Smiling Dog Studio is the art, design and photography studio of Jane Brooks and Val Yandell. We’ve been collaborating on projects since 2003. We work, we play, we draw paint, design, shoot, write, research and create. We inspire each other and we hope to inspire you.
Jane is a graphic designer and fine artist working in acrylic and assemblage. Val is a photographer, painter and blogger. Together we explore ways to bring our work together to inspire ourselves and others.
Jane has been a graphic designer since 1995. She has won design awards for logo identity, stationery systems, marketing materials, packaging and web sites. She is also a fine artist working in acrylic and assemblage. A photographer and artist, Val creates oil and mixed media paintings influenced by her photographic vision.
Our work has been shown in galleries in Toronto, Ontario and Austin, Texas. As members of the Eastern Front Gallery in Toronto, we shared curative and administrative duties and began exploring the idea of collaborating. Although our “real time” studio is now located in Northern California, we are excited that the internet allows us to continue our creative efforts with artists from all of our hometowns.
About the name Smiling Dog Studio. Dogs are loyal, trustworthy and happy. The studio’s name was inspired by our sweet, smiling Jesse. Our dogs remind us to keep things simple; take walks, nap in the sun, be happy, stay curious.
Welcome to the Studio.