Tell us about your business and how you got started. Well, what started out as a hobby began to get me a lot of attention on Instagram - and after requests for my work started to pour in, I decided to give in and please the masses (and by masses, I mean dozens). But it wasn't long before the dozens turned into more. I started by selling at the Alberta College of Art and Design's 'Show and Sale' events (they happen in fall and spring, and they're totally worth going to), then at Market Collective, then in a little store, and then with the library. Truth be told, my focus is on my 9-5 job as a designer, but when the opportunity arises, I love to sell my personal work.
Why did you decide to work with the Library Store? A couple years ago I had a temporary contract with the Calgary Public Library Foundation (the people who run the Library Store). My love of books, community engagement, and their staff made it a great fit from day one - so it was a no-brainer when the opportunity arose to work with them in a new way.
Your speciality appears to be in typography how did that come about? I've loved books and drawing for as long as I can remember. As soon as I learned to write I was always testing and manipulating my letter forms, drawing letters, and trying new mediums. Fast forward to now and I've got a Bachelor's in Visual Communication from the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) - and to go through that program without loving typography is practically a sin. So, you could say my specialty was developed in my own exploration, you could say it was taught; but this particular style of hand-drawn typography became a part of my life after I figured out that I suck at knitting and can't sit still while watching movies.
What makes your products special? They're local, they're unique, and each piece that you get through the Library Store is limited edition. Their store is the only place you can find these pieces, as each piece is made exclusively for them.
Where can people find more of your work? Currently, the Library Store is the only place my work is available. But if you're looking for something special, you can find more of my work on Instagram via @kirstieseier, or email me directly at howdy@kirstieseier.com
What is your fondest memory of the library? After a lot of thinking, I've decided my favourite has got to be about 5 years ago. I had taken out a lot of books and DVDs, and while they weren't overdue by much, when I went to return them the late fee was a lot more than I had expected. Money was tight at the time - so I was surprised and a little bit flustered. The librarian must have seen through my thinly veiled panic, because she struck up a conversation with me about one of the DVD's I was returning - Princess Bride. She told me that it was her favourite movie, and because I had such good taste she would cut my fees in half. As you can imagine, I was incredibly relieved and so thankful for her kindness.
What is your favourite book? After all this time, I'd still have to say the Harry Potter series. While I value the things that non-fiction teaches my head, I'll always be drawn to fiction that teaches my heart.