Jackie, owner of Kabouter Creative

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  
I am from Saint Paul, MN and have always lived in the Twin Cities. When I first started this business it took me a while to find my footing and to find what would make me stand out in the crowd. The key to my success ended up being Minnesota themed patches, I started with 6 and the collection has just grown and grown from there. I love where I'm from and believe that it shows in my work.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
For the Minnesota patches specifically I'm always starting with a landmark or famously "Minnesotan" thing and then playing with it to add another layer to the design whether that be a pop culture reference or some of our more well know phrases like "You Betcha" or "Uff Da"

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
I often joke that I am too creative for my own good. Whether that is just being really ambitious with the scale or complexity of a project or just having endless ideas and only a tiny amount of time and two hands to make them happen.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

This is a tough one!!! For the Minnesota designs, I'd have to say Hot (dish) To Go is my favorite. I had been wanting to do a hot dish for a while and when Chappell Roan's Hot to Go hit, so did the inspiration for the patch! The design is just so fun and came out even better than I imagined, tater tot-esque font and all.

Love that, very clever! What do you love most about living in Minnesota?

I just love the energy here, we are home to so many amazing artists and the kindest people. I cannot think of another place I'd ever want to live. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
Once upon a time, I went to culinary school- it was an amazing experience but not the right career path for me in the end.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
I would love to be doing Kabouter Creative full time, but more than anything I just hope that I'm still creating things and making things I love.

Tell us, you have the day off, what do you do? 
Probably start an overly ambitious project or cruise some thrift stores in search of trinkets and treasures.

Find Kabouter Creative at the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival on August 9th & 10th.

Website: https://www.kaboutercreative.com

Instagram: @kaboutercreative

Lula Flores

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I was born and raised in Chile and have been living in LA for most of my adult life. The myriad of cultures I’ve been exposed to and experienced have greatly influenced my artistic style and work.

What inspires you to create?
I draw upon my own life experiences for inspiration. Art has its own language and I express myself best through this medium. Whether I’m feeling sadness or anger, happiness or gratitude, or anything in between, my works depict a genuine and honest reflection of my inner self.

How do you define success as an artist?
The greatest sense of accomplishment I get is when I sign my name on the bottom of a newly finished creation. This means that I have succeeded in taking a mere idea in my head, taken it through all the trials and tribulations in physical form, and finally blessed it with the stamp of approval that signifies that this specific artistic journey has come to a glorious end. 

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
For me it’s finding true inspiration from my heart and soul. People might think artists and creatives in any field have a constant blooming field of ideas to pluck from, but that’s far from the truth. I don’t like to create out of necessity, but rather from a place of sincerity.

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why? I'm very proud of this new "Journal Series" I've created.

Not only does this journal make my art more accessible to the masses, but people can easily carry and interact with it on a daily basis and make it their own.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I love to listen to great music and dance around while I paint! I usually work on several different pieces at once and find myself dancing from one to the next... usually when no one else is around! Lol! 

Love that! Find Lula Flores at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.lulaflores.com

Instagram: @lulafloresart

Family Business! Founders (Tiffany, her mom and sister)

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I am originally from Shenzhen, China, and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13 years old. My cultural background plays a big role in my designs, as I love incorporating elements of my Chinese heritage into our products. For the past three years, we’ve created a Lunar New Year collection, as well as an Asian food and fruit collection, both of which are inspired by my childhood memories, traditional symbols, and the vibrant colors of Chinese culture. Blending these influences allows me to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, celebrating the joy and playfulness of my heritage.

That is very cool and unique to you. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest artistic influence is Hayao Miyazaki. I grew up watching his films and have always been deeply inspired by his whimsical art style, rich storytelling, and the sense of wonder he creates in his worlds. I strive to bring that same sense of playfulness and magic into my own designs

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is the design and prototyping phase. I usually start by sketching out ideas before turning them into digital illustrations, but I also have to consider how they will translate into physical product. This includes choosing the right colors, figuring out the best way to cut the acrylic, and ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. Each collection goes through multiple rounds of prototyping to perfect the colors, shapes, and overall look. Once this phase is complete, the rest of the process flows much more smoothly.

