Kirstie Bones
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a digital and analog content creative based in San Francisco CA. In the digital realm, I work primarily in illustration, animation, motion graphics, and video editing”
I draw things, make them move, and chop ‘em up. Not necessarily in that order. On the analog side of things, I’m a painter, printer, and a Jill-Of-All Trades maker. Blending these two worlds together gives me the opportunity explore novel and compelling avenues of communication; all in service of helping people connect with other people on a human level –and to maybe stir up a ruckus while we’re at it.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
If you talk to my mom, she’ll tell you I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil in my hand. Which is cute, but I don’t remember that. Here’s the earliest creative memory I do remember: drawing along with my grandma as she sketched out sewing patterns on the kitchen table during her afternoon sewing sessions. She’d give me a pencil and a yellow legal pad, and I’d go to town drawing shirts and pants and dresses. I was probably 5 or 6 at the time, and I’ve been drawing and making things ever since. In childhood, I knew I wanted to make things for people, and as I grew up that evolved into using my skills to help people tell their stories, whether through custom painted jackets, tattoo designs, or logo work.
I went on to study Advertising in college, and when I started working I met some ridiculously creative people along the way that have helped to push me and my work to levels I could never reach on my own, and provide endless inspiration with their drive, passion, and grit. So honestly, I didn’t take these steps on my own, I was blessed to have the company of so many influential individuals along the way, and it all started with my grandma and that legal pad.
How do you stand out in your field?
Not to be a huge cheeseball, but everything I do is out of love, period. A love for the work and the process of course, but my ultimate goal is to help improve someone’s day to day life, whether through my interactions with them or through the content I create for the people they serve. So if I can make one person smile with a dancing pizza video, then I’ve done my job. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are times when facts and figures need to take center stage to please the stakeholders, and you can bet I’m going to turn out a deck worthy of corporate grins.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m actually prepping a new body of work for a little group show coming up in a month. By work, I mean some illustrations and a painting or two. I try to get back to my roots in drawing and painting when I can, and joining group shows helps me actually stick to that.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I was heavily influenced by the skate and punk scenes growing up, and the majority of my work still echoes that DIY feel, the chaos, and grit. The kind of work that I like to do blends the slick feel of digital design with the raw energy only human hands can create. How they play together all depends on the strategy informing the creative, and that’s what stokes my fire most: the experimentation that leads to the birth of a “vibe.” All stories have a unique vibe that resonates with others, the challenge is to discover it and share that with the world. The work I’ve done for Dolls Kill is representative of this, as well as the content I’ve produced for High Noon Vodka.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
Print design and production. I know the basics but I’d like to dive a little deeper into that field.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Ah, I’m so introverted and anxious it’s difficult for me to network properly. Making contacts and “generating leads” is something I know is a huge challenge for me, and something I’ve been working on for a while now. Most of the work I get is referred to me through colleagues and friends, and that’s how I prefer it. Maybe that’s not the ideal way to run a business, but hey, I’m here right now doing this interview to be featured on this site so here’s to getting out of my own way and taking a huge step in the right direction!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
If anything, I’d hire a personal assistant just to make sure I eat regularly. That’s it. Because between work, motherhood, and personal projects, I can easily pass up a meal or two. Which is a big no-no.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I’d go back to high school and say “don’t be afraid to make waves.” Do you and don’t apologize.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Optimizing workflow! All. The. Time. I’m fascinated with how people work and their preferred methods. It helps me to address my own flaws and where I should make improvements in my own workflow, which is something I’m constantly fine-tuning.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d like to collaborate with other creatives on projects, as well as work one-on-one with individuals/companies.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
The ideal client is respectful, responsive, and realistic. I think that’s what most people look for to be honest. Just be a nice, decent human being, and we can avoid a lot of the negatives. The ideal job is something that is not only in my wheelhouse, but also pushes me a bit outside of my comfort zone. If I see an opportunity for growth, I’m all in.
Finally, the ideal collaboration is with people that aren’t afraid to nerd out on a project. If we can bounce ideas off each other, get wild with it, and then buckle down and get some serious work done, that’s a recipe for success.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I usually charge per project based on scope which starts at $1500. Ongoing work is negotiable.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
This guy is really super good at papercraft, photography & stop-motion: Jonathan Joiner, instagram: @mrjonjon
Need a social media strategy that works but don’t know where to start? Ask this guy: Brian Klein, instagram: @bikecitywoodworks
This ridiculously talented and fresh production studio in Sacramento: Chad Turner & Jeremy McCain: hello@wearechannel.co
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Feel free to use the contact form on my site or email me direct: contact@kirstiebones.com with who you are and the scope / budget / timeline.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Observe, absorb, and laugh about it.
This member profile was originally published in March 2019.