Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Fair.
Hi Kristin, 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?
In the fall of 2019, I decided to take a leap of faith – I quit my corporate job and gave myself 6 months off to figure out what I wanted to do in life. That got significantly stretched out because of the pandemic, but eventually led me to a 6 week virtual class in screen printing from the MN Center for Book Arts (MCBA). The instructors were incredible, I could do it at home, and ultimately I was hooked!
I have always enjoyed being creative, but struggled to find the right medium. Screen printing was the perfect fit – it’s fairly immediate, lets me layer things and play with color, and the best part is I can print on anything from paper to fabric to… whatever!
I kept working at it for fun until my boyfriend asked if I would ever consider doing this as more than just a hobby. I hadn’t thought of it until then, but that was the moment! It all kind of made sense… everything I had been looking for… and Skyliner Studio was born!!!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge is dealing with the “everything other than making art” that goes into running a small business. Figuring out which platform(s) to sell on, marketing on social media, setting up a website, keeping materials and tools in stock, shipping out orders… there is something every single day. As a “1-woman-show” I have to make time to do it all, in addition to the reason I started – which is to make art.
While that sounds like a lot, it is really satisfying every time I package something I created and am sending an order to an actual person! It makes this all worth it!
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?
So the simple answer would be “I’m a screen printer.” Everything that comes from Skyliner Studio is handprinted by me, in my home studio. I love that incredibly personal connection between the product I make and anyone that orders from me!
The more complex answer is probably built into the brand motto – “Empower. Uplift. Smile.” I am a big believer in the power of art, so with everything that I create, I want to hit at least one of those key points. It could be as simple as a fun print that makes someone smile when they look at it. It could be more complex, something like an empowering message that is there when someone needs it the most. So all of the designs are made with that motto in mind!
My creative style is very loose, fun and playful. While I am always impressed by really detailed or realistic art, the images that have left a lasting impact on me are usually simple… a line sketch or a few perfectly placed patches of color… and that greatly influences how I design! Art comes in all forms, and if I can make someone smile with a character sketch of an animal, then I succeeded!
And as far as subject matter and inspiration? Well, I love animals, but I am also IN love with the city of Minneapolis. I am so proud of our local artists, musicians, etc. Now I am fortunate enough to be a part of that! So I draw from that a lot – heck, it’s even in my logo!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up in Northern Minnesota, but some of my favorite memories are coming down to “the cities” to visit my cousins and grandparents. It was always exciting – I remember my grandpa letting us build forts under the kitchen table to sleep in, showing us the latest additions to his train room (literally, a room full of working model trains), and then in the morning making us pancakes in any shapes we requested. Lots of Mickey Mouse and other animals. Who knows? Maybe remembering how happy getting a handmade animal pancake from my grandpa plays into how much satisfaction I get by creating something for someone else now!!!
Pricing:
- Flour Sack Towels – $18.00
- T-Shirts – $32.00
- Prints – $25.00 – $35.00
- Coasters (4 pack) – $16.00
- Canvas Tote Bags – $34.00 – $38.00
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Skylinerstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylinerstudio/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skylinerstudio
Image Credits
Ben Etten
