Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Kimball.
Hi Carolyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Carolyn, the printmaker, painter, kitchen mess maker, outdoor lover, and mama of two behind Kimball Prints. I’m formally trained as an artist, with a BFA in Fine Art and an MA in Printmaking. I started Kimball Prints in 2012 when a retailer asked for some of my fine art prints on tea towels. I quickly became enchanted with this textile art form’s blend of sustainability and creativity. I love the combination of form and function that tea towels provide customers and the endless ways to express their style in an eco-friendly way. I take my inspiration for Kimball Prints from the natural world’s beauty and my everyday experiences. The designs begin with watercolor sketches, screen-printed by hand and packaged in my Austin, TX studio.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a big learning curve transitioning from an acceptable art mindset to the retail/wholesale realm. I’m lucky to have a nonprofit screen printing co-op in Austin, ASPCO, where I pay a monthly fee to use all the screen printing equipment and meet other artists. Covid was a considerable struggle, as all my retail stores closed, but retail is bound.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in artistic and functional tea towels and laser-cut ornaments featuring unique, nature-inspired designs. The hand of the artist sets my designs apart, which is increasingly rare in our digital world. My design process begins with watercolor sketches. I love the painterly feel this lends to the final designs.
What does success mean to you?
Success is being able to be a professional working artist. It was my childhood dream, and while I’m not showing in museums or galleries, I get to be creative every day, every day, and see customers react and interact with my work, which is a joy.
Pricing:
- Tea towel $16
Contact Info:
- Website: kimballprintshome.com
- Instagram: @kimballprints
- Facebook: facebook.com/KimballPrints
