Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Drozdowski. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A lifelong pursuit of creativity led Kristen to enroll in the fine arts program at Eastern Michigan University. During her final year there, she interned as a designer for the University art galleries, where she designed and silk-screened posters for each exhibition. Following her interests in design and print post-degree, she found herself next with various part-time jobs — a local stationery shop, her own freelance project, and in the art department at a local screen-printing company. There she fell in love with the medium. Inspired by all she was exposed to, she began creating her own screen-printed art prints with the help of her partner (and screen-printing expert) Steve, which she sold on Etsy. Her online business was an instant success — people gravitate towards her style, which she calls a combination of uplifting and soothing. After graduation in 2012, Kristen recognized that she could make a life of her art — the only thing that was missing was a name for her company. She wanted the name to embody not only her work but her approach to life and business. “Worthwhile Paper” came to her in a dream, and while she resisted it at first, thinking it was a silly dream name, she ultimately decided it was meant to be. It perfectly summed up her outlook on life and her belief that there are many things in life that are worthwhile, no matter the challenges faced.
You can also read more about my story and values on the big about page of our website here: https://worthwhilepaper.com/pages/about
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creatively it has been very smooth, but the biggest struggle for me has been the business side of things. I am learning as I go as far as how to manage employees, handle taxes, and things that are not necessarily my expertise as an artist. There wasn’t really anything that prepared me to know how to do these things, mostly just direct experience and figuring things out as they come, which hasn’t always been easy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Paper for purposeful living.
Worthwhile Paper is a line of screen-printed, eco-friendly paper goods that are meant to inspire connection to yourself, others, and the earth. Thoughtfully designed by fine artist and graphic designer Kristen Drozdowski, each product strikes the perfect balance — uplifting while evoking a sense of calm. Spark self-reflection and discovery with the help of Worthwhile Paper’s greeting cards, notebooks, self-discovery journals and decks, pins, stickers, desk accessories, art prints, and more, all printed in-house using water-based inks and paper stocks sourced from a Michigan paper mill that operates on 100% hydropower. Products are shipped without the use of plastic and with every purchase, a tree is planted through the company’s partnership with One Tree Planted. Worthwhile Paper is headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is proudly woman-owned.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My partner Steve is, I think technically at this point, a master screen-printer. He has been screen printing for almost 20 years and has so much experience. He really helped me get started printing my own art and continues to print all of our products at VGKids – a screen printing shop in Ypsilanti that he co-owns.
The entire team at VGKids, including Sean Hickey who was my supervisor when I worked in the art department. I learned so much about preparing artwork for screen printing.
Everyone who has worked for Worthwhile Paper – they have all helped me and continue to help me grow as a business owner.
My friends, especially Avery Williamson, Heather Leavitt and Diana Marsh – who are also artists/business owners in the Ann Arbor and Ypsi area. They have always been so supportive and great people to talk to about creativity and running a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://worthwhilepaper.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/worthwhilepaper
- Other: http://instagram.com/kristendroz
Image Credits
Cat Carty Buswell
