Darling Design is a one-woman show run by yours truly, Christine Castro. I have been designing, illustrating and crafting in one form or another since I was a wee girl, but it wasn't until five years ago that I made it my life. I founded this studio to share my work, offer my services and grow a business. I do what I love, and I love what I do. Like many artists, I took the long way here. I studied communications instead of art, trying to do the right thing. I traveled up and down the coasts and throughout Europe, trying to find myself. I worked as a retail monkey, a coffee slinger, a newspaper reporter and a web producer, trying to make a living. I tried everything but the right thing. While covering community news and affairs at a metropolitan newspaper, I discovered the Web. There I found a vibrant community of writers and artists who were constantly creating. It inspired me, and I thought to myself, "I can do that." So I did. In 1999, I taught myself HTML and created the award-winning personal web site, maganda.org. I began to play with pixels and color. I picked up a paint brush. I learned how to sew. A world of art and design opened up to me, and I burst through its doors. Now, years later, I realize that somebody has to make web sites that shine, artwork that tells stories and handmade goods that turn heads. And that's just what I do. My work is for anyone who appreciates some color, some sweetness and some charm.

I find inspiration in everyday and unexpected things. Vintage dresses and handbags. Sweet candy packaging. Ribbon and trim in the fabric store bins. A fresh box of crayons. Signage and architecture around town. The gorgeous hues in my mother's garden. Those are the things that put a glimmer in my eye and a spring in my step. It's my hope that my work may inspire that same feeling in you.