There is a lot of behind the scenes involved. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
My favorite item we’ve created is definitely our animal portrait magnets and brooches. I’ve always loved the charm of vintage cottage-style gallery walls and wanted to bring that idea to life with my own designs. That’s how the Sunnie Farm collection was born—I imagined a whimsical farm where these animals live, each with their own unique personality. I designed their portraits as if they were meant to be hung in a cozy farmhouse, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to our collection.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena has such a unique charm—its diverse community and rich artistic culture make it an inspiring place to be. The city is home to incredible art spaces like the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library, and it hosts amazing yearly art events that bring creatives together. It’s a wonderful place for artists to share their work and for people to find inspiration.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
In university, all my art classes were from 7-10 PM, so I naturally became a night owl when it comes to creating. Even now, I do my best design work late at night—it’s when I feel the most inspired and focused.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I hope to still be growing Sunnie Creative, expanding the business in a way that allows me to reach more people while also giving me more time for myself and my family. 

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?  
My biggest piece of advice for someone just starting out is to strongly consider doing in-person events. They're an amazing way to test your products in real life, get immediate feedback, and really start building your brand's presence.

Love that. Anything special you’d like to share? 
We release a new collection every 1-2 months, and we’re always excited to share more fun, creative art with you! Stay tuned for fresh designs!

Find Sunnie Creative at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: https://sunniecreative.com/

Instagram: @sunnie.creative

Armelle

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I was born and raised in France and after years in Germany, Switzerland and Ireland, I settled in Southern California. I speak three languages and worked as a translator and interpreter before crossing the pond to become a full time artist and muralist. 

Wow that is very impressive! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? Giacometti and Brancusi's female bodies, Akseli Gallen-Kallela's snowy landscapes and absolutely everything by Vincent Van Gogh. I have the deepest connection to him.

What is the hardest part of your creation process? Remember that it always gets worse before it gets better.

That can be so true! What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
I am quite happy with the "SoCal Spirit" that I created at the start of my painting journey because I was able to pinpoint that effortless Southern California vibe that I felt when I moved here, with what was going to become my signature style.

SoCal Spirit

What do you love most about Pasadena?
The old town and the Huntington Gardens because they remind me of Europe.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I am a creative cook and hate to follow a recipe! 

That takes talent! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Visiting all the National Parks and painting everything I see.

Very fun. You have the day off, what do you do?
I sweat in a hot yoga class.

Find Armelle’s Atelier at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.armellesatelier.com

Instagram: @armellesatelier

Do you have a story behind your company name?

I started my business in 2018 originally creating one of a kind merchandise for my husband, Chuck Negron, former lead singer for the band Three Dog Night, and expanded into merch for other 60’s bands.

So I called my brand Ami’s Rock N (Roll) Pop (Culture) Shop.

Very cool! How did you get started?

When the pandemic hit in 2020, my husband could no longer go out on concert tour due to his lung disease. I was his manager so that put us both out of work.

I took a virtual workshop from Martina the owner of My Creative Outlet in Chatsworth. She taught me how to make vintage style cone dolls using spun cotton heads, felt and cardboard cones. I had so much fun designing the dolls that I began looking for things I had around the house to make more. I put them in my Rock N Pop Shop on Etsy and my husband’s fans bought them up. 

Since I was looking for a way to replace our lost income, I needed to expand beyond my current market and I had the idea to upcycle lost and forgotten vintage doll heads in order to appeal to the vintage collectors on Instagram. My business blew up on Instagram live sales, and from there I moved into Youtube and eventually Whatnot. And this year I am finally able to come out into the real world to do in person markets.

Congratulations that is awesome! What is your favorite part of your maker process? 

My favorite part of the maker process is pairing bright colors and accessories to give each doll a unique personality.

What inspires you to create?

Bringing joy to others with my creations.

Tell us what a typical day is like for you in the studio? 

A typical day in the studio first involves me opening packages of new supplies, doll heads that I have curated, new fabrics for the cone bodies. Then I might prepare to make some of my original doll face designs on spun cotton by applying a base coat of paint. Then cover cones with fabric while those are drying. I do everything in batches so I have various stages of dolls in production all at once. I usually have a couple of my cats hanging out with me in my studio, and one that is always trying to steal my supplies.

Funny! What is your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have created thousands of art dolls in the last four years,  so it’s impossible to choose just one.

I have included pics of my original handpainted grinch, snow person and holiday bat.

What do you love most about Burbank?

What I love most about Burbank is the community of creative people. I also love the retro vibe. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I will be bringing my one of a kind holiday art dolls and ornaments. I specialize in Christmas and Halloween year round.

I hope to have some of my Kitschmas Hats and also plan to bring my popular Build a Doll Workshop to the festival where guests can choose their doll head, cone material and accessory and I create it live in person.

Find Ami’s Rock N Pop Shop at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: https://rocknpopshop.company.site/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockNPopShop

Instagram: @amisrocknpopshop

Tell us who you are and how you got your start?

