Meet the Maker: Schaefer Design Co
It's time to introduce another maker in our Meet the Maker series!
Meet Carrie Schaefer, illustrator & printmaker behind Schaefer Design Co. Whether its prints or apparel, dishcloths, or tea towels -- we love everything that comes out of this lady's studio.
Keep reading for our Q&A with Carrie!
1. Tell us a little bit about your story! How did you get started?
I have been a graphic designer for about 11 years with roots in illustration and painting. I discovered screen printing about 4 years ago. It all started with a Lake Superior design that I sketched out, when my husband said "I would love to see that on a shirt. Being an artist who is always trying new things, I quickly learned how to screen print. I started printing on t-shirts, and 8x10 pieces of paper. Then I printed on tea towels, larger pieces of paper, pillow cases, baby onesies & hats... pretty much anything I wanted to see a design on.
I have always been an artist and maker, and my work is always sort of shifting and evolving.... maybe making it a little strange that I won't stick with one specific medium. I love working with all of it.
2. What do you love about the medium you work in?
When I discovered the art of screen printing and the print process, I was hooked. I enjoy the ability to multiply illustrations myself, mixing colors to get the desired effect I want. I love that I can print on paper and fabric, creating both framable art, wearable art and home goods (I like to call my home goods 'practical art'). I sometimes combine illustration, screen printing and gouache painting to create mixed media art prints.
3. If you could offer any advice to other creatives who are just starting out, what would you say?
Be a risk taker! I meet so many creatives who are also dreamers; who dream of the "someday" with their ideas. Make that someday today. I believe we were made to create and if we are not putting that into practice, the world misses out.
Also if you are a business and scatter brained like me, get a business coach. They help.
Follow along with Carrie right over here: