Welcome to our latest Tap-In! Today’s special guest is a gifted illustrator whose work I happily discovered when doing an online search for an illustration of a wreath to spruce up my website banner. I stumbled upon the most perfect woodsy match for the flavor of my online home (as you can see in my banner), contacted the artist, and now have the privilege of connecting with, and sharing with you, the interesting person behind the art. Meet Katie Vernon!… 
S: You’ve said that inspiration for your art and illustrations has its roots in being a florist, working with alpacas and living on a bus. This is so intriguing and romantic. Please tell us more.
K: As I’m thinking about what to say about these experiences I find myself smiling (which is why I am still inspired by them). My partner and I got married right out of college and part of our honeymoon involved gutting an old school bus, traveling, backpacking, and climbing out west for half a year. It was a time before instagram, before your school bus had to be pinterest-ready (ours looked like a blue and brown 70s track suit complete with spray painted gold hubcaps- real classy). A few years later it was time for another adventure. After having to step off the Appalachian Trail due to injury we looked into working on an alpaca farm in Nova Scotia for a month. It was weird and fun and boring. We learned how to wrastle alpacas to get them ready for shearing and I developed such a fondness for their quirky personalities. After a few more random jobs (book binder, landscaper, wine pourer) I decided that I would probably make a pretty good florist. Stars aligned and there was a small florist looking for an assistant. Within a few months I was her head designer. During this job I started illustrating more on the side. I had studied illustration in undergrad and dabbled on and off for 8 years. Although I loved being a florist, in 2012 I decided to focus on art and expanding our family. 
S: Describe your home. How do you choose to decorate it? What is your studio like?
K: Right now we live in a 3 bedroom rental home in Dubuque, IA. It’s a fairly temporary stop-over since my partner will be applying for a new job this fall. But we love our home- all the vintage pieces we’ve thrifted/found over the past 7ish years fit really nicely with the wood floors and white walls. We are definitely attracted to the mid-century/slightly bohemian/slightly minimal aesthetic but have found so many good pieces in the local thrift stores that we’ve opened up a little vintage etsy shop (Knootka).
My studio is in one of the bedrooms- I do my printing/packaging and some painting in there since the tables are standing-height. I also like to paint and do computer work at our dining table.
S: I just took some time to explore Knootka. Fun, unique vintage stuff you have thrifted and I adore the way you incorporate your illustration work into the backdrop designs of the items for sale. Very clever and appealing to the eye!
S: What does a normal workday look like for you? How do you balance work with family life?
K:
6:30 – Wake up when I hear our 2.5 year-old daughter Juniper calling “Maaamaaa.” Drink some lemon water, drink a larger amount of coffee. Breakfast (typically bacon and maybe a salad or donut).
8:30 – Drop Juni off at Montessori, walk our pit/dingo dog while listening to a podcast, work on either fulfilling etsy orders, finishing (or starting) commissions, or work on personal pieces.
11:30 – pick up Juni, lunch.
1:30 – get her to take a nap, work at dining table either painting or computer work.
3:00ish – “Maaaamaaa.” Play until dinner (which wonderful partner usually cooks).
6:45 – start bedtime routine.
7:30 – collapse on couch with beverage of choice (beer, wine, tea, or a lemon/avc/cinnamon/honey tonic). If I have it in me (or have a deadline) I’ll work until 10ish.
10:30 – hit the hay.
The balance right now is pretty easy because I find I am very productive in those work hours (since I have no other choice). I also have a very supportive partner who is a kick-ass dad, amazing cook, and my best friend- so that helps. My biggest struggle is my new addiction to instagram. must. put. down. phone.:)
S: I am chuckling to myself. Yup. I’m the same way with my Pinterest. And BTW, you can find Katie on IG here.
S: You use such a broad range of color palettes in your work, from juicy bold colors, to muted, natural tones. How do you go about choosing colors for a particular piece?
