my artwork to The Compassion Fashion Project for the simple reason that I fully support the issue they are raising.  I believe that by donating my artwork, I feel as if I have help contribute a small something to this cause.

Visit THE Pepper N' Queen's Blog!  

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HER DESIGN PAGE!