Episode 35: Designer, Author & TV Personality, Mark Montano

Mark Montano

This week Vickie sat down and chatted with her friend and colleague, TV Host, Designer, Creative Director, and best-selling craft book author, Mark Montano. They talked about how his childhood experience with a Native American dance troop spawned his love for artisanal design; how important it is to stay focused on your own work, especially when presented with an onslaught of gorgeous, social media photos of other peoples’ work which can easily be intimidating; about how his career path evolved from fashion to craft; the challenges of working in public television; and how embracing new media has given him access to an audience in a way he’s never had before.

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Show Notes:

BIO
After earning his MA at the Fashion Institute of Technology, MARK MONTANO started his career in New York City as a fashion designer working for Oscar de la Renta and then opened his first boutique in the East Village of New York.  Soon after, he began showing his own collection at NY Fashion Week and was the youngest member to be inducted into the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)  He was also the winner of the coveted Cotton Incorporated Award for design. 

Feeling fashion was not enough,  he eventually moved to television to become part of the design team for TLC’s While You Were Out and the host of TLC’s 10 Years Younger, as well as co-host of the Style Network’s My Celebrity Home, We TV’s She’s Moving In, and FOX’s My Home 2.0. During this time he was a contributing editor to CosmoGIRL! magazine for ten years.   He has also dished out décor advice as a contributing editor for The New York Post and Knight Ridder with a weekly Q&A article in over 70 US newspapers. Mark is the author of the original The Big-Ass Book of Crafts, Super Suite: The Ultimate Bedroom Makeover Guide for Girls, The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2, The Big-Ass Book of Bling, The Big Ass Book of Home Decor, Dollar Store Décor, Pulp Fiction: Perfect Paper Projects, Window Treatments & Slipcovers for Dummies and How to Write and Publish a Best Selling Craft Book.  He most recently produced Make Your Mark for PBS/APT.  

Enter to win a signed copy of Mark’s Best-selling book, Big Ass Book of Bling. Post a comment about what color palette speaks to you. Comments must be received by 10pmCT on March 8, 2017.

Links:

Mark on YouTube

Mark on Instagram

Mark on Facebook

Mark on Twitter

Mark Montano Blogs

Credits:

Produced by: Vickie Howell

Edited & Mixed by: Dave Campbell

Music Provided by: Explosions in the Sky

Like us? Leave a Rating or Review on iTunes! 

3 Responses to “Episode 35: Designer, Author & TV Personality, Mark Montano”

1. Chris Lopez March 3rd, 2017

   Another outstanding episode. Loved listening as always. It’s kind of funny that I tend to dress in earth tones but when I’m crafting I love bright colors. I generally am choosing vibrant shades of traditional colors like a deep purple or pink and really amazing blues. I tend to stay away from pastels unless I’m making a baby item and then I like things like mint green, Soft yellow or peach.

   Reply
2. kathy March 3rd, 2017

   Thanks, Vickie and Mark, for inspiring us all to craft and have fun doing so! My favorite colors tend to be bright, and when working with lightweight yarn, I add seed beads for extra bling. This podcast is great and I am always excited when another episode comes out, Vickie.

   Reply
3. Debra Womack March 4th, 2017

   I love bold but harmonious colors.
   Mark’s creativity is such an inspiration! 💜💜

   Reply