Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabby Klein. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gabby, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
This is a tough one, and I think the answer is always changing. There’s a feeling of inspiration that I’ve learned to pay attention to, almost a tingling in my brain, that gets me excited about the world. I first noticed it as a kid going to IKEA, and then in school as I learned about iconic design styles, and now from a wide range of sources. Sometimes it’s a menu design at a new local restaurant, sometimes it’s a film photo I’m seeing for the first time since I took it, sometimes it’s an old sign in front of a run-down tire shop. I think what I’ve learned about my creativity practice is that it’s just that: a practice. The more I go out of my way to engage with the world, the more likely I am to encounter something that inspires me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an illustrator, graphic designer, and creative human based in Phoenix, Arizona. From my earliest memories, I’ve always been inspired by color, texture, and form, specifically within the home. As I grew up, I developed a special place in my heart for all things mid-century and Scandinavian modern, with a passion for functional and intentional art that brings people and places together. I received my BSD in Interior Design, but found a love for graphic design and illustration halfway through my degree program, and have since gained experience through both freelance and in-house graphic design and marketing for companies throughout Arizona and beyond.
I started my business, gab art & design, as a senior in college selling small paintings and art prints. Shortly thereafter I began participating in local pop-ups and markets. Over the last 4 years, I’ve participated in over 50 markets between Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, and San Fransisco, and have expanded my product line to offer art prints, greeting cards, apparel, textiles, and more. I’ve also been freelancing as a graphic designer / illustrator for about 2 years now, working with other businesses and brands to bring their visions to life.
Something that is really important to me in my personal life as well as my creative practice is sustainability. I’ve done a significant amount of research to ensure my products are manufactured ethically, using biodegradable and eco-friendly materials where possible. My hope is that my art (in whatever form it takes) can serve a purpose beyond the stuff it’s made of. I strive to create intentional pieces that serve a function, and also make people happy.
I have a handful of new products that I’m so excited to share with the world this Fall. As we get closer to market season (October – April) I’ll be sharing more about where you can find me popping up in Phoenix, but my online shop is always open 🙂
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?
From a very young age I’ve valued self-expression, and I think that helped lay the groundwork for my creativity today. Whether it’s through clothes, hobbies, or design taste, I have always felt in-tune with what I like. This has allowed me to create art and products that feel authentic to my own experiences, in hopes that others might relate.
In high school, I took AP Psychology. I loved it so much that it led me to minor in Psychology when I was in college. It helped me understand how people interact with each other and with the world. Having a high-level understanding on why humans are the way they are has allowed me to design with intention.
Lately, curiosity has been a huge practice for me both personally and professionally. I’m a sensitive gal, and learning how to respond to feedback and frustrations with curiosity has allowed me to gain new perspectives and build empathy for others.
I think my advice for any of these areas of knowledge is to pay attention to what interests you, and learn more about it. Even if it doesn’t seem to have any relevance to your job or your base-level goals, you might be surprised how connections will form between different areas of your life.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I recently read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and it completely shifted the way I approach my creativity. In the age of social media, I have found it far too easy to fall into a spiral of comparison, looking to other creatives to determine what I should want and what my professional goals should be. Big Magic was a reminder that we are always changing, and so is our creativity. It’s bound to ebb and flow, and that’s ok. It allowed me to take a step back and evaluate which buckets I’m currently pouring my creativity into, and how I might want to re-allocate my energy to create more impactful work that makes me feel good. I highly recommend it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabartdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gab.art.design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabby-klein/
