• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Create Whimsy

Create Whimsy

Inspring makers and sharing their stories

  • Quilting
    • Free Quilt Patterns
    • Art Quilts
    • Modern Quilting
    • English Paper Piecing (EPP)
    • Foundation Piecing
    • Crazy Quilting
    • Improv Quilting
    • Quilt Tutorials
    • Machine Quilting
    • Hand Quilting
  • Embroidery
    • Hand Embroidery
    • Machine Embroidery
    • Sashiko
    • Embroidery Tutorials
  • Beading
    • Bead Embroidery
    • Off-Loom Bead Weaving
  • Sewing
    • Making Clothes
      • Costumes
    • Bags
    • Babies
  • MORE
    • Surface Design
      • Eco Printing and Dyeing
    • Appliqué
      • Fusing
    • Jewelry Making
      • Wirework
      • Handmade Bracelets
      • Handmade Necklaces
    • Mixed Media
      • Collage Art
    • Kumihimo
    • Weaving
    • Crochet
    • Knitting
    • DIY Organization
      • Decorative Containers
    • DIY Home Décor
      • DIY Throw Pillows
    • Recycle DIY
    • Felting
    • DIY Gift Ideas
    • Crafts
    • Occasions
      • Easter
      • Mothers Day
      • Fathers Day
      • Fourth of July
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • DIY Valentine Ideas
    • Paper Crafting
    • Metalsmithing
    • Painting & Drawing
    • Pottery-Ceramics
    • Toys & Games
    • Sculpture
  • Newsletter Sign Up

Spotlight: Stephanie Conrad and Pet Studio Art

Spotlight: Stephanie Conrad and Pet Studio Art

Painting & Drawing Spotlightby Create Whimsy

The majority of the ‘models’ are rescue pets from the various shelter and rescue organizations that Pet Studio Art supports. From Gordy, a tiny foster kitten to Grace, a beautiful rescued pit bull, each tote bag has a story of it’s own. 

In her spare time, Stephanie is animal advocate and volunteers her time photographing pets with several rescues in the Austin, TX area to help them find their forever homes. 

Stephanie Conrad painting a pet portrait

Tell us a little bit about you and what you do.

This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners. Your purchases via these links may benefit Create Whimsy. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.

Pet Studio Art started out with a gift that I gave to a co-worker who lost his dog. I painted his portrait, then as friends and other co-workers of ours noticed it, they began ordering their own.

For a few years, it was just a side project that I did for fun, but as I realized there was a market for pet portraits, I decided to take it to the next level. I began selling my paintings on Etsy.com and after about 6 months, was able to make the transition to being a full time artist.

In addition to paintings, I am a photographer and volunteer my time with several rescue organizations, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter being my main focus. I started collecting hundreds of photos that I have taken for various rescues and wanted to find something unique to do with them, so I started the tote bag line.

Each month, I add in new designs and feature a different rescue organization to help raise funds for their programs. To date, I have raised $20,000+ for different charities!

Finished pet portrait by Stephanie Conrad
Baxter Bean Painting

What got you interested in pet products?

I have always been a crazy pet person. I rescued animals as a kid, my first rescue being a Siamese Cat that my sister and I saved from a pack of loose dogs. We named her Big Momma Foxy Brown and after we took her home, she had a litter of 6 kittens, who we found great homes for.

Bag with illustration of a dog
Francesca Tote Bag

What inspires you?

Most of my inspiration comes from the amazing animals I meet in rescue. There is something special about seeing a pit bull that has been abused her whole life wagging her tail when she sees you coming over to her kennel, or a kitten who was found in a ditch purring as you brush her fur for the first time.

In rescue, you see some terrible, sad things, but watching the resilience in these little furry creatures is just uplifting.

Stella Necklace
Stella Necklace

How have you changed over time?

As anyone does, you learn and grow. My painting style has definitely changed, I have grown much more confident in my work and while I do occasionally have negative comments come in (that happens when you hit 1/2 a million fans on social media) I can brush those off now and know that I am doing something I love while helping out the many charities I support.

You Can't Ban Love Tote Bag
You Can’t Ban Love Tote Bag

What other hobbies do you have?

I love to travel. My husband and I Kayak frequently as well.

Where do you sell your work?

We have a few select local events around Austin that we attend regularly – Blue Genie Art Bazaar, Love-A-Bull’s Pittie Pride Parade, Pecan Street Festival and of course online at www.petstudioart.com is our main sales channel.

See Stephanie Conrad’s work on her website: www.petstudioart.com

Interview posted August 2015


Browse through more spotlight interviews on Create Whimsy.


Facebook Comments

Sharing is caring!

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

DIY PET PROJECTS

Primary Sidebar

Newest Stories

Man walking on air above seagulls huichol yarn painting by Bridget Daly

Spotlight: Bridget Daly, Fiber Artist

Octopus and under the sea quilled art by Sena Runa

Spotlight Sena Runa, Paper Art Designer

Stack of old quilts

Quilt Size Chart

Felted shawl by Liz Riley

Spotlight: Liz Riley, Feltmaker & Textile Artist

Bloomerang quilt by Daisy Aschehoug; photo by Ostein Thorvaldsen

Spotlight: Daisy Aschehoug, Modern Quilt Designer

Field of Poppies art quilt by Sandy Moore

Spotlight: Sandy Moore, Mixed Media Collage Artist

Popular Posts

Crumb quilting heart postcard

Crumb Quilting

Attic Window finished

Attic Window Quilt Pattern

Finished pojagi window hanging

How to Make a Pojagi Curtain

Embroidery Transfer with a Frixiron pen

7 Ways How to Transfer Embroidery Pattern to Fabric

Finished jelly roll rug

How to Make a Jelly Roll Rug

Fabric folded and fabric wrapped on comic book boards

Best Fabric Storage Ideas

Free Quilt Patterns

Modern Bargello quilt top finished

How to Make a Bargello Quilt

Flower basket quilt pattern layout option 2

Flower Basket Quilt Pattern

Finished shamrock quilt block

Shamrock Quilt Pattern

Rail fence quilt top sewn together from jelly roll strips

Rail Fence Quilt Pattern

Courthouse Steps final sewn together

Courthouse Steps Quilt Pattern

Crumb quilting heart postcard

Crumb Quilting

You Also Might Like

  • Quarter Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
  • Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
  • Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
  • Disappearing Four Patch

More Free Quilt Patterns

Footer

Learn More

  • About
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Browse

  • Occasions
  • Destinations

Makers

Spotlight Stories

Marketing for Makers / Biz Tips

Participate

Copyright © 2023 · Create Whimsy®

0 shares