Designer interview: Kristina Kraemer

Today’s interview is with Kristina Kraemer from Fargo, North Dakota, who specializes in art and repeat patterns for the home décor, stationery, gift and textile industries.

When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?

I can’t really pin point when I first became interested in design because for as long as I can remember I’ve always been a visual person intrigued with crafting, sewing, drawing, painting and designing. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s always been an instinctual part of my life.

What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?

I went to college for apparel and textile design and spent my first few years out of college learning about the industry “hands on” with two different apparel manufacturers. It had not occurred to me until then that surface design could be a full time career! I decided to start working on my portfolio and also setting goals to pursue freelance surface pattern design. I saved up one year’s worth of expenses, filed for a business license, researched potential clients and launched a website among many other things in preparation for going solo.

How would you describe your style?

I especially enjoy designing vector art in Adobe Illustrator which lends a bold and graphic look to my designs. I also like to feature bright and modern color palettes.

What kind of designer do you want to be known as?

I would like to be recognized as a lifestyle brand – creating coordinating collections for the home, party, gift, stationery and textile industries.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on designing a calendar, as well as cards and journals to be licensed with stationery manufacturers.

What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?
It takes a lot of time to generate enough work but don’t let that intimidate you. Set a goal such as one design per day or one collection per week and stick with it. Not everything that you create will make it into your portfolio but before you know it, you’ll have a body of work that you can start using to promote your design business.

What would be your dream design gig?

I would be ecstatic to be able to design a fabric collection for the quilting market!

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?

I plan on walking Surtex in 2014 in preparation for exhibiting at Surtex in 2015. In addition to signing more licensing deals, I would also like to focus my attention on manufacturing my own line of home décor and stationery products for sale on my website and Etsy shop.

If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?

I would be a floral pattern because it’s versatile and ever evolving.

Kristina Kraemer is a commercial artist and surface pattern designer based out of Fargo, North Dakota (USA). She specializes in art and repeat patterns for the home décor, stationery, gift and textile industries.
Kristina has an eclectic style. Her style ranges from polished and chic, to casual and charming. She is inspired by nature, animals, travel, art deco jewelry, whimsical illustrations and rustic architecture.