Studio Stories: Kenzie Elston

Grinning From Sun Up to Sun Down, an Interview with Kenzie Elston

Kenzie Elston was raised by two loving artists, so it’s no wonder that she became a talented artist as well. She learned the ropes of the industry by working for her parents’ company until she was confident enough to start her own brand.

Since then, Kenzie has created breathtaking art that’s inspired by her adventures around the world, her sweet children, fantasy books, and so much more. When you look at her art, you’re immediately enveloped in warmth and happiness. Keep reading to enjoy our interview with Kenzie and learn about the magic behind the invitation collection (full collection link) she designed for Greetings Island.

Your collaboration with Greetings Island celebrates vibrant colors, togetherness, and whimsy. What inspired you the most while brainstorming and creating these invitations?

I am always drawn to bright, happy colors and anything whimsical! For this collaboration, I drew a lot of inspiration from the feelings you get from the different invitation events. My biggest goal is to always create art that brings a smile to peoples’ faces, so I was channeling those happy feelings you get when you attend birthday parties, bridal showers, or any event where you can be together with loved ones.

One of your invitations for Greetings Island is for a housewarming party. The word “love” comes out of the chimney in the form of smoke surrounded by a heart, and the letter “O” in “HOME” is the window for a charming home. Does wordplay come easily to you while you create your art?

Wordplay and lettering are two of my favorite areas of design. I LOVE dreaming up creative ways to include messaging in my pieces. It does tend to come pretty naturally to me. Part of my process is to treat the letters and words as icons within the composition. I think of creative ways to add in those unexpected, delightful details where I try to separate my art from others.

Can you reflect on the most joyous party you’ve ever hosted or attended? What made the event so special?

I would have to say my wedding day was the most joyous event I’ve hosted and attended. It was such a happy day, I remember grinning from sun up to sun down. My eight-year-old son (who was not even born before my husband and I were married) has watched our wedding video and teared up while saying, “That was such a happy day.”

In a previous interview, you shared that both of your parents are also in the art industry and that you’ve worked in their family business. Have you ever dreamed of collaborating with them on an artistic project just for fun rather than work? What would your ideal project with them be?

I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in a creative household! My parents have fostered my love for art throughout my entire life, and their support has only opened up so many doors for me. My mom and I are actually in the process of planning creative retreats together! My mom has taught numerous art retreats, and I am beyond excited to start joining forces and teaching with her.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten from your parents or other important mentors that helped you grow as an independent artist?

In an age where imposter syndrome can be so prevalent, I would say the best advice I’ve gotten is to stay consistent with who you are. Just make what you want to make! The magic happens when you’re creating from the heart and not trying to imitate others.

In that same interview, you also expressed your gratitude for your iPad and being able to create art on the go. What’s the strangest place you’ve ever been inspired to whip out your iPad? Are you someone who thrives on getting out to explore or having a structured workplace?

My iPad goes everywhere with me! It’s like my best friend and greatest travel companion. I love the portability and versatility of being able to bring it anywhere. I don’t know if I have many strange places to share, but it has traveled near and far, from my couch to across oceans! I tend to like a very tidy work space, which is another reason I love working digitally. I do love to physically paint as well, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the ability to avoid large messes by painting on my tablet.

On Instagram, you’ve shared that one of your favorite hobbies is traveling. What was the most magical place you’ve visited and why? Did it impact your art in any way?

Traveling is so important to me. I love experiencing different cultures, and always feel inspired and energized after traveling somewhere new. There is a retreat venue in the south of France called Les Soeurs Anglaises that I have had the privilege of visiting twice. It’s a beautiful home in the French countryside that’s such a gem. The food, atmosphere, and everything about it is just magic. I was actually there for creative retreats my mom was leading. Attending art retreats always reminds me how much I love working analog. That thinking has definitely impacted my work, as I try to combine physical paintings with my digital work so that my touch of hand shines through.

From mugs to flower pots and rugs, your art has been all over! What’s the coolest way your art has been used? Is there anything else you’d love your art to appear on in the future?

It is always so exciting to see how my art can be applied in different ways! I would say I get the most excited when my 2D art is translated into 3D. I once illustrated a series of holiday girls that were made into felt and embroidered ornaments, and I think I actually squealed when I saw them for the first time! I would absolutely LOVE the chance to illustrate a children’s book. That’s on my creative bucket list for sure.

On your website, you said that you live for your daily dance parties with your two sons. How has being a mom changed the way you create art? Have your boys ever given you any fun ideas?

My kids inspire me in so many ways. Their pure and innocent joy are the emotions I hope to bring to my art. I have actually hand lettered some of the silly and sweet things they have said. I will say that becoming a mom has definitely changed the speed of how I work. I have had to learn how to work smarter and faster so as to not compromise the time I want to focus on them.

Reading is another one of your major hobbies. Are there any books with striking imagery that have excited you as an artist?

Lately, I have been in a total fantasy era! I’ve always loved fantasy novels (a huge Harry Potter fan), but recently I have been flying through newer fantasy series within the last 6 months. I think I love them so much because they offer new and creative worlds that I’m able to visualize in my head. I also am such a sucker for children’s books. I could spend hours in a bookstore just flipping through picture book illustrations.

Greetings Island is here to make celebrating every sweet moment in life simple and fun, which is why we always team up with inspiring artists like Kenzie Elston (full collection link) who can make invitations exude love, excitement, and beauty.

If you have some awesome parties coming up, you can thrill your guests by sending out custom party invitations. You’ll have a blast making each design perfect for your event.
You won’t want to miss out on Kenzie’s artistic journey since so many exciting projects are in the pipeline. Follow her on Instagram @snippetsofwhimsy to brighten up your feed.

^{Photos by: Divazus Fabric Store on UnSplash}