Kris Keys is a textile designer and fashion illustrator, specialising in the fluid mediums of watercolour and ink, originally from Tennessee. Kris develops textile prints and high fashion art designs using premium fabrics, stationary and paintings. She studied at the University of Tennessee specialising in Fashion Merchandising, before moving to New York to work as a visual merchandiser. Kris has also worked with quality brands, such as Spectrum Cosmetics, Highline New York and Reiss UK. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Kris Keys.
Image Credit: 1-5) ByKrisKeys
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My aesthetics is very dreamy yet vibrant and rich in colour. My illustrations and prints are inspired a lot by the people I met as I travel and researching indigenous and ethnic cultures with a high fashion influence.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I usually start with research. I have a lot of books, Pinterest boards, and magazine tears. Sometimes, I’ll visit a museum or a gallery to give me that extra dose of inspiration.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I enjoy working with people that are open to the creativity that unfolds within a project. Any project that I’ve worked on starts with an initial idea then always develops into something greater with the dialogue of the client and me. I love working with people that don’t block that process. The outcome is so much better when we allow the work to take a life of its own. I really enjoyed a recent commission for TrackGirlz, which is a lifestyle brand.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
In addition to flipping through books and magazines, I like to sit where I can people watch. That’s usually a Saturday market in London, a café, and press events that I frequent throughout the year. Sometimes I take candid pictures of people and that brings a lot of new ideas and inspiration.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I’ve arrived at this point in my career by doing the job that I have now when I didn’t have it. Once I decided that I wanted to be an illustrator and print designer I started working even if I didn’t have clients. I would give myself projects and the work came through sharing my personal projects with the public.
