We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Stratmann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.

Alright, Gabrielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents were very purposeful in the way they raised my sister and me. They purchased a small farm and transformed it into a place that inspired our imaginations. They built a small amphitheater where we could put on “shows,” a chicken house that housed 25 laying hens, turned our barn into a dance studio, and planted beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. We spent hours outside exploring and creating little imaginary worlds. I can see now how much that influenced my love for nature and how I imagined the worlds of the bugs, flowers, and creatures I draw to this day.
Our home was also filled with creative stations that were always available to us. My mom and dad recognized my natural artistic talent early on. My creative interests shifted over the years, from scribbling with crayons to exploring watercolor paints with my grandmother and making polymer clay miniatures in middle school. By high school, I knew I wanted a creative career and took as many art classes as possible.
Throughout my creative whims, my parents always supported me with a “Yes, and how can we make this happen?” Their encouragement turned me into a confident young artist with too many ideas and not enough time. Their support allowed me to pursue my passions without worrying about how I would make money. Now, in my creative career, I adopt a similar mindset: I want to create this product, so how can I make it happen?

Gabrielle, 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?

I am an illustrator who works with various media, including embroidery, needle felting, ink, watercolor, and ceramics. My small business, Bug-Eyed Co., is dedicated to “good-natured art,” combining humor and color in art-forward products. The crafting kits are the heart of my creations, transforming my designs into all-inclusive kits that are like “coloring books with thread.” I’m passionate about teaching traditional crafts, using classic techniques to create modern designs for today’s crafters.
My products are for those looking to bring creativity into their lives, cut down on screen time, and engage in something fun. My art prints, stickers, and stationery aim to make you giggle and share a chuckle with others. I love adding puns and cloaking dark humor in bright colors.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Understanding the importance and value of good design is crucial, especially as we transition into a world of AI-generated photos, logos, and marketing. Art and creativity make products effective, memorable, and unique. To support a thriving creative ecosystem, we need to invest in youth creativity at a local level. I teach ceramics to 6-12-year-olds, and I’ve seen firsthand how kids thrive on creation and art. Creativity is integral to the human experience and our social and mental health. So, hire a graphic designer or photographer, buy from local artists, and invest in people. By doing so, we can ensure that art and creativity continue to enrich our lives and communities.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goals are always shifting, but my mission is to expand my small business and share my Bug-Eyed Co. crafting kits and good-natured art with more people. Currently, I run the business by myself, handling all design, curation, packaging, selling, social media, and marketing. I hope to hire someone soon! On a larger scale, I want to see my Bugbroidery and embroidery kits in fiber and crafting shops across the US. I aim to create products that bring joy to my life and share a love of the process, traditional needle crafts, and art with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bug-eyedco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellejolieart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=gabrielle%20jolie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyUc2ydfoSoboOeMCTIlkdA
• Other: https://kr.pinterest.com/gabriellejolieart/
  https://www.flowcode.com/page/gabriellejolieart

Image Credits

Shawn Stratmann