Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Jansen.
Hi Kristen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
To give a larger outlet to my creative side, while staying home with our two small children, I began sewing and selling baby items on Etsy in 2011. In this time of gratefully shipping off thousands of packages, I fell deeply in love with fabric. So much so, that I began an online fabric shop, Juniper Blue Textiles. This allowed me to handle and cut all the lovely prints and send them off to their new homes, without the need for my sewing machine. It was incredibly fun for me.
During this time, I dreamed of having my own artwork on fabric, but was unsure how to go about it. And now, with four little ones in our family, I didn’t think I could give up the reliable income my fabric shop was providing us.
When Covid came on the scene and stores closed their doors, my studio’s large textile inventory completely sold out. I was handed an opportunity to reorder and continue on a safe path I enjoyed, or pivot and chase my dreams. With much thought, many late-night conversations, loads of encouragement and anxious nerves, I took the leap to become a surface pattern designer. And here I am- designing my very own fabric patterns, art prints, wallpaper and stationery!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been surprised at how much joy designing brings me! However, I quickly learned it is a challenge for me to promote my work. Social Media does not excite me and I am not a natural salesperson, so getting my products and designs in front of an audience is stretching me in new ways. Selling at several art shows and markets has allowed me to meet other amazing designers/makers and that has been a gift along the way. It’s a great community to be a part of, as I continue to figure this all out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My artwork is heavily influenced by my Scandinavian heritage, giving my designs a modern Scandi-Folk vibe. I would say my work is simple, clean, peaceful and cheery.
The two main products I spend my time on are art prints and fabric patterns. Often I will be working on a print and be inspired for a new pattern, or vice versa. I love that I do not have to choose between the two, but can put my heart and creative ideas into both.
When people pick up my items, I often hear they are transported back to a memory. That there is a feeling of nostalgia that rises, even though my designs are fresh and modern. I would say that’s how I feel as I create as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JuniperBlueDesigns.com
- Instagram: @JuniperBlueDesigns
- Other: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kristenjansen
