Episode 67: Encouragement When Starting is Difficult with Kristi Westberg of At The Dot Design
Kristi's artistic story unfolds from a graphic design undergraduate to a master's degree in rare book conservation, encompassing a lifelong love for creativity. From childhood days spent pleading for craft store visits to immersing in the delicate conservation of cultural treasures, Kristi's narrative is a rich tapestry of diverse passions. In 2019, a pivotal encounter with Bonnie Christine led Kristi to a year-long savings journey, culminating in a transformative immersion course in 2020. Mastering repeat patterns became a turning point, propelling Kristi into the realm of fabric design. Beyond patterns, her art shines through in a Skillshare class on printing with potatoes. Her story is a unique blend of graphic design roots, book conservation passion, and a flourishing venture into pattern design.
Slow and Steady with Starts
Kristi delves into the challenging yet crucial phase of starting a creative endeavor, whether it's launching a business, embarking on a project, or venturing into surface pattern design. She reflects on the universal struggle of overcoming the inertia of the initial step. Kristi emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, especially for those with an innate desire to constantly be in motion.
As she shares her personal journey into block printing, Kristi unveils the thought process behind choosing a specific medium and the need to streamline decisions when faced with a blank canvas. Steering away from the impractical goal of daily prints inspired by an Italian block printer's prolific output, she opted for a more manageable commitment—one block print a week, specifically on Sundays. Kristi encourages listeners to go easy on themselves, embracing the creative process rather than fixating solely on the end result. Through this conversation, she advocates for patience, slowness, and the joy inherent in the journey, challenging the notion that faster is always better and emphasizing the value of consistency and momentum built over time.
Progress from Imperfect Beginnings
Kristi explains her process of starting her first Skillshare class. During the process, she experienced the importance of initiating action even when perfection seems unattainable. She recognized the wisdom in producing an imperfect first video, realizing that progress often springs from imperfect beginnings.
Confidence Comes Through Taking Action
Kristi reveals her summer-long venture of pitching her artwork. Kristi champions the idea of realistic goal-setting and the flexibility to reevaluate and adjust objectives based on evolving circumstances.
The discussion delves into the heart of confidence-building, with Kristi emphasizing the transformative power of action. Her personal experience of sending out over a hundred pitch and follow-up emails over the summer underscores the importance of persistence, acknowledging that results may not come immediately. Kristi’s analogy of pitching being akin to buying lottery tickets, where consistency increases the chances of hitting a win.
Amidst the practical advice, Kristi shares a mantra she repeats to herself – "enjoy the journey" – a reminder to find joy and learning in every step, even when faced with challenges.
Kristi is an illustrator, surface designer, and educator who can be found snuggled up at home with her partner Catherine and their pup Orla. Many of her illustrations are inspired by her love of the southern California with its sparse deserts, lively beaches, towering mountains, and endless supply of blooming flowers and plants.
She draws on her full time career as a book conservator, where she spends a great deal of time immersed in history, art, and culture. Her work with rare books and library materials inspires many of her patterns. She loves creating new artwork and seeing it come alive on products.
Website: https://atthedotdesign.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atthedotdesign/
Waitlist for Pitch Like a Pro (pitching accountability course): https://at-the-dot-design.ck.page/5c59a4aa70
Skillshare Class: https://skl.sh/47Nvdh2
Key Takeaways:
When starting something its important to set realistic goals to avoid overwhelm, and remember it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing experience.
Choosing a specific medium can help to streamline your creative process in the beginning stages.
Remember to enjoy the journey and embrace the slow progress.
It doesn't have to be perfect from the start, we can remember to make imperfect initial drafts through the creative process.
You can gain confidence through taking action.
Be encouraged that you can reevaluate your goals and be flexible in adjusting your goals based on circumstances.
Community and accountability partners are crucial for progress no matter what stage of your journey you are at.
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