Meet Keri Payne

Before I started surface pattern design I was doing commissioned artwork and had just started a cabinetmaking business. The cabinetmaking business was a struggle during Covid because I had all my kids at home doing virtual learning. One of my kids was special needs and needed constant supervision. I knew my business needed to shift and wondered if I could do something with my art. 

I saw Bonnie’s Immersion Course as an opportunity to learn how to make my art live out in the real world. I was hesitant because of the cost, but decided last minute to make the investment!

During Immersion, I absolutely loved learning Adobe Illustrator! I also loved learning how to build a portfolio, how to market, the importance of a website and email list, and lessons on time management, overwhelm, and consistency.

Last year I achieved my goal to make a collection of southwestern-themed wrapping paper and sell it at a big craft show before Christmas. I made thirteen designs and then found a wrapping paper printer that could meet my needs. I decided to approach several small gift shops in the touristy part of my town to see if they would like to carry my wrapping paper in their shops. Three shops wanted my paper! They each carried it through the busy Christmas shopping season and said people loved it!

Each of the shops wants to continue carrying my paper throughout the year, so I have added year-round papers to my collection! I am so thrilled to have these small business owners to work with and to be able to cultivate work that is unique and celebrates the beauty and quirks of the town I live in. This year, I plan to continue to work with these shops and add a couple more shops in Santa Fe to my clientele. I want to keep building my portfolio and hope to eventually license with a wrapping paper company.