Kaylee Mueller
Kaylee Mueller
Branding & Web Designer / Strategist / Founder of By KB Studio
Madison, WI
www.bykbstudio.com
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instagram @bykbstudio
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I help passionate visionaries bring their brand + web design dreams to reality with the use of strategy and psychology driven research and heart-led design.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Wheeewwww. What a question! I've always been extremely inspired about the beauty in everyday life. Architecture, nature, magazines, textiles, animals, honestly the list goes ON. I've had a passion for anything art related since a very young age, and in high school I was introduced to the Adobe Suite and was instantly in love with channeling creativity in that way.
Fast forward, I worked a couple of 9-5 jobs where I ended up being in charge of all creative direction but didn't absolutely love only working with one type of industry, or one brand for that matter. I developed a deep passion for working with brands to bring their visions to life and from there started By KB Studio. It was a lot of trial and error, and it was NOT glamorous. I wouldn't trade any of it though as it led me to where I am now!
How do you stand out in your field?
I don't follow the trends. I base my brand building on strategy, history, and creating the most AUTHENTIC brands for my clients. Trends are fun, but they aren't here to last, I want to create something that stands the test of time and has true passion and meaning behind the design.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now, I am focused on an eco-conscious, luxury swimwear label inspired by the life on the Amalfi Coast. Slow living, intentional presence, and caring for the earth. It's a seriously soulful brand and I am SO excited about it.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
You know, I think it's ever evolving. I am inspired by SO many different things but it always comes back to nature, the earth and living intentionally. I am always inspired by my clients as well. I feel like it's a thing that is always going to be slightly changing and evolving, and that's what I love about what I do! I am still developing what "my style" is, but I am heavily influenced by editorial photography, colors in nature, and history.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Oh, mannn. I absolutely love photography, and wish I could spend more time learning that craft.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Honestly...updating my portfolio! I love showcasing the work, but I just find it to be such a mundane task.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would absolutely love to have a fitness coach. Between work, life, pets, etc... it's easy for me to get off track my fitness routine, so having someone to hold me accountable would be so nice. Lol.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could tell my high school/young 20 something self that you DON'T have to go to college to be a successful person. I also wish I could tell her to not worry so much about the future, and focus on being present in the moment. Something I am still working on!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
So many things! I love hearing people's stories about how they got to where they are, and what struggles they experienced getting there. I would love to chat more with designers in my industry to learn more about their journey to where they are now.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for freelance work in the wellness/creative/beauty industries!! I always love to collaborate with fellow creatives (photographers, creators, etc).
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I would LOVE to start working with more businesses in the wellness, beauty, and lifestyle industries. I love service based industries but also have a huge passion for product based businesses. Honestly, I love it all. Over everything though, I am so open to so many businesses and just love working with KIND people, with similar values to my own.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
Obsessed with everything Soul Twin Studio creates.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
If you want to work together, send me an email to kaylee@bykbstudio.com. Let's grab coffee if you're in Madison!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Nature, architecture, walks with my dog(s), different cultures, COFFEE.
This member profile was originally published in August 2021.