We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Hallquist. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.
Kim, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
It’s funny how, even now, I wouldn’t call myself a resilient person. But when I stop and look back on all the things I have overcome—graduating from high school and college, becoming a (in my eyes) successful graphic designer, wife, mother, and now an artistic entrepreneur—I guess I am very resilient!!
As a kid, I never thought I would amount to anything due to my learning disability, something I hid and was ashamed of. It’s hard when teachers/professors say you will never graduate. I feared I would live in my parent’s basement my whole life.
If there was one thing I could tell my 18-year-old self, it would be to stop worrying about failure! Stop hiding your learning disability as if it’s a bad thing! It’s a part of you and makes you the artist you are today! Be proud of who you are!
Resilience comes down to mindset—don’t give up and do the work!! I’m also taking these two lessons into my everyday life as an artistic entrepreneur. I’m new to the entrepreneurial life but am learning very quickly that it’s all about doing the work and not giving up!
There are days I don’t want to make art, but I know even bad art can help show where I need improvement. Again, this kind of mindset helps me to be resilient. ‘Don’t give up—do the work!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a surface pattern designer crafting designs that are rooted in nature while adding a playful and whimsical twist to the wonders of the great outdoors.
My passion for the outdoors began at a young age, fishing with my Dad, camping, and hiking in Northern Minnesota. Now I share these adventures with my husband and two kids.
Through these adventures, I found that nature offered a comfort and helped reduce anxiety, something I struggled with due to my disability.
Nature has a way of grounding us in the present moment and encourages mindfulness, allowing us to let go of worries. “Nature doesn’t judge!”
I hope to bring the ease and power of nature to others through my designs. Some of my pattern designs and illustrations are licensed to eco-conscious and nature-inspired brands in the home and outdoor goods market.
As a lifelong creative, I experiment with various mediums, just as there are all types of natural elements. I forages for inspiration in the woods and incorporate these forest finds into my artwork, whether by painting or digitizing leaves, feathers, pinecones, etc…
Through my art, I aim to inspire others to incorporate more nature into their lives, whether through outdoor activities and nature-inspired decor. You can find my designs and goods on Spoonflower.com or visit my Zazzle shop.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For me, I wish I would have taken more time to continue my education or explore new areas of interest. As a former graphic designer, I had no idea about the world of textile/pattern design. It wasn’t until I invested in myself and took an online course that opened a new and exciting world of design.
I started my college journey in fine arts but transferred to graphic design due to the misconception of a starving artist. I wish I would have kept up with my fine art pursuits as a graphic designer or explored other areas sooner. However, as I begin my surface pattern design journey, I feel more at home due to incorporating more of my fine art passion into my designs.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always up for big or small collaborations. If I had to pick an area of collaborative interest, it would be with a brand that aligns with my passion for the outdoors, outdoor activities, and a commitment to our Mother Earth—eco-friendliness.
With my background in graphic design, I feel I have a well-rounded aesthetic and am happy to collaborate with anyone. All are welcome!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimhallquistdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhallquist_designs
- Other: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kim_hallquist_designs https://www.zazzle.com/store/mossymoseprints
