Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Craig.
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
karma&kismet began as an Etsy store in 2014 out of the need for a creative outlet and escape. At the time, I was working towards my Masters in Arts Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design and was struggling with some health issues. I turned to my art to help me get through a pretty difficult time in my life and fell in love with the small business/creative world. karma&kismet quickly adapted as I found my focus – Disney and fandom-inspired stationery, home decor, and apparel. If you stumble upon my shop today, you’ll find products that spark a memory of your last trip to the Disney Parks or evoke the feeling you get when you watch your favorite movie. My mission is to “create magic everyday” and share that with the community of fellow Disney lovers.
I also offer design services for individuals and businesses that range from business cards, to special event invites, to full branding packages. Many of my clients have come from the Disney community, but I have worked with small businesses and non-profits as a graphic designer for over ten years. In addition to my art and design, I also share weekly blog posts that focus on Disney Lifestyle and travel tips. I’ve discussed topics such as “Most Underrated Disney Restaurants,” “How to Create Your Own Mickey Mouse Wreaths,” and Disney gift guides for different holidays.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t stay it’s been a particularly bumpy road, but it hasn’t been easy. Even though my business began in 2014, I wouldn’t say it really took off until 2019. Prior to that year, karma&kismet was more of a hobby that I would focus on when I had the time. I was working in an industry that wasn’t a traditional 9 to 5 workday, so “free” time was difficult to come by. Once I made a career change, I was able to structure my time better, giving me both the time and mindset I needed to really focus on karma&kismet. The last two years definitely have not been easy. There are many times when I’ve felt like an imposter in the design and small business world and had to take time to focus on myself. However, I’ve learned a lot along the way and am proud of the hurdles I’ve overcome.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Disney-inspired art and design. In each of my pieces, be it an art print, a greeting card, notepad, or piece of apparel, I try to evoke the same feeling so many of get when we go to the Disney Parks. I enjoy pulling on Disney references that might be a little bit obscure and have a whimsical yet bold style. My shop is known for our Disney-inspired stationery, specifically our notepads and items that allow you to “create magic everyday.” Additionally, karma&kismet has truly grown into a brand, with a continually increasing following on our blog and Instagram.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In terms of graphic design, I think we will continue to see a shift to more contract workers. I am blessed to have a 9 to 5 job in addition to karma&kismet that allows me to utilize my designs skills. However, I know that those types of full-time jobs are hard to come by. With the increase in remote work, I tend to believe that more companies will look to hire contractors for project-based work to save money. With that, I would encourage all designers to focus on expanding their portfolios and be open to opportunities to diversify the work they are doing. I think it is fair to say that e-commerce sites and blogs will continue to rise in popularity. Even through my less than a decade working in the industry, I have seen more platforms created, and surge in affiliate marketing, and movement away from traditional media and shopping.
Pricing:
- Branding Package – $1,000
- Logo Design – $150
- Business Card – $50
- Media Kit Design – $50
- Social Media Templates – $75
Contact Info:
- Email: kelly@karmankismetdesigns.com
- Website: www.karmankismetdesigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/karmankismet
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/karmankismet
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCDad9Id1Y4-c8c2HKYLZurA
