We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allison Heistand-Phelps a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

In both the quiet and tumultuous corners of my life, where creativity, personal vulnerability and transformation through art and design,, and empathy intertwined, the seed of Inkblottr was planted. The year was 2022, and I found myself at a crossroads, yearning for a professional venture that echoed both my artistic passion and my deep belief in the transformative power of empathy. It all began with a realization – the creative world needed a touch of humanity. As I immersed myself in the vast realm of illustration and graphic design, I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between visual aesthetics and emotional connection. The idea of Inkblottr started to take shape during late-night sketching sessions and moments of introspection.

The name itself, “Inkblottr,” was an ode to the fluidity of art interpretation. I envisioned a business where each inkblot held a unique story and perspective, a narrative crafted not just from pixels and vectors, but from the genuine understanding of human experiences. This was not just about creating designs; it was about weaving visual tales that resonated with people on a personal level.
The logic behind Inkblottr was deeply rooted in the belief that design could be more than visually striking – it could be a conduit for empathy. I had observed a gap in the market where businesses sought more than just graphics; they craved designs that spoke to the hearts of their audience. The marriage of illustrative design and empathy became the cornerstone of my venture, a unique proposition that set Inkblottr apart.

The journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. Building a business from scratch demanded resilience, and the path to success was paved with countless iterations, client interactions, and a commitment to constant learning. I invested time in understanding not just the technicalities of design but also delved into the psychology of perception and emotion, refining my approach to align with the ethos of empathy-driven creativity.
As projects rolled in, each illustration became a testament to the power of connecting on a human level. Whether it was a brand seeking a visual identity or an individual commemorating a special moment, Inkblottr aimed to infuse every stroke with understanding. This approach not only resonated with clients but also fostered a community that appreciated the depth of artistic expression.

The journey of Inkblottr is a narrative of evolution, both as a business and a philosophy. From solo endeavors to collaborative projects, every step reinforced the idea that empathy wasn’t just a buzzword – it was the soul of the creative process. Today, as I look back on the origins of Inkblottr, I see a venture that not only survived but thrived because it dared to imbue the heart into pixels and colors.

In the tapestry of creative services, Inkblottr stands as a testament to the notion that art is not just a visual spectacle; it’s a conversation, a dialogue that speaks to the core of our shared humanity.

Allison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, my name is Allison Heistand-Phelps, I am an illustrative designer and artist in the Denver, CO area. Art has always been a healing space for me so I studied art therapy first. After 10 years of being a mental health professional, and art therapist, I pivoted careers to illustrative design with a deep drive to use my feminist art therapist values, visual literacy, and learnings to elevate storytelling and the transformation that art and design provide for the community and the individual. I always am learning, and I find it important to incorporate inclusivity and accessibility into my work.

I offer original artwork, illustrative designs, and graphic design services. I also am skilled in creating visual brand identity systems. What makes me unique is that I focus on empathy for the audience and the brand in the belief that great storytelling and visuals evoke emotional responses, build memories and connections, and are authentic. I consider my process with clients to be a collaborative journey in which we uncover their visual identity system that speaks most authentically from them and makes real connections with their audience who emotionally resonate with their visuals.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I have loved AIGA and Creative Mornings’ offerings to the creative community and I only wish I had joined them sooner. My involvement in AIGA helped me network and get some of my first gigs as a designer in design school. It is easy to feel isolated as the sole graphic designer at my day job, but it is so important to be able to connect with other creatives. It’s so restorative.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly, word-of-mouth is always the best source. Always if you can share about the creatives in your life, even if you don’t have a project in mind for them, there may be someone you speak to who can make things happen for you. Get away from the scarcity mindset and trust that you’ll get the clients you fit best with.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inkblottr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkblottr.design/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhpdesign/
• Other: www.arheistand.com

Image Credits
Allison Heistand-Phelps