We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Elliott and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jill, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2020, we were doing a small refresh to our home and I couldn’t find a wallpaper pattern for our powder bath that was colorful and playful, yet organized and calm at the same time. Something that most guests would see that would set the tone for our house – fun and grounded. We ended up creating a wallpaper from one of my wallpaper paintings – a whimsical grid, and I was smitten.
I had been painting as an artist for a while, but hadn’t considered developing a business around it until that moment. We launched with our Color Grid Wallpaper, and have slowly added more patterns to the assortment.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I came to art, as a hobby, while still in college – and then found my way back to it during a life pivot in 2015. I started painting regularly as a meditative practice. A calm, creative outlet that was a time for me to play, take risks and experiment.
My approach to color, combining unique combinations in organic compositions is what I most love to pursue. Be it through painting, collage, pattern design or interior design – I love putting together slightly off-color pairings. A bold pink with a rich terra cotta, a softly faded mint against a punchy lilac.
Having spent 20+ years as a creative in the fashion industry, I’ve always loved developing stories around color and mood. Color has the ability to impact mood – instantly, be it through nature, fashion, art, or interiors and I love exploring this in my work.
I’m still very much a beginner as an artist, I have lots to learn and lots I want to continue to experiment with. I struggle with thinking of myself as an artist, most days. But when I look at what I do daily, it’s always art – so I’ve earned that title and proudly own it!
I love the connections that can come from developing your own creative practice. Meeting new people, fellow artists and creatives, connecting new thoughts that were inspired by your creative habit, or just becoming more aware in daily life to notice the beauty of a sunset, a shadow, a composition.
It’s not easy work to be an artist and an entrepreneur, but I feel very lucky to have found this life and be building this business!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love when friends come to visit Dallas for the first time. I love to show off the cultural + nature side of our city!
We would visit the DMA, the Nasher and The Modern to get our fill of amazing art. We would walk around White Rock Lake, one of my favorite parts of living in East Dallas. We would grab coffee at Otto’s and hang out in the lobby of the Adolphus for some work or a cocktail catch-up. We would explore the Knox / Henderson area and share the chopped salad and lobster fries at The Restaurant at Grange Hall. For dinner, I love Tei Tei, Loro and Mot Hai Ba. We would spend an afternoon at Highland Park Village for the shopping + the people watching, ending with a cocktail + bites at The Honor Bar.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by creative, entrepreneurial, curious souls my entire life. A wonderful mix of mentors, friends, family members who’ve lead by example how to follow your heart, create with intention and bring others along on your journey.
Website: https://colorkindstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorkindstudio/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-elliott-7708865/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Colorkindstudio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colorkindstudio
Image Credits
Photos of Jill by : Christina Childress Photos of Artwork by : Shay Ometz