K: I honestly wish I was someone who had a focused color palette. But I LOVE really desaturated tones and I LOVE an interesting bright color combo. I can’t just choose one direction so I let the subject/assignment/season/my feelings dictate what I use. No matter what I aim for something fresh and beautiful. 
S: I am proud to have a stunning wreath illustration of yours from your Healing Wreaths collection in my website banner. I understand that some special research has gone into creating them. Could you elaborate on that? And, I’m curious to know more about the wreath design I chose.
K: Yay! (I think the wreath looks amazing with your site!)
S: Most definitely — I love it Katie! It aligns so well with the look and feel of my site. But most importantly, it just spoke to me.:-)
K: I feel like I should preface this by saying I’ve always had a bit of a hippy-dippy side (though maybe the school-bus was a give-away). As a florist I was interested in the different meanings of flowers, I’ve done some reiki training, and I do believe that food is medicinal (see bacon and donut breakfast). When I let all these ideas stew for a bit I thought of creating wreaths that intertwine herbal remedies for specific ailments. The wreath you chose has plants that promote happiness and counteract depression. I obviously don’t guarantee any “real” healing- but I do think there’s something to be said for surrounding yourself with positive energy, nature, and beauty.
S: Wow! I’m amazed to find out my wreath is about happiness, as symbols for happiness keep showing up in my life right now as I go through a healing process. The other day a bluebird stopped by for a visit outside my window — also a symbol of happiness. The Universe works in mysterious, magical ways!
S: What are your favorite art supplies? Do you have a favorite pen?
K: acrylic ink and my wacom tablet for most illustrations. Sakura brush pens, gel pens, and microns for sketching. I’ve also started painting again and love gesso over acrylic ink.
S: How do you unwind and relax?
K: For daily relaxation: a beverage, dark chocolate, and an episode of 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, or Community. For ultimate relaxation: a good hike and/or a view of the mountains with my fam.
Thank you Katie for taking the time to chat with us and share about yourself, your art, your life!
More About Katie:
Katie Vernon is an artist who has spent most of her life in the midwest but whose heart belongs in the mountains. She enjoys balancing detail/abstraction and saturation/neutrality in her work. Some of her clients include: Ikea, The Land of Nod, Oopsy-Daisy, and Chronicle Books; and her work has been featured on HGTV, Design*Sponge, and OhJoy! A few of her favorite things include rearranging furniture, seltzer water, and two different species of animals becoming friends. Katie is also rather fond of her partner, daughter, and part-dingo dog.
Connect with Katie:
Website
Etsy Shop (and all of our readers can enjoy 10% off by using the code PHOTO10)
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
I saw an Eastern Bluebird on a string of lights, outside the window of the space where I create. Its brilliant blue coat and rosy colored breast sparkled like gems against the pure white snow, freezing my breath, tickling the place over my heart. It stayed long enough for me to take in its beautiful essence, then flew away deep into the wood. A lovely message — a first sign of Spring! I was moved to learn of its symbolism. Happiness. Contentment. Joy! Native Americans weave the likeness of this bird into their totems as a symbol of these sentiments.
I am in love with the work of Maine artist 
Someone else in the family besides me was also inspired by Nikki’s work. When we came home she disappeared into the studio and made some joyful magic!
Winter in Maine is strong. Frigid. Rugged. The snow is up to my knees in most places, up to my thighs and even my belly in the drifts. Life is dirty and real. Reduced to what matters. Staying warm, eating well, keeping sane and productive, but most of all being present with the ones I love. Embracing harsh Winter leads to thriving. Fighting it leads to unhappiness. As it is with many things. Acceptance is key.
A black and white photo from my archives caught my attention — taken at a 
Daily tasks: Feeding the soul with nutritious experience. Feeding the body with healthy food and drink. Staying in tune with positive vibrations and energies. Being a seeker of Gratitude. It is a magnet for miracles.
Intricate patterns invite meditation. Allow your eye to follow a path made of bare branches. It is soothing and centering.