Hello! My Name is Kristen Boydstun
Hey Kristen! Tell us a bit about you?
I’m an American illustrator and printmaker currently living in Munich, Germany. Since I finished my course with The Graphic Design School, I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator with a variety of clients including Monocle Magazine, Toyota Canada, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Discover Ancona Campaign
The “Discover Ancona” campaign introduces the new logo of the port of Ancona, and attracts young tourists to the Port. Many ferry lines from Italy, Greece, and Croatia are directly connected to the port of Ancona, and the campaign markets Ancona as an interesting place to visit.
Poster Design
Some of Kristen’s illustration designs. Her pasta-themed illustration, highlighting some of the tools and ingredients used in making spaghetti. Illustration featuring the various tools and ingredients used in making coffee.
Book Cover & Article design
Personal Identity
What or who inspired you to be a designer?
I’ve always been generally interested in art and design, but I didn’t seriously consider a creative job until my mid 20s. After spending a few years feeling out of place in physics and then software, I was ready to try something completely different. Design felt like a step in the right direction and eventually led me to illustration.
What are you up to in the design world at the moment?
I do a mix of commissioned illustrations for clients and printmaking of my own work. This year I set up an area for screen printing in my studio, and it’s been satisfying to get away from the computer sometimes to mix ink and print with my hands.
What is your favourite part of the design process?
Sitting down with a blank page and sketching. I think the initial phase of coming up with an idea is the most exciting.
You were really into all sorts of design disciplines at TGDS, branding, campaigning and even packaging. Have you a fav?
I liked nearly everything: photography, typography, poster design… It’s hard to choose a favourite!
Tell us anything you would like to about your featured works.
I really like the variety of projects I get to work on as a freelancer. A lot of my work for clients has been travel-related, such as maps, travel posters, and editorial illustrations.
What did you love about studying design?
Basically everything, from studying colour and composition to how to use software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This foundation was really helpful when I started out as an illustrator.
What’s your dream design job? Don’t hold back!
My dream would be to still be a freelance illustrator in 10 or 20 years from now! It took me years to find something I love doing, and making it work long-term would be amazing.
What would you say to someone about to embark on his or her own journey in design?
Do your own thing and have fun with it!
Thanks Kristen