Mark Montano -My Big Ass Interview

 Mark Montano, Designer, Crafter, Creative Force, TV Show Host, Creator of some ‘Big Ass Books’! I could go on and on about this King of Crafts! Mark has made and cemented his place in the world of color and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. He hosts several shows including TLC’s While You Were Out, 10 Years Younger, Style Network’s My Celebrity Home, We TV’s She’s Moving In and his new show coming to FOX TV My Home 2.0.

He’s also created the definitive books on Crafts for life and home (and in a way, healing!) including The Big Ass Book of Crafts and The Big Ass Book of Home Décor.

Mark, I have to admit I’m astounded when I look through the Big Ass Book of Crafts. You truly amaze me with all of the wonderful crafts you do. What got you started on this path?

It's been a passion my whole life. My family is super talented and we never thought that buying something was better than making something. Making it was always just more fun.

With so many on-going projects how do you manage to stay sane?

Who says I'm sane? I live to create and I create to live. It works for me. I get very depressed if I don't have a project in the works.

 

When you started on this path did you have any idea or desire for it to reach this point?

To be honest, I'm not sure at what point I am right now. I try not to think about it too much. I just keep looking forward, saying thank you for each day that I get to create and try to make beautiful things.

Your books have projects for everyone. Home and fun. What are some of your favorite projects to do?

I love making plates. I have soooo many plates in my kitchen and I don't even cook. I also love making things to wear. I will rip apart any item of clothing and re work it to death.


 Artist, Designer, Author, TV Show Host. What shows are you hosting now and where can the audience see them?

I'm working on a new show now called My Home 2.0 which will air on Fox and on the Fios stations. It's a high tech home makeover show.

 

You’re tapping into so many creative markets, What’s next for you?

Not sure really. I have a few things on the burner. I'm exploring fashion again, which is fun now instead of the pressure I had in the fashion industry. Many years of my life I showed my collections during fashion week and it took a toll on me. I loved it, but it only allowed me to be creative with fabric and not much more. I need to use glue, straws, wood, all of it!

What types of things inspire you to create? 

The most mundane things inspire me. Give me popsicle sticks and glue and I'm fine. Like a kid that would rather play with the box than play with the toy inside!

Are there any more ‘Big Ass’ books planned for the future?

THE BIG ASS BOOK OF HOME DECOR is on shelves April 1st and I'm already writing the next one. But, that's a secret for now!

My motto is ‘Live in Color’ and I see that you definitely live in color. What is ‘wind down’ time like for you?

I love to read. I read like a crazy person. In fact, sitting in the sun with a good book and a cup of coffee is like heaven on earth for me. It's the only way I can wind down and cool off from all of the fumes from my projects!

Is there any inspiration you can offer to creative people and people who believe they aren’t creative?

EVERYONE is creative. It's like jumping off of a cliff. You just have to do it. You will find your path, but you can't get there unless you start. So just START!

 I agree Mark! Thank you so much for giving us this interview. I'm always excited to see what new project you come up with! The best of Color and Success to you on your Journey!


You can find out more about Mark by visiting his Website http://www.markmontano.com/
 or your nearest Book Store.