Meet the Maker: Worthwhile Paper
Meet Kristen Drozdowski, founder of Worthwhile Paper.
Worthwhile Paper is a collection of paper goods, pins and stickers, all handmade in Ypsilanti, Michigan using eco-friendly materials and processes.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING YOUR CRAFT?
I have been making designs for the screen printed medium for over 10 years.
WHAT DREW YOU TO YOUR MEDIUM ORIGINALLY?
I really loved (and still do!) the tactile nature of print work - mixing the ink, seeing the screen expose and watching the design come to life when printed - it has always been so fun for me. I started making my own screen prints in college, which furthered my love for both design and print. I have always tended toward a minimalist and simple design style, which lends itself well to screen printing as well. Tangible, analog processes are so inspiring to me - and they are becoming more special over time as we find digital media nearly inescapable. Print is a pleasant escape!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST & HOW IS THAT REFLECTED IN YOUR WORK?
I am the most inspired by the beauty in everyday moments. A lot of my work is inspired by the feeling I get when I notice something beautiful as a result of slowing down and getting in touch with myself, my surroundings, other people and the earth.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ITEM TO MAKE? WHY IS IT YOUR FAVORITE?
I actually love making paintings. It is my favorite because it is the thing I am the most spiritually in touch with, and it's the thing I make that is the least dependent on capitalism. My painting practice is also one way that I fill my creative well for all of the products I design for Worthwhile. Among those products, my favorite are the items that inspire self-discovery such as our guided journals and my Inquire Within oracle deck, because they come from such an honest place of asking myself what kind of tool I need for helping me pause, connect and feel joy. I love making things that I simply want to use in the world myself, and sharing them with others to give as gifts to others (or themselves!) is the best joy of all.
WHAT DO YOU WISH CUSTOMERS UNDERSTOOD BETTER ABOUT HANDMADE ITEMS?
How much love and thoughtfulness really gets put into upholding our values and vision! We have been dealing with supply shortages and price increases for recycled paper (ahh!) so I also really want our customers to know that even though these materials have been less easy to access, one part of my vision for my brand has always been to never sacrifice quality or sustainability, so we have been working hard to keep our products eco-friendly (recycled paper forever!) and in-stock, which has taken a lot more strategy and creative logistics than the before times.
