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