Read our interview with Kris, the creator behind Kristy Hughes Designs.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I own a spooky, silly and sarcastic stationary store, that specialises in stickers, bookmarks, prints, badges and so much more!
I graduated University with a degree in Fine Art, majoring in Sculpture, just as COVID hit. I then spent the majority of time in lockdown on Minecraft! As the lockdowns lifted, I went into Marketing, spending time getting qualifications and building websites for three years. I then realised that the corporate girly life wasn’t for me, and I opened Kristy Hughes Designs – going back to my artistic roots and trying to make it work!
What inspired your love of spooky things?
I’ve always loved Spooky games and movies, but what really inspired me was my fiancé! He shared his love (obsession) of Halloween, Autumn, and anything spooky from day 1 of dating, and I’ve shared his passion for it ever since!
I decided I wanted to bring that passion and that love into every day life and ordinary celebrations, as well as our shared love of DnD, video games and everything nerdy.
How do you deal with creative block or moments of self-doubt?
First, I cry. I think it’s actually very healthy to have a little cry from time to time! Then, I tend to think of things that make me happy or nostalgic whether that be small things, like a game I played when I was a kid, or a colour that I take comfort in.
I then think about what about those things makes me happy, what are the specifics? This could take days for me to really think about! Finally, I then draw. Whether I end up selling those drawings is a whole other story! I think I’ve got hundreds of drawings that I’ve squirrelled away just to solve my creative block – haha!
How has your art evolved over time?
I actually started as a photorealistic oil painter! It was all very disciplined and I’d kick myself if anything looked slightly out of place, or a proportion was off.
I think going through university, becoming a sculptor and discovering digital art, I’ve become very lenient on myself. I’ve learnt to forgive mistakes, go a little wild and draw things that I genuinely like.
I was told by university lecturers very often that I was doing things wrong because my ‘style’ was too cartoony or that I should’ve gone into illustration instead of Fine Art. I mean, they weren’t wrong on the illustration part, but I’ve definitely learnt to embrace my cartoony side!
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mum. When she was younger, she desperately wanted to do art; she loved to draw. But it wasn’t a very viable career in the 80s/90s, so she decided to go into IT. She also had me quite young and needed to support her family.
I’m very appreciate of everything she did and sacrificed for me, but I know her heart and her passion lays in the art world. She is my strongest cheerleader, and my biggest role model.
About 5 years ago, she came out as trans and has been unapologetic for every decision she has ever made. So, by running my own business and creating anything my heart desires, I do this for her and because of her.
What does a typical day as a small business owner look like for you?
Don’t take this as gospel because it’s not a very healthy way to live!
I wake up when I want (usually around lunchtime) and I eat lunch, like immediately. I then sit down at my desk and check my orders (usually a big fat 0 but I get the occasional couple!). I either fulfill those orders, or I get straight to drawing or creating new products!
I’m guilty of just creating, creating and creating and never updating my Etsy or Website. I also have a shelf at a local store, so I’ll do any stock replenishment or make any new products to go into the store. I end up working until the early hours of the next morning, like 5/6am.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own business?
F***ing do it! Take the plunge because if you don’t, you’ll forever wish you had.
Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
I would like to thank Kat for introducing me to the most wonderful people in our Creative Cafe discord. They are some of my biggest cheerleaders. They will share my ups and my downs and will always be there for me!
All images included in this article belong to Kristy Hughes Designs.
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