I'm an illustrator in LA working in animation- I've probably designed that animated show you love! My favorite professional projects are Bobs Burgers and Over the Garden Wall. I wanted to branch out and start making my own brand of illustrated items and I'm loving the creative satisfaction.

I had been working designing characters and products for major companies (Disney, Cartoon Network, toy brands, Paul Frank) and I thought: I want to make my own merch! It was really empowering and creatively satisfying to make items inspired by all my favorite things. The best part is connecting with other people who want to geek out about the same stuff!

Very cool. What is your favorite part of your maker process?

I love taking a sketchbook doodle of something I think would make a fun pin design and turning it into production art and then having the physical item in hand within weeks. It's so fun to make wearable items: I think pins and patches are the funny T-shirts of today: a way to show your personality on your sleeve (or jacket, or hat, or backpack!)

What inspires you to create?

I make items that are inspired by all the things I love and think are fun: pop culture, music, scary movies, silly movies, animals, California and junk food! My art is bright, colorful and happy: I hope it makes you smile!

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

My full time job is art directing for a primetime animated TV series, so I make my personal art after work and on the weekends. It keeps me staying creative by constantly making stuff. The holiday season is definitely my busiest time of year as my pins and patches make great gifts!

Great stocking stuffers! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have two new tote bag designs debuting at Jackalope this year- I worked with a new production partner to make these and they are so much fun! I have one with a California Love theme and one with spooky Over the Garden Wall art. You can always use a nice tote bag at a craft fair to carry all your other purchases.

Very True! What do you love most about Burbank?

I worked at Cartoon Network for many years and I dig the vibe in downtown Burbank! There's always something fun going on and a big creative community to support it. Can't wait to see you!

What all will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I have a large collection of pins and patches as well as art prints, stationary, tote bags and greeting cards. Its fun! It's bright! It's happy! It's a whole vibe!

Anything special you’d like to share?

I love being a part of the Jackalope Fair! I've done other craft fairs and I think Jackalope really shines with the assortment of vendors and the organization of the show. I'm excited to see everyone out on San Fernando Road this December.

Find Miranda Dressler Illustration at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: www.mirandadressler.com

Instagram: @mirandaright

Matty Miller

How did you get start?

Creativity has always been a part of my life. Growing up in a creative household, I was surrounded by artists, makers, and opportunities to express myself. My artistic business has evolved over the years, but the core themes of beauty, making, and teaching have remained constant. I believe that art is essential for enriching our lives and connecting on a deeper level.

That is so true. What inspires you to create?

 I'm inspired by the natural world and ecology... I love being in quiet, remote spaces in nature where I can look and listen with presence, and daydream. I also love to research! I love learning about native plants, regional mythology, folklore, culture, you name it...

What is a typical studio day like for you?

It's hard to say what a typical day in the studio is. I wear a lot of hats for my job so it could be anything from painting new work, sending off commission sketches, teaching private lessons, or packing orders. An ideal day in the studio starts slow with some journaling and a cup of coffee, and ends with standing back and taking in the view on a painting's progress.

What is your favorite part of being an artist?

I love finding a flow state as I paint, the feeling of being completely absorbed in the moment. I can access an ethereal and meditative state of mind, and there's a magical quality to the process of transforming ideas into tangible works of art.
I also love the personal connections I make with my clients when creating custom pieces. It's incredibly rewarding to bring their vision to life and create art that resonates with them and their values.

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

My favorite works are my original paintings. Original art has a special essence to it that's transferred through the love and hours spent creating it by the artist. 
At the moment my favorite piece is called Meadow Sentinel. It captures the serene beauty of a meadow, with a graceful deer adorned with flowers and quilting patterns. It's a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature and finding moments of peace in our busy livesI

Meadow Sentinel

What do you like most about Arvada?

Arvada is such a great blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. The community is super friendly and supportive of the arts. Also, Yak and Yeti is one of my favorite restaurants!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, you'll find a selection of my original works, art prints, and a brand-new line of silk scarves. They make amazing gifts and I can't wait to share them.

Find Matty Miller Studio at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024

www.mattymiller.com

Facebook

Instagram: @mattymillerstudio

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

Nathan Eigenfeld of EigenVisison

I currently live in Colorado, but am a avid road warrior. It’s a part of my process, I am on the road 5 months out of the year. Living in the mountains helps me connect with nature and feeds my process. One of my favorite artists is Mark Rothko, known for his outstanding color block images. I’ve tried to channel his style into my photography. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Success for me is making people feel- anything, it doesn’t matter - awe, inspiration, emptiness, loneliness, despair, hope, love - whatever. Color seems to simplify feelings.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The hardest part for my creation process is the alone time. Many of these images have been created on multi-day backcountry wilderness treks while alone. That’s where I can let myself create the best and let my intuition guide me. Despite it giving me a sense of freedom, overcoming physical challenges alone in the wilderness can be daunting, and yet, it is ultimately rewarding as well.

