EAST Interview: Bonnie Rue of Model Citizen

Bonnie Rue is the type of gal you wanted to be BFF's with at summer camp. The one who snuck copies of Sassy into chapel, the one with a forearm covered in lanyards and friendship bracelets, the one making zines out of photos and Xeroxed leaves. In short, Bonnie is the type of gal who would one day grow up and create Model Citizen, a line of T-shirts, dresses, hoodies, yoga wear, jewelry and accessories emblazoned with funky, punky iconography. Think screaming tigers, pink guns, gooey cupcakes, vintage sewing machines - basically, where the lethal and the domestic intersect. Bonnie's opening her home and studio, located at 1304 East Cesar Chavez Suite A (#17 on the EAST map), for the East Austin Studio Tour. Visitors will be able to scope out her wares and even do some early holiday shopping.

How long has Model Citizen been in operation?

I started out in 2005 with two designs, working out of a small garage apartment in South Austin. Now I have over 30 apparel items available and last year I added jewelry to the line.

Your designs are delightfully off-center, both edgy and playful all at once (tigers, cupcakes, guns...). Where do you get your inspiration?

My friends are to blame. Every Model Citizen item is inspired by them and this goes without saying but, they are amazing! The ladies in my drawings have tiger heads because it was the only way I could think to illustrate the “kicking ass and taking names” spirit of my friends. I mean - they are creative, talented, driven and there for you, no matter what. These ladies have big laughs, great taste, and impressive dance moves... and I try my best to show that in my drawings.

Before Model Citizen, what was your artistic background?

I have never studied art outside of my home. In high school I made zines and painted a lot. I've always kept a sketchbook and used to draw some pretty awful comics. A few years back I designed a some show posters for local bands like The Golden Arm Trio, Madamimadam, Young Heart Attack, etc., which was a lot of fun!

I actually went to school to be an audio engineer but I'm happier being CEO of Model Citizen.

What are your favorite materials to work with?

Currently I am obsessed with lace, shrinky dinks, recycled chain from old jewelry, and my yudu machine. The possibilities are endless!

Your designs have received lots of media attention lately - Craftzine, BUST, etc. Is your consumer base becoming a more national one these days as a result?

Yes! Even International! I've been filling orders all over the world recently. From right here in Austin all the way to Hong Kong, even Australia. It's exciting and I get introduced to people I'd never have met otherwise.