We were lucky to catch up with Kim Hallquist recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kim, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
I have learned many lessons from my past as a graphic designer, but one of the most significant life lessons for me was dealing with burnout in the design industry. I ended up working myself into a dark and uncreative hole, where I lost sight of a part of myself and my passion for creating.
Now, as I license my own art as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned to take breaks and incorporate nature into my weekly routine as it grounds me and fuels my creativity.
I believe that, whether you’re working in a corporate or entrepreneurial setting, it’s essential to establish routines and engage in activities that provide mental clarity. If, like me, you find routines challenging, don’t hesitate to experiment with different activities until you find what works best for you, or even have multiple approaches.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Kim is 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.
Her passion for the outdoors began at a young age, fishing with her Dad, camping, and hiking in Northern Minnesota. Now she shares these adventures with her husband and two kids.
Through these adventures, Kim found that nature offered her comfort and helped reduce anxiety, something she struggled with due to her reading 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!”
Kim hopes to bring the ease and power of nature to others through her designs.
Her pattern designs and illustrations are licensed to eco-conscious and nature-inspired brands in the home and outdoor goods market.
As a lifelong creative, Kim experiments with various mediums, just as there are all types of natural elements. She forages for inspiration in the woods and incorporates these forest finds into her artwork, whether by painting or digitizing leaves, feathers, pinecones, etc…
Through Kim’s art, she aims to inspire others to incorporate more nature into their lives, whether through outdoor activities, nature-inspired decor, or mindfulness practices. You can find her designs and goods on her site, Spoonflower page and Etsy shop.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My first pivot in my career occurred in college. I began with a fine art degree but ended up falling into the ‘starving artist’ trap. That’s when I explored graphic design as it appeared interesting and seemed like a good fit. As I built my graphic design career, I always felt as if something was missing, and when I experienced burnout, I knew I needed a change. So, within the last year, I’ve taken a giant pivot from being a in house graphic designer to becoming an entrepreneurial artist. It was terrifying, but with the encouragement of my husband and my passion for creating good in this world, I’m now living a fuller and happier life.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The most significant thing society can do for artists of all kinds is to support small businesses. I feel that as a society, we sometimes forget that these are people driven by their passions, investing so much time and effort. Whether you’re a big or small shop, you’re putting yourself out there and sharing your love. This should be celebrated.
If only more people discovered something that ignites their passion and dedicated their time and effort to it… It makes me wonder how much happier humanity could be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimhallquistdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhallquist_designs
- Other: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kim_hallquist_designs