Meet Kristin Hussey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Hussey. 

Hi Kristin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a very creative household and was always encouraged to take time to explore and create, draw and work with my hands, and appreciate the beauty of nature. When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to work in an artistic field but wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like, so I decided to give architecture a try. While in architecture school I fell in love with drawing the details of my building designs, especially when I had the opportunity to add watercolors to the drawings. 

After college, I ended up moving away from architecture and explored other design avenues including interior design, floral design, and wedding stationery design, but with each experience, I kept coming back to my watercolors. So, I decided to start my own business that would allow me to paint with watercolor on a daily basis, and it was the best decision I’ve made. 

Even though I had a round-about path to arrive where I am, these experiences helped give me a unique mix of tools that I use daily in my current career. Architecture school taught me to pay attention to the little details, to be open to constructive criticism, and to take my vision from concept to final product. Interior design taught me to envision pieces living in someone’s home and to think about the value of my art as a way to elevate a space. Floral design taught me to appreciate nature, imperfect beauty, and how to play with color. And working in the wedding industry taught me how to work well with clients, how to turn my artwork into a product, and how to run a business. Now I am living out my dream career, running a successful art business. And although it is a lot of hard work, it is also so. much. fun. 

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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but even when I hit speed bumps along the way, I am always moving forward. I like being challenged and have very big dreams, so figuring out how to balance it all without burning out has been a bit of a learning curve for me. But I’m very proud of how far I’ve come and hope that I am inspiring my kids to pursue their dreams as well. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known for my colorful and peaceful watercolor designs. I love to paint landscapes of the natural beauty found in Northern Michigan, especially along the coast of Lake Michigan. I also really enjoy creating patterns to be printed on wrapping paper, notebooks, baby blankets, stationery, etc. It is so fun to have a design vision that I can take from an idea to a painting to an actual product that I see people using out in the world. There’s just nothing better. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be confident in yourself as an artist and try your hardest to not compare yourself to others. It is easy to feel like everything has been done before, or that people are reaching success faster than you. But as they say, “comparison is the thief of joy” and it is so true. Everyone is on their own path and own timeline, and there is space for everyone in this beautiful artist community. So, take time to play and to experiment and to find the type of art that truly makes you light up inside. Because that is what the world needs more of. Less competition and more art that comes from a place of lightness and authenticity. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.kristinmackenzie.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kristinmacdesign
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristinmacdesign