Ashley Morken
We met Hannah Stelter this year and are 100 percent obsessed with her style and vibe of art. And for the holiday season, pairing her work with people on your gift list will be a major (and one-of-a-kind) win.
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Hannah and I am a local artist from Moorhead, MN, although I am originally from Mankato, MN. When I am not creating art, I am a full-time student at MSUM finishing a degree in Graphic Design. Whenever I find free-time from school, I have a severe love for traveling. Pre-COVID, I would take any chance I could to flee the country and explore for a bit. I’ve been to 35 countries and counting and am just itching for travel restrictions to be lifted! In addition to traveling, I also advocate for health and wellness and find peace in yoga, and have been practicing for a few years now. In the future, I hope to become a certified instructor to share my love for art with others.
Describe what you create under Designed by Hannah L.L.C.?
Under my business, I create an array of watercolor designs. I center my art on uplifting and empowering people through my linework and the messages I convey. I originally started the business with stickers in mind, but have since expanded to selling prints and original paintings!
How did you start your creative business?
I started my business back in March after having several of my videos go viral on Tik Tok. I had a lot of people sending me messages asking where to buy my work, so I did a little research and got my business up and running!
Your personal favorite product you’ve created so far? My favorite collection is my “Sirens” series. It’s a group of what I like to call “Scribble Ladies” and it showcases the beauty in all the different body forms that humans behold. My favorite sticker, on the other hand, is my “What the Fucculent” succulent design.
Favorite thing to draw currently?
Currently, my favorite thing to draw is new pieces for my Sirens collection, but I havealso been really into drawing plants, so it’s been kind of a mix.
Tell us more about the weekly live illustrations you do?
Every Tuesday night at 10 p.m., I go LIVE on TikTok and take drawing requests from my viewers! I play some chill music and we just vibe. I usually spend about two hours on LIVE and create three to six pieces. I love these because they give my fans an opportunity to watch me creating in realtime, have their ideas come to life and it pushes me to try drawing things I may have never considered otherwise! I also always give my viewers a discount to my shop as a way to say thank you for supporting me in my LIVES!
Most important art tool that you use?
My most important tool currently is my pen. I use a glass dip pen, mostly for aesthetic purposes because it’s BEAUTIFUL and makes creating my art so much more fun, but also because I love the way that it draws.
What is your favorite thing about having your own business?
I love setting my own hours, being my own boss and being able to add a personal touch to every order I send out. Sending out my art means I am brightening someone’s day, and I absolutely love that.
What is the most challenging thing?
The most challenging thing is running social media for my business. I rely solely on social media for my advertising, and it requires a lot of time editing and creating content to share with my viewers.
What is a word that best describes you? Loquacious. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to talk and meet new people.
What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
If I could give 6th grade me some advice, it would be to stop striving to be like everyone else, embrace your differences, and YES you CAN make a living off of art so DEFINITELY go to school for art even when everyone tells you not to. I know you don’t think you are good enough to be a real artist, but you will get there!
Where can people find your work?
A majority of my work is available in my shop itsdesignedbyhannah.com. You can also find some of my designs for sale at Unglued and Simply Swag in Fargo!
How can our community support you – especially in this time?
I fully believe that sharing an artist’s work, whether social media or in person, is the best way to support second to purchasing from local makers. I also have a Patreon monthly surprise sticker club which is an incredible way to continually support artists: patreon.com/designedbyhannah
How can we stay connected?
Instagram: @designed.by.hannah
Youtube: Hannah Stelter
TikTok: @hannahstelter2
Patreon Sticker Club: patreon.com/
designedbyhannah
