Third generation artist, Kristin Peterson uses art as a means of self-expression
Updated Jan 2023: Maker’s Tech U is no longer open.
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Maker’s Tech U Member Spotlight SERIES
Artist chat with Kristin Peterson. a third generation artist, originally from South Dakota. She is always exploring and expanding the creative depths of being an artist. She very much enjoys vintage collage work and mixed media. Her style contains vibrance mixed with a little funk, which is sprinkled with discreet sensibility.
In this interview we chat about Kristin’s art, how she sees the creative process as being a lot like problem solving, how looking into the details of her art helps her find the unexpected and so much more!
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How would you describe your art?
Vibrance mixed with a little funk, which is sprinkled with discreet sensibility.
What is it about creating that lights you up?
I love the happiness that comes from creating and all of the personal connections.
How do you live a creative life?
Being creative as far as what I like to wear, how I wear my hair, making time to create daily, supporting and promoting other artists, gathering a collection of original art.
How would you describe your creative process?
Somewhat messy, intuitive troubleshooting.
What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to creating?
Sometimes I still get caught up in self-doubt and have to walk myself out of that.
Do you ever experience creative blocks and what do you do to overcome them?
If I should have a creative block, I just need to go to the studio. Be gentle with myself, and start cutting and gluing. And just get back to simplicity.
How has your creative journey changed from when you first started creating?
In the beginning, I almost didn’t know what I didn’t know. I took classes from big names and talented artists. Listened. Took notes and really tried to put to use what I was being told about color, composition, and variation. I thought I would never get to daily practice and here I am. In the beginning, I felt like I needed to find inspiration, and now I just go to the studio and create.
Has technology been a struggle for you in creating an online presence or selling your art online? In what way?
Yes! For sure technology has been a struggle. From taking better photos to editing those pictures and moving forward to making videos and doing the edits and how and where to post your videos.
From adding the social media buttons to Blogspot to creating a website; and now managing my website. Where to end? How to make better pins for Pinterest. Using Canva for graphics.
And trying mildly to stay even the slightest bit organized with Trello and Airtable…… I still always say, I am only techie enough to be dangerous! So very thankful for Roben-Marie!!!
What has benefited you the most from being a member of Maker’s Tech U?
Where to begin? Lol!! I will say first off, all of the help with my website. Roben-Marie created my initial website and set it up for me and it is beautiful! And although, I have made some color changes and tweaked the font…. Without her help, I would not have a website.
The other huge benefit is all of the content here! Truly. And the ability to ask a direct question and have Roben-Marie answer that question in layman terms and walk you through to navigate whatever it is. It is worth the weight in gold.
How has your online presence changed since you joined Maker’s Tech U and applied what you have learned?
I have a website. I started with Instagram early on because Roben-Marie said this would be cool- and she was right. I was able to put my first online class onto my website and successfully sell that class with the help of Maker’s Tech U.
I do use Trello and Airtable and love both of them. I am circling back to learn more about Pinterest and how to use that better. I used the insight on filming, edits, and lighting to make better photos and videos.
What advice would you give to other creatives struggling to move forward for fear of technology?
Don’t wait- join today! Stop struggling and allow yourself the help to move forward.
What changes would you like to make in your creative journey over the next six months?
I am re-thinking my blog and the content that I am sharing. I have been blogging since 2009….. Lol. I would like to leverage Pinterest better. I have several online class ideas that I would like to work on. I am hoping to teach more- truly love sharing what I know. And to keep pushing the creative boundaries.
What fun activity comes second in your life to creating?
I love walking, container gardening with flowers, and thrifting or antique stores.
What is your superpower...something you feel makes you really shine and you get excited about?
Coming up with a creative way to fix something whether it is a painting or working in my art journals.
Mentioned in the Interview: The Ugly Art Club
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Kristin Peterson
Kristin Peterson is a third-generation artist, originally from South Dakota. Kristin’s creative passion is inspired and supported by her husband and kids.
Kristin is always exploring and expanding the creative depths of acrylic paint and mixed media. She very much enjoys vintage collage work and bookmaking. Kristin loves color and things that have a love-worn comfortable feeling-like an old favorite pair of jeans-coffee stained, patched, painted, and well-loved.