Check Out Gabby Klein’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Klein.

Hi Gabby, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am an illustrator / graphic designer and have always been inspired by color, texture, and form. With a special place in my heart for all things mid-century and Scandinavian modern, I found a passion for functional and intentional art that brings people and places together. Though I received my BSD in Interior Design, I found a love for graphic design and illustration halfway through my degree program, and I currently work full-time as a Graphic Designer for a local architecture + construction firm.

I enjoy a variety of creative mediums including illustration, block-printing, digital art, and photography. I am working to expand my designs into a more tangible collection of homewares, and will be revealing some new products in the coming seasons. The Phoenix creative community has built so much support for artists and small businesses, and I love participating in local pop-ups, events, and outdoor markets during the cooler months.

As a whole, I believe that we all deserve to have things in our homes that bring us joy, and I’m happy to contribute a fraction of that joy with my art.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The last year was especially transformative for me as I graduated college through a screen and had to figure out what my next move would be, both as a creative professional and as a young adult in the “real world”. I was fortunate to have a fairly stable income that held me over through the pandemic, giving me time to research the logistics of making my business official. Without in-person events and local markets, I found myself very discouraged about selling my work and experienced a lot of self-doubt regarding my business as a whole.

Even now, in post-pandemic times, being a small business owner is not easy. Taxes are confusing and social media is exhausting. It can be very difficult to find time to sit down and create when inspiration strikes because there might be e-mails that require more time-sensitive responses. With every new development of my business, I try to ground myself in what excites me, what inspires me, and what brings me joy. After all, that’s the goal of making art, and that’s what I’m hoping to share with others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Gab Art & Design was born out of a love for minimalistic art and timeless design, with the goal of creating both thoughtful and functional pieces. I focus on simple linework, vibrant colors, and minimalist forms, culminating into a variety of original art prints, greeting cards, and homewares.

I’m really proud of my attention to sustainability throughout my business practices. Sustainability is important to me, that’s why for all of my creations, I consider the environmental impact of sourcing, shipping, manufacturing, and packaging. For example: all products are US-made, and many are sourced locally in Arizona supporting fellow small businesses. All art prints use recycled and FSC certified papers, and are packaged with a 100% recycled backer board inside a compostable clear sleeve. Packing materials including tissue paper, mailers, and boxes are all 100% recycled/recyclable, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources, so shipping is an entirely plastic-free process.

Alongside my original pieces, I have a “Vintage & Found” collection within my shop that offers curated, pre-loved, and vintage homewares. This collection is special because it gives new life to old things, therefore encouraging more sustainable shopping, while maintaining the one-of-a-kind excitement of decorating one’s home.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
So far, patience has proven to be a critical component of my success. Nothing happens overnight. I’ve had moments where I can’t believe I figured out as much as I did in the last two years. With any business, there are always slow seasons, and I’ve been learning to harness that patience and re-direct my energy to upcoming seasons and new creative outlets in the meantime. It’s not easy but being patient is so important, and so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gabartdesign.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/gab.art.design

Image Credits
Claire Hinchman