The Golden Girls are a National Treasure

Oh, The Golden Girls. Just the name conjures up images of sunshine, cheesecake, and the kind of sharp wit that could cut through a Florida humidity. As a graphic artist, that show wasn't just entertainment; it was a vibrant, hilarious masterclass in character, color, and the beautiful chaos of life. And let me tell you, it seeped into my creative soul like Sophia sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack. There are numerous paintings, housewares, and decor from the series that has always caught my eye. So much so it has compelled me to create a series of art pieces inspired from the show. These are pieces that have been crafted out of my love for the girls. They still bring joy and laughter to me to this day, or should I say every night before I go to sleep.

From the pastel hues of their Miami home to the bold shoulder pads that could launch a small boat, the visual landscape of The Golden Girls was pure 1980s gold. That aesthetic – the unapologetic use of color, the slightly over-the-top glamour, the cozy yet distinct personalities reflected in their surroundings – it all resonated deeply. You could practically *feel* the warmth of their friendship radiating from the screen, and I wanted to capture that same feeling in my art.

Take Dorothy’s no-nonsense attitude, for example. Her dry wit and exasperated sighs were iconic. "Fasten your seatbelts, conventioneers!" she'd quip, bracing herself for another one of Rose's St. Olaf stories or Blanche's romantic escapades. That sharp, angular energy often translates into the strong lines and bold typography I sometimes favor in my designs. It's my artistic way of saying, "Picture it, Sicily, 1922..." and then delivering a visual punchline.

And then there's Blanche, with her insatiable zest for life and a wardrobe that screamed "Southern belle in charge." Her love for all things glamorous and her unwavering confidence (even when misplaced) were a constant source of amusement. "As long as there's lipstick and breath spray, it's not over," she'd declare. That flamboyant spirit inspires the more playful and decorative elements in my work – the flourishes, the vibrant color palettes, the designs that aren't afraid to be a little extra.

Of course, we can't forget Rose and her endearingly naive tales from St. Olaf. While sometimes head-scratching, her stories often held a surprising sweetness and a unique perspective on the world. "In St. Olaf, we used to say..." would often precede a bizarre yet somehow heartwarming anecdote. That whimsical quality finds its way into my more illustrative pieces, the ones that aim to tell a story with a touch of the unexpected.

And then there's Sophia. Oh, Sophia. The queen of the zinger, the master of the withering glance. "Picture it, Sicily, 1912..." was her go-to opening for a tale that usually ended with someone being thoroughly roasted. Her unfiltered honesty and hilarious cynicism were a constant reminder to keep things real, even when you're creating something beautiful. As she'd probably say about some overly fussy piece of art, "It looks like something my dentures coughed up." Gotta keep it grounded, right?

The Golden Girls wasn't just a funny show; it was about the power of friendship, the beauty of aging, and the importance of finding your chosen family. It taught me that even in life's more chaotic moments, there's always room for laughter and connection. And as a graphic artist, that's a message I try to weave into every piece I create that is directly inspired by the show.

The first item from the show that caught my eye were the leaf motif inspired mugs the girls used to drink coffee and tea with their cheesecake. In total I have counted four mug styles and patterns that were used during the life of the series. The leaf motif mugs were around the longest so I chose that design first. Be sure to grab more than one of my mugs so you can share a cup of Joe or tea with your bff.

So thank you, Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and especially you, Sophia, for the endless inspiration and the reminder that sometimes, all you need is a good laugh and a slice of cheesecake to get the creative juices flowing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear the refrigerator calling my name.