Artist Q&A with Krista Kim Studio

November 6, 2025

Happy Friday, friends!

Today I get to share a really special Artist Q&A with you. I think I first stumbled across one of Krista's beautiful Instagram posts a couple years ago. I was so drawn to her quiet, peaceful oil paintings and the serene country landscape in many of her photos.

I feel so blessed to hear her thoughtful, honest answers to my questions. She is truly a gem and I hope we can chat more over coffee in person one day! : )

Enjoy the following Q&A with Krista from Krista Kim Studio:

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Q: Can you tell us a bit about who you are and the kind of art you create?

A: Of course! I’m Krista Kim, a vintage-loving oil painter and illustrator in North Idaho. Inspired by quiet, everyday moments, I love to create timeless pieces that help invoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and peace to the spaces they fill.

Q: Your work feels so calm, quiet, and peaceful to me. How do you decide what subject matter to paint?

A: That’s so sweet, thank you! I tend to paint with the seasons and draw inspiration from what’s around me. In the fall, that might be pinecones or acorns gathered on a walk, and in the spring, I’m often drawn to wildflowers blooming nearby. My surroundings and the rhythms of nature usually guide what ends up on my canvas.

Q: Could you share a bit about your art and business process? Do you paint from a
space in your home? Do you pack and ship everything yourself? (I read about your lovely studio space and would love to hear more about that too!)

A: Absolutely! Right now, I paint from a little corner in our guest room. Since our daughter was born, I haven’t had a dedicated space just for painting. A couple of years ago, we purchased a little brick building in our small town with plans to turn it into an art and shipping studio. Unfortunately, the renovations ended up being more involved than we expected, so we decided to rent it out to a long-term tenant for the time being. I’m really
looking forward to using it one day though, it has so much character and natural light!

For years, we shipped everything out of our basement, but after having a baby, logistically it started to become tricky. Also, we live out in the country, so our driveway isn’t always the best in the winter. For these reasons, I recently decided to partner with a professional printer and shipper in Colorado, who I learned about from a friend. He now handles about 90% of my printing and shipping and does it very similarly to how we did it in house, complete with a handwritten note.

Letting go of that part of the business was really hard at first because I care deeply about each customer and want them to feel appreciated. Thankfully the printer shares that same attention to detail and care in packaging, so it’s been a wonderful partnership.

Q: I noticed that you also offer some really sweet fabric patterns through Spoonflower. Could you share a bit about how you got started with that?

A: Yes, thank you! I started exploring surface pattern design a few years ago. I’ve always loved fabric, textiles, and wallpaper, and had long wanted to try my hand at creating my own designs. It’s been such a fun process!

Transforming my artwork into repeating patterns feels like a natural extension of my painting practice. I’ve loved building my collections on Spoonflower and have several more in the works. Creating patterns takes quite a bit of computer time and for now is pretty slow going. I tend to work on them in spurts and am looking forward to dedicating more time to it this winter when I’m spending less time outdoors.

Q: Did you go to school for art? How did you get started as an artist?

A: I didn’t go to school for art and haven’t had any formal training. Before I began, I was working as a surgical technician, and ran a small side business as a ceramic artist. It was going well, but I was starting to feel burnt out, especially after some health issues. Ceramics can be quite physically demanding. Ironically, I had a waitlist for my palettes, brush cups, and brush rests. I’d often see the artists who purchased my work and
think, wow, they really have the coolest job.

During that time, I was walking through a difficult season of infertility and thought art might be a nice escape. I began watching online oil painting tutorials each evening after my day job, and once I started, I couldn’t get enough. Before long, the canvases began to pile up, so I decided to list a few through Instagram and my Etsy shop where I had been selling ceramics. Thankfully, the response I received was so warm and encouraging.

After about six months, I transitioned fully from ceramics to painting and a few months later was able to leave my surgical job. I give all the credit to God, I truly feel He’s given me so much favor on this journey and opened doors I could’ve never dreamed possible!

Q: I saw a picture on Instagram of your sweet little girl, Eleanor. Could you share a
bit about how you balance art and motherhood? And does she like to paint with
you? : )

A: I’m still very much learning what balance looks like as both a business owner and a mom. My work time often happens during naps and in the quiet hours after bedtime. I also now have help with childcare two days a week, so I try to use that time as intentionally as possible. Throughout this journey, I’ve had to be flexible, learn to ask for help and give myself a lot of grace.

Motherhood has changed the pace of my art in the best way. It’s slowed me down and helped me find more beauty in the simpler moments. Eleanor loves to watch me create, and sometimes she’ll even “paint” beside me with a brush and a cup of water. Those quiet moments together are some of my favorites.

Q: Could you share some of the joys and challenges about running your art business?

A: One of the greatest joys is seeing my art find a home where it truly resonates with someone. That never gets old. I also love the freedom and creativity that come with running my own business. Every day looks a little different, and I’m grateful for the variety. I’ve also met so many wonderful people along the way, which has been such a gift.

The biggest challenge is probably wearing so many hats. As an artist, you want to spend most of your time creating, but there’s also social media, photographing, marketing, and managing the business side of things. It’s been a learning process to build systems, but it’s been so worth it to create something sustainable and meaningful.

Q: What would be your top three tips for someone who is trying to grow their art
business? (I'm taking notes!)

A: First, start where you are! Don’t wait for the perfect website or studio space, just begin creating and sharing your work consistently. Growth happens as you go.

Second, make sure to stay true to yourself. The world doesn’t need another version of what’s already out there, it needs what only you can uniquely bring. Trust your instincts, honor your story, and let your authenticity shine through every part of your business.

My last tip is to play the long game, which I know is easier said than done!
Growth in art takes time, so don’t rush yourself. Keep refining your craft, building your audience, and developing trust as you keep showing up for your business. Every small step you take adds up, and the slowest seasons often prepare you for your biggest breakthroughs.