Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Steiner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve drawn my entire life and knew I wanted to focus on fashion at a fairly young age. I ended up studying fashion design in college and immediately fell in love with fashion illustration. I actually taught a few semesters of fashion illustration after grad school. A few years ago, I started sharing my work on Instagram. I gained a modest following and received a couple custom order requests here and there. Slowly more and more orders came in. In 2016, I began offering event live sketching where I create 5-10 minute illustrations of guests at special events like shopping parties and wedding receptions. I have been lucky enough to work with retailers including Neiman Marcus, Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton. Most of my business still comes through word of mouth and Instagram!
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, it has been a fairly smooth road but there have been bumps along the way, of course. As a creative one, it’s daunting to wear all the hats needed to run a small business. During the first year, I would definitely say I was flying by the seat of my pants! Figuring out pricing, learning to estimate the timing of projects accurately and maintaining a decent work-life balance were some of the biggest immediate challenges I faced. I still struggle with those three things today! Thankfully the creative community in Chicago is very supportive. I’ve formed friendships with other small business owners here. It’s great to have a network to reach out to for advice or bounce ideas off of. I also have a wonderfully supportive family and tight knit group of friends who help keep me sane!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kristine Steiner Fashion Illustrations – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a freelance fashion illustrator. I’m known for my whimsical, long, leggy fashion figures wearing the latest designer looks from the runway.
Clients commission me to create custom fashion illustrations either for themselves or as gifts. I do quite a few engagement and wedding portraits throughout the year. I’m also booked for events to create quick sketches on the spot.
It makes me really proud that many of my clients are repeat clients or referrals. It means a great deal to me to create a positive and lasting relationship with everyone I work with.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love all the unique neighborhoods here! Chicago is so wonderfully diverse and it amazes me that so many people from all different backgrounds and walks of life all live in one place.
My least favorite part of Chicago is the winter! Not so much because of the cold but because of the lack of sunshine.
Pricing:
- Custom illustrations start at $120 per figure.
Contact Info:
- Website: kristinesteiner.bigcartel.com
- Email: kyjsteiner@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kyjsteiner
- Facebook: facebook.com/kyjsteiner
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
