Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Koehler.
Hi Dana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a graphic artist and illustrator based in Minneapolis, MN. My sweet spot is in the children’s publishing market.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Although always a creative, I was not always a graphic artist by trade. I came to this career by way of teaching, having spent the first decade of my working life as a 5th grade public school teacher as my day job. To this day, I still adore creating works for children.
Learning to trust my gut and to believe in my own worth as an artist was the toughest lesson initially, after making the leap to pursue a career in art and design. And if I’m honest, was something I battled with for the first few years. Self-doubt still plays a role every now and then! I consider myself very fortunate to be part of an industry that values self-invention and self-critique.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work centers on the lives and well-being of children and families. I believe in art objects as transformative objects, and have been pivoting toward (bright, sunny + modern) educational kids’ books of late. I love to make novelty items like games, art prints, and puzzles, too.
How do you define success?
Success for me is a project that lives meaningfully out in the world. And with that of course, a happy client!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://danakristinedesign.com/
- Instagram: @danakristeen
