Inspiration with love - Kristine Steiner, Fashion Illustrator
Kristine’s work sweeps me off my feet. Her whimsical creations are sprinkled with vibrant colors and make you feel like a kid again. I treasure Kristine’s charming sketches - she somehow turns an image of me wearing my favorite dress into art that I’ll treasure forever. I was thrilled when she agreed to collaborate together; the floral sketches that accompany my prints were all crafted by her skilled hand. Her work as a fashion illustrator is impressive and her long-standing high-end client list is proof! I’m so excited to sit down with Kristine and chat about all things with love.
What was your last act of self-care?
I finally scheduled an acupuncture appointment this past week! I went regularly prior to Covid, but this year has disrupted everything.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I was a visual merchandising manager prior to freelancing, so probably something along those lines.
What’s your fondest memory of growing up?
It’s hard to choose - my parents gave me a really great childhood. I always looked forward to the holidays and spending time with family. I’m really sad I won’t be able to travel and see them this year.
How important a role does creativity play in your life?
As an artist, it’s basically my entire life! Clients usually give me parameters for projects, but I’m always trying to think outside the box to really elevate the end result.
As an artisan, what lessons have you learned from our world changing almost overnight?
I learned how incredible people can be at pulling together during tough times. I’ve built really close relationships with my clients. The little notes, texts and calls that I’ve received from them checking in on me during lockdown was really touching. A huge part of my business involves events, which became non-existent after March. I was so grateful when several event clients pivoted to commissioned pieces!
When did you start your fashion illustration business?
2015
What were some of the growing pains?
Pricing! That was one of the hardest things to figure out and one of the most frequently asked questions I get from aspiring freelancers. Maintaining a decent work/life balance was and still is challenging!
What has been your most memorable sale?
When I first started out as a freelancer, I received an email from Fendi’s corporate office in Italy to collaborate on some illustrations for a social media project. I thought I was being duped and scoured LinkedIn to verify my contact actually worked for the brand. It was real!
What difficulties, if any, have you encountered as a female artisan?
I can’t say I’ve felt that being a female has inhibited my work as an artist in any way. If anything, it’s been empowering and I find that female entrepreneurs often gravitate toward each other and lift each other up.
How important is it for you to support other female creative entrepreneurs?
Supporting other female creative entrepreneurs is extremely important to me. I’ve met many incredibly inspiring female entrepreneurs (like you!), formed friendships and built a wonderful creative community. There’s always a huge level of excitement when you discover you’re talking with another female entrepreneur! Even if you’re in different industries, there’s a mutual understanding of the time, effort and sacrifices you’ve made to follow a dream.
with love,