Well hello gorgeous people,
Ok, so I’ve a gone a little bit ETSY mad…..
It is the best place for finding new and upcoming artists/ designers/ bloggers! I never knew how many amazing little shops they have on there!
I came across a lovely little shop called DOMINAla Designs by Designer Krysta Langham.
Her work is primarily prints of various witty and clever images that would definitely brighten up anyone’s day! I love her prints and as an artist myself, I find her work so modern and unique!
Here are a few of my favourites…
Who doesn’t love Beyonce? And who doesn’t love Hollywood?
After having a great discussion with Krysta, I wanted to do an interview with her so I could share her passion and unbelievable creativity with you guys…
Hi krysta! Tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m a 26 year old professional living and working in LaLa land. My real job is in Sales and Development for a healthcare technology company. In my free time, you can find me at the gym, playing soccer, cooking or trying a new restaurant somewhere in the city. I’m sort of a DIY-er of all things. Give me a YouTube video or a DIY blog post and I’m doing everything from building my own headboard to cutting my own hair. Domina Designs slowly came to me over time. At first, I had ideas of art that I thought would be cool if someone made them. Then a few more ideas came to mind and eventually I said, well I would like to have the ideas made and hanging up in my apartment, so why can’t I make them?
Hours and hours of YouTube Photoshop and Illustrator tutorial videos later and now I have some finished pieces. I started making art for myself based on my taste and style. I’ve recently decided to open an Etsy shop to share my prints with young women who have the same sense of edgy and urban style.
Why do you do what you do?
Well, I work to pay the bills – but that’s boring. Domina Designs is my hobby, creating prints is something fun for me. The thought behind using the word “domina” is that I want to embody what it means to be a strong, powerful and sexy woman. I think it’d be cool to develop a network of like-minded young women who have the same sense of style as me. If I happen to make some money while doing it, then I’d say that’s a win.
How is your work created?
I start with an idea, or I see something that inspires me and then I take time to formulate and imagine it in my head. Then off to Photoshop/Illustrator to try and create my mental image. Sometimes it’s exactly what I wanted and other times it’s a longer process of working and reworking and I end up with a finished piece that’s better than my original thought.
How has your practice changed/ changing over time?
Being self-taught, I’ve always been a bit hesitant or shy about my work – gone along thinking that because I’m not a professional that my work isn’t good enough. Over time, I’ve gained more and more confidence with the tools I use and am realizing that art (in any medium) does not have rules. It’s liberating to create whatever you want and if you like it, that’s all that matters.
What art/ creativity do you most identify with?
I think that I make art that directly reflects my personality and lifestyle. I’m one of those girls that has a closet full of black clothes, appreciates a perfectly arched eyebrow, lives in heels, but still loves to walk around in gym clothes, a ponytail and no-makeup. I’d say my biggest influence would have to be pop-culture inclusive of all the trends that happen on social media.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Hmm my childhood… one memory sticks out to me back when I was probably about 4 or 5 years old and my entire family was able to do this thing called the “taco tongue.” You basically roll your tongue up like a taco and I was the only one who couldn’t do it. Every morning I would wake up and look in the mirror and practice my taco tongue until FINALLY I got it.
What themes do you pursue?
Themes – not sure if this is a technical term I’m missing but I tend to focus on women, fashion, beauty, and pop-culture.
What’s your scariest experience?
Scariest would have to be a car accident I got into with my family. Thankfully, everyone was okay.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I’ve kept my work private until recently. I haven’t even shown them to family or friends. In a weird way art is personal, especially if you’ve created it. It’s easy to share with strangers. I will say that it is great to hear the positive feedback from social media platforms that I’ve posted my work to.
What do you dislike about your work?
I dislike that my work isn’t polished – and by that I mean technically sound. Part of me has no clue what I’m doing and I’m learning and growing every day but that’s the fun part.
What do you like about your work?
Nothing is more satisfying for me than creating something. I love making something and ending up with a finished product that came entirely from me. I like how my work reflects my personality and is unique in that way.
Name something you love, and why.
Besides my family (the obvious answer), I live for a handbag. I don’t call them purses – I’m talking about a grown woman’s luxury handbag. I take my time and save up my money and when I deserve it I reward myself.
What is your dream project?
Hmmm I’d love to expand and get my designs on clothing. I think that would be amaze-balls to have a bunch of chicks walking around with my prints on their shirts.
Favourite or most inspirational place?
I love LA. Living out here I get to experience so many amazing places to go out, small little restaurants, museums and of course the coast and trails to hike. Again I guess my art really reflects my lifestyle.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To surround yourself with people you look up to. Elevate yourself by the company you keep.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
I’d love to one day leave my real job and run my own business, but for now I’m totally happy starting small.
Check out her work for yourself my beauties!
You can find Krysta’ work at her Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DOMINAla
I cannot wait to keep updated with her work as it progresses and grows even more!
Speak to you all later,
Love C
X
Cardiff lifestyle and beauty blogger 