How has your style changed over time?

My style is always evolving, but I have certainly settled into a minimalist style, emphasizing empty space. It has been fulfilling to have people identify with this.

What’s your favorite image that you’ve created, and why?

One of my favorite images I’ve created is my silhouetted image of Joshua Trees. It was at a time when I was unsure of my process and was struggling to “Be Myself” - which I’ve named the image. I shot it during a brilliant pink sunrise just off the road in Joshua Tree National Park in December of 2021. I absolutely love how the silhouette emphasizes the quirkiness of the trees, all different and disjointed in their own ways - they have no issues being themselves.

And finally, what do you love most about Pasadena?

Having attended Pasadena fair last spring, I fell in love with the energy of the downtown - a destination for such a diversity of people. Californians love their art and are not afraid to buy things on the street! Selling photos of pure wilderness in a city setting is rewarding and can even feel like a sort of ministry to me, reminding people of what’s ‘out there’ beyond the concrete and hustle and bustle. I am looking forward to this Fall’s market!

Catch EigenVision at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Website: www.nathaneigenfeld.com

Instagram: @eigenvision

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I’m originally from Seattle, Wa but I relocated to Los Angeles 16 years ago. I still spend about 2 months out of the year there and consider it to be my other home. I grew up mushroom hunting, making forts in the woods and looking for gnomes in logs so I would say that I am quintessential “cottage core” through and through and it shows in my work.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

You wouldn’t know it from the pieces I make for people’s homes but I love Jean Dubuffet, Cy Twombly, Phillip Guston, Ellsworth Kelly, I could go on and on. Currently my favorite living artist is Carole d’Inverno. With tufting what most influences me is the yarn itself, and whatever music I happen to be listening to at the time.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success to me is getting up everyday and creating something. Love it, hate it, don’t care, but you made it. It’s daily engagement, endless curiosity, constant seeking and ongoing dialog with your artistic self.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?  

Tufting is my second act as an artist. I’ve been a musician my entire life and that has always been where my focus as an artist has been. I’ve always enjoyed painting as a hobby but up until now that was my extent as a visual artist. The month before the pandemic began and we all started staying home I had released a solo record. But suddenly I couldn’t play shows, couldn’t promote it, etc. After that record I was feeling fairly burned out as a musician as it was, but with the isolation of the pandemic I just stopped writing. I stopped hearing melodies. I became disillusioned with being a musician. At that time I had been doing some punch needle for fun and I really loved it. Then I saw a tufting video. I was immediately mesmerized and knew I had to try it out.

From the first moment I picked up a gun I knew I had found my thing. I never thought there would be anything that I would engage with and love as much as music but tufting completely consumed me immediately. The truly wonderful thing that has happened through exclusively tufting and pouring all my energy into that, is that my music has started to come back to me. I’m hearing melodies and little lines of music again. And most importantly, I am wanting to play again. Having taken all the pressure off and engaging daily with something I love so much is bringing me back to my first love, music.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I work every single day. I am constantly trying new ideas and I am failing as well as succeeding on a regular basis. In tufting you are kind of on your own. As time goes on there is more and more information available to tufters but when I started it was incredibley hard to find help. This is why I have opened up a tufting school in L.A.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

That I am just one person. I wish I could clone myself! What people see of tufting are usually sped up videos of tufting and snippets of trimming but each piece really takes a long time to finish. The act of tufting is about a quarter of the entire process. The glueing, backing and trimming take the majority of the time and even a small piece like a mug rug can take me hours to do.

How has your style changed over time?

I started with just doing very cute pieces like kawaii style fruits and flowers. At the same time I was making a lot of paper cut out style pieces for a more “sophisticated” design appeal. So it was kind of 2 sides of my personality being represented from the start. As I’ve developed I am still working with both sides but on a much deeper level. If I make a cute mushroom or fruit rug, now a ton of shading is involved and I’m pushing to have more and more of a 3D effect in every piece. For my more “sophisticated” work I am playing with textures like crazy. On average I use 3 different kinds of tufting guns on each piece so that I can play with depth. I’ve started doing some monotone pieces so that the texture is the main focus. It’s really exciting to see where I’m at now compared to where I was when I started. I can’t wait to see what I’m doing a year from how.

