CBD outlet designer and artist, Trista Fisher sat down with Salt Baked City for a light Q&A about what makes this focus a hugely unique opportunity. Here’s what Trista had to say.
Q: Where are you from?
I was born in Seattle, but left as a baby. My family moved around quite a bit for my father’s job. I was lucky to live in many states including California, Montana, New York, Ohio, Idaho, and Utah. Truth is, I’m quite happy to call Utah home. My travelling lifestyle is an important part of what helps me bring new design and artistic ideas into everything I do.
Q: What brought you to the Green Scene as a designer?
I saw an opportunity in 2012 to come to SLC and dig into the house flipping business, and the booming construction industry that went with it. Since arriving in Utah, I have enjoyed working on home and commercial design projects that led to work in the CBD space.
Q: Briefly tell us about your background and interest in design.
I have been interested in architecture and design since I was a child building Lego and block structures, even floor plans. I feel that art and design are inseparable. My passion for art allowed me to be accepted into an Art College outside of Manchester England during what would be my sophomore and junior years of high school in the States.
I was able to build a portfolio that ensured me a scholarship to the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, where I completed my BFA in Interior Design. After that, I went on to complete the NCIDQ to become fully accredited in my field. My early design work centered around high end homes here in Utah, Big Sky Montana, Idaho, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Lately, I’ve been doing commercial dispensary design along with other projects.
Q: You mentioned that you discovered the CBD space, by accident? Please describe.
Yes, it actually happened when a dear friend of mine who’s been doing high-end events for years, had a client who needed a designer for their retail spaces. Also owner of K2 Event Production, her close understanding of my creative-efficient approach allowed us to design a one-of-a-kind lifestyle feel that added value and brought in new sales. The owners of the space sharply realized they needed more to expand their customer base by utilizing my design ideas. As a result, they were able to charge more for an up-scaled experience, and generate more profit by creating a more inviting feel in their locations. it’s always enjoyable when clients see what smart design does to boost profits!
Q: Tell us a bit more about what your Creative-efficient process looks like.
After getting a good understanding of what my client wants and needs, I create a digital mood board for them to see how the concept inspiration comes together. Once everyone feels good about style direction, I do more detailed space planning. From there, I create 3D concepts of the space to really get a feel for the mood and impact. This 3D part of my process is an incredibly helpful way to ensure everything works together successfully.
Q: What do you enjoy most about work as an artist-designer?
I am always finding new inspiration and having love affairs with products and places I have seen or traveled to. I love working with new clients helping to bring their ideas and needs together in creative new ways. Every project is a creative puzzle, and I have really enjoyed helping CBD clients create uniquely branded spaces. A number of my clients conduct business under non-disclosure arrangements, but here’s a look at a Detroit Dispensary I worked on..
Q: What other forms of art do you play, or practice?
I really enjoy painting, especially acrylics and resins. I am currently working on a new series in oil that I am very excited about.
Q: Does the CBD space present unique opportunities for you as a designer?
Absolutely, this emerging industry is a whole new form of personal wellness, not just a retail opportunity. Each state has its own rules and regulations about how people access these services, which opens a door for me to create new spaces where people can feel comfortable, trusting, and sophisticated. Old taboos are gone, and by using a combination of color, light, layout, and displays, I am able to help dispensary owners increase traffic and profitability through experience design.
Q: What do you enjoy about working in this community?
I have really enjoyed coming to understand how many owners are looking to help people. I’ve also heard many inspiring stories about how companies entered the space. And, it’s always particularly rewarding to have clients come back for additional projects.
Q: How does it compare with your previous experience?
Every client and project is different, but medical Cannabis and CBD, being somewhat in their infancy, are really open to new ideas and creative solutions that will increase profitability and awareness.
Q: Do you use medical cannabis products? If so, which ones, and why, if that’s not too personal?
I often get super-tense shoulder and foot muscles after a long day of hopping between job-site and client meetings, so I love to use a good lotion or salve to release stress in those areas.
Q: What’s your take on the possible impact of the rapid growth of the medical cannabis and CBD presence in Utah?
I think we can learn from the cities before us, such as Michigan, Colorado, California. Take a peek at some of the places where I’ve already worked a little design magic. I think this industry can bring people together. It’s no longer a smoke or vape shop, but more of a lifestyle health industry. If we look at it the right way, access to medical cannabis products can bring communities together and provide financial benefits for many.
CBD outlets and dispensaries can benefit greatly from a small investment in design changes that can drive profitability. Such an investment can also help retain and create new customers, often because people are generally willing to pay more for a product in a location that makes them feel cooler or upscale.
With over 14 years of experience in the industry and 100’s of projects completed, Design Till Dawn, has developed a simple and effective design process to keep the experience fun and painless, and allow time to focus on the creative. If you would like to view Trista Fisher’s portfolio are talk to her about design help, visit here website at www.designtilldawn.com.
