Artist Interview: Kim Koehler of Kimko Design

I am so excited to share a new feature I’m starting this month called Artist Interviews. Each month I’ll be asking one artist five questions and sharing their answers right here. I hope it introduces you to new artists or helps you get to know your favorites a little bit more. 

I had the pleasure of meeting my first interviewee in real life recently (!) and all I can say is that she is an incredibly lovely person. I can’t wait for you to get to know her a little better too.  

Follow Kim on Instagram: @Kim_Ko_Design

Tell us about your art practice (if you have one) and the type of designs you create. 

I create art inspired by nature. Almost every day I wake up, drink coffee and go for a long walk through my beautiful Southern California neighborhood. Something is always blooming. I snap photos and collect fallen foliage to dry for later. It is the well I pull from when I open the sketchbook and begin to draw. I do all my final art in Procreate. I find it a good challenge to create art that looks handmade by traditional means. I experiment a lot with texture and color. Color is everything.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there specific sources, techniques, or experiences that influence your creative process?

I love to travel all over the world. But I don’t get to do that often. Locally, I like to explore the botanical gardens, vintage flea markets, culturally rich neighborhoods, and thrift shops. In the summer I love to go to the beach and camping in the National Parks.

Can you share a memorable project or collaboration you’ve worked on? How did it impact your artistic growth or challenge you creatively?

I have worked as a professional designer for over 20 years. Creating art for other people. When I discovered surface design, I knew I had to pursue it. But what was my style? What was my art? I did a 100 project. Every day I would go outside and find something to draw. I used a small 3 x 5 sketchbook. I had to try different styles and mediums. By the time I got to the end of 100 days, I had generated a lot of work. I wrote down all the elements that appealed to me and why. And that is where I began to pinpoint what I loved and why.  I found the seeds of my style. 

What advice would you give to emerging artists or surface pattern designers looking to establish themselves in the industry?

It is a very welcoming community. Join one of the many monthly art groups available. Get on Instagram and follow the people you love. Comment. Make friends. Show up. There are so many opportunities. Free zooms. Free workshops. Instagram challenges. Get involved. But most of all, practice daily. Make the art you love. Don’t compare yourself. It takes time to find your artistic voice, practice it,  and hone it. There is no way around that. Enjoy the process. Take your time.

How do you engage with the artist or surface pattern design community? Are there any resources, events, or platforms you find particularly helpful for networking and staying connected with peers?

I have participated in a few online artist community memberships like The Creative Powerhouse Society, Flourish, and The Tillage Village. Again, the more you participate, the more you get out of it. I am also a big fan of joining Instagram challenges put on by other artists and creative directors. Some of my best work has been created in them. As well, you find your people and they find you. 

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OTHER ARTIST INTERVIEWS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

• Hannah Schneider of Little Oak Design Co.
• Roochita Chachra of Designs by Roochita
• Rosana Aziernicki of Antenna Studio