What’s the best thing about being involved in the arts?

For me it’s the act of improvisation and the mystery of what will result from being in the moment. Whether it’s tufting designs without any planning or creating music on the spot, I love the thrill of just going for it and tapping in to exploring who I am as an artist at that exact moment.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I love my carpet bomb clock a lot. It makes me smile whenever I see it. Doing that piece really leveled me up when it came to shading and creating a 3D effect. Plus I love that it’s mixed media with the wires sticking out and the clock’s lights.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

I have recently opened a tufting school with classes from beginner to advanced levels so that people can learn the art of tufting easily and with support.

Catch Tuft House LA at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival this June 3rd & 4th

Web: www.tufthousela.com

Instagram: @tufthousela

Tell us a little more about Novel. What is your mission?

At NOVEL School of Art, our mission is to give disabled artists the tools they need to build thriving careers in illustration that are exciting, dignified, & tailored to suit their lifestyle needs. 

When and how did you get started?

I started this business during the COVID-19 pandemic to gain a sense of control in uncontrollable circumstances. As the world became more unstable and more isolated, I wondered how artists with disabilities would navigate this “new normal”. How would the pandemic affect their futures? How could I help disabled artists thrive in a post-pandemic job market?

I began teaching 4 talented artists in the comfort of their homes, & realized that I could help them start their careers without needing to wait for the world to return to normal. I turned my client’s work into toys, party supplies, & sticker packs, watching as their confidence grew! For the first time, they saw themselves as professional artists.

Who / what are your biggest artistic influences?

I’m inspired by dreamers with a passion for lifelong learning! My biggest influences are renowned art agent Lilla Rogers, author Elizabeth Gilbert, & my childhood favorite- Tomie de Paola. 

How do you define success as an artist?

I feel like you’ve found success as an artist when the menial, difficult parts of your work are worth pushing through, because you know that what you’re doing is in line with who you are and how you’d like to see the world.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

My art helps me keep a sense of wonder. It’s a form of self care when the world feels dark, and reminds me that we are capable of making magic.

How has your career and art developed?

I was fortunate enough to receive a full tuition scholarship at Art Center College of Design, where I majored in Illustration. In my senior year, I interned at the Tierra del Sol Foundation as an Art Instructor for disabled adults. That experience set me on a long, LONG journey to where I am today.

What is typical work day like for you?

A typical day can include up to 3 classes with individual artists in their own homes. I usually arrive with a trend board related to the seasons, and we'll brainstorm product ideas together. "What would you like to create next?" It's a very collaborative process, and the client always has the ultimate say in what they'd like to create. Our goal is to help each artist develop a body of work & a brand that can be included in the broader mainstream markets so that the world doesn't restrict them to the title of "outsider art". They are fantastic, capable artists deserving of professional opportunities. We're very excited to work with Jackalope again!

That’s so cool - honored to have you join us! Do you have a favorite item that you sell?

Our hand painted wooden gifts are a crowd favorite! Every artist in the program has come such a long way with their fine motor skills and attention to detail, and their imaginations really shine when they create something like a set of nesting dolls, a wish box, or a wooden book purse. Some of my artists struggle with visual impairment, but with some accommodations like a magnification light, they've made huge strides in craftsmanship! I can't wait for everyone to see what we've made together.

So excited to see what you all have been working on in person! What is the hardest part of the creation process?

I overthink a lot, and can sometimes shame myself into making work that isn’t who I am in an attempt to appear more “professional” and worthy of financial investment. It’s funny though, because any time I do that, the piece winds up failing completely. When I trust that I am enough, as my authentic self, that’s when my pieces succeed and resonate with people.

What’s the best thing about being involved in the arts?

The best thing about being involved in the arts is helping people manifest dreams that they thought were impossible. Artists can get lost in the illustrious details of their own vision, forgetting that there are big, boring, painstakingly practical steps they need to take to make big things happen. I love being there to support people through the emotional gravity of those steps, since those are the moments when you’re likely to talk down to yourself and question your dream. Keep going. Your dream can be real!

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena feels like a peaceful moment paused in time, away from the hustle & bustle of LA. I love that I can get to all my basic needs within a 5 minute drive, and I’ll probably never leave this place.

So well said. Anything special you’d like to share? 

As artists, dreamers, and lifelong learners, we are in the business of hope. Keep working towards what ignites your inner spark.

Catch NOVEL School of Art at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Web: www.novelsoa.com

Instagram: @novelsoa