Kristen Peers is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Texas. Her deceptively simple yet emotionally complex illustrations are a magical mixture of writing, humor and the weird things that make us human.
WHAT DID YOU GET IN TROUBLE FOR AS A KID? ANYTHING ADULTS TOLD YOU TO AVOID THAT’S ACTUALLY A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE NOW?
As a child I was scolded for crying a lot and now I make money drawing about crying. IN YOUR FACE, ADULTS!
HAVE ANY SPECIAL TRICKS OR INSIGHTS INTO HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE AND MAKE ‘EM RESPOND?
Most of my art is linked to my mental health in some way. Writing and drawing is a cathartic experience for me, and I think a lot of people can relate to the feelings I share. I was an avid diary writer as a kid, and now the entire world can see my artistic internet diary on Instagram!!
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ART INSPIRATION? THIS MAY NOT BE VISUAL. LIKE, ANYTHING!
The things that inspire me most are the things little-me loved: books like Amelia’s Notebook by Marissa Moss and The Clown-Arounds by Joanna Cole, the Pretty Pretty Princess board game, placing an undone paperclip around my teeth to pretend they’re braces.... Any time I’m feeling lost I think back to middle-school-me and follow her lead.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DRAW AS A CHILD? WHY DID THAT LODGE IN YOUR HEAD?
I remember drawing seasonally themed ice-skating fairies (example: winter ice-skating fairy) because WHY NOT?
HOW DOES CREATIVITY RUN IN YOUR FAMILY, EVEN IF IT’S NOT DESIGN-RELATED?
My creativity comes from my dad’s side of the family! My dad was an avid drawer and my grandpa was very creative and had the most perfect all-caps handwriting.
