Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Hallquist.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi there! I’m Kim Hallquist, a graphic designer. Like most designers, I have been creating since I was young but for me, it was a form of communication after having been diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of 6. Writing and reading never came easy for me (and still don’t).
Instead of writing words, I would draw whatever I needed to communicate. In an attempt to practice, my mom would have me write our grocery list. Instead, I would draw the cereal, chips, and pop logos. This resourcefulness has carried over into my creative ability today.
Throughout school, art turned into a form of therapy as my disability grew harder and harder to deal with, from getting bullied to failing classes and having negative self-talk. Art was always there for me; it never made me feel behind or different.
Art gave me hope for a future. I went on to graduate college even though some told me I wouldn’t be able to, including the dean of the art program. It was a very proud moment for me and my supportive parents, especially when the dean came to me on graduation day to apologize for their assumption that college wasn’t right for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After graduation, my career kicked off in the print industry. Since then, my corporate designs have been featured on billboards, major national mailers, as well as the Twin Cities Metro light rail train serving Minneapolis and St. Paul. I led a design team at one time but never felt comfortable enough to open up about my disability for fear of being labeled. In my first job out of school, I shared my disability with a coworker.
We were on a project that did not end well. My disability was used as the reason for the project’s failure, and although my role in the project had nothing to do with its downfall – I was the scapegoat. As you can imagine, this steered me away from opening up about my disability in a corporate setting. I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had. However, as many designers know, burnout is real – especially when trying to hide my disability on a daily basis in the competitive corporate world.
Within the last year, I have taken time to focus on my family and my future as a designer. I hope to show my two children that everyone has differences and not to hide them or fear them, but to embrace them. Stand up for yourself when others judge and show others kindness as you never know what someone is going through. Don’t be afraid to take a risk, especially if it means finding your happiness. I have picked up creating art for my mental health again. I also LOVE designing without a creative brief, and with this, I’m embarking on a new journey of becoming a surface designer and entrepreneur. I’m hopeful to get my designs licensed and while I know that I will make mistakes along the way spell things wrong, but heading into a new journey of creating and sharing my true story!
Through my art, I hope to spark conversations and encourage others to see the world in a more colorful, unexpected, and positive way. Life is beautiful, complex, and at times downright hard. I’m honored to be able to capture and share my life experience through my designs. To anyone holding back due to your personal challenges or fears, particularly in the creative world, open up and be honest with yourself – don’t hold back!
Follow along as I create a new beginning!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a designer, my goal is to capture the essence of life and share it with others in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. By infusing my work with vibrant colors and unexpected details, I hope to inspire others to see the world in a new way. You will see a lot of flat vector art from me. I love the bold contrast it creates in a design.
My work is a reflection of my own experiences and observations. I pull inspiration from nature and everyday items. I hope that it resonates with others on a personal level. I have also started a daily art practice, this has helped me to express my feelings and thoughts I have been holding onto from my past. It has also helped me find my true art style.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
AI, AI, and AI I think we know the big shift is coming in the next 5-10 years.
I’m looking at it as a tool to help me with writing assistance, editing, and proofreading services! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes with this. I’m also hopeful for more designs to be featured on more sustainable products! We all have to do our part!
Contact Info:
- Website: kimhallquistdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhallquist_designs
- Other: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kim_hallquist_designs?sub_action=shop
