Carmen Mason of FUEL House of Design has built a reputation as someone who cares about the music scene. As a big supporter of the Fox Vancouver Seeds contest and the design prizing for the top 3 bands from 2009, she’s really outdone herself with her efforts to support this year’s Seeds contenders.

To help promote a random selection of 20 bands vying for his year’s Fox Vancouver Seeds prizing, Carmen devised the great idea to offer 20 free flyer designs to the first bands to reply to her social media channels.

“Deciding to give out 20 free flyer designs was my way of giving back to a community that has not only help build my business, but maintain it, and now help expand it,” explained Carmen.



Supernova sat down with Carmen, Founder/ Art Director/Head Designer of FUEL House of Design, for a quick chat about her involvement with the music scene out west. It’s easy to see that she’s not only passionate about her work, but also about music and the people who make it.

So Carmen, how long have you been in design?

I have been in marketing and advertising for 10 years, and graphic design since 2004. I have always had a love and appreciation for all the arts, but it came time to put my passion, creativity and talent to paper in 2004. "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." (Confucius)

Where did the name Fuel House come from?

Back in early 2006 I was trying to think of a name that would get people's attention, wasn't a cookie cutter name, not something that would be lost in the mix and trying to name a business can be one of the most daunting tasks - I just wanted something that would FUEL my clients passion, and allow me to showcase my talents.  I always knew I wanted a design house - and as I doodled on a piece of paper - FUEL House of Design was born.

How did you find out about Seeds / Supernova?

Being a part of the music industry, you would be hard pressed not to know about CFOX SEEDS - and how it brought the likes of Nickelback, Bif Naked and Matthew Good to the masses.  For West Coast musicians, this is the coveted contest that could launch your career in an industry, that could change the game.

I was asked to be a part of the CFOX SEEDS 30th Anniversary Package for Goodbye Beatdown, Venice Queen & Black Betty. It was such great exposure - to see your company attached to this contest that your clients strive to achieve - and to hear Todd Hancock announce it from the stage - one of those moments where you are proud of every step you've taken.

As for Supernova, it is a company that has always been devoted to music, it's fans, and the industry. To see the marriage between the two - there couldn't be a better pairing. The support I alone have received from Supernova is a direct reflection of who you are, and what you are also trying to do for the music community. For that, I personally thank you.

It's a supportive industry! What would you tell others about Seeds?

BANDS:  SEEDS is a chance, an opportunity for you to mass market in a forum where music is the MAIN focus.  ...hit the streets and bring in fans you may not have had before, market online to no end, and bring attention to the contest (which is VOTE based) - because even if you do not win, these are NEW fans, and there is no loss in that.

FANS:  Music is a dying breed - and with the talent in your own backyard, step up, take 5 minutes create a Supernova account; and then after SEEDS is over, continue to communicate with your favorite bands, sharing music with your friends, and discovering bands you may never have heard of. That actually just happened to me - I found MINTO and B MONSTER - I am in love - all thanks to SEEDS & SUPERNOVA!
 
Aww. What is your goal in regards to Music?


With my love of music (I play the piano, cello & violin - as well as sing - but have never had the desire to pursue those professionally) and with the strides and international relationships I am currently making, I am hoping to build the music division of FUEL House of Design into a  leader within this field. I hope to create an open environment where we could help those who are artistic but may not have the means to per sue their dreams, in terms of education; ie: interim and or intern programs for kids who may not see this (graphic design) as an option.  FUEL is not only about fuelling our creative and that of our clients, but letting art fuel others futures.



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The best place to check out FUEL House of Design is on FACEBOOK or you can message Carmen directly from her CFOX profile.