Krystle Simms
Q What do you do?
“I am the founder and lead designer of an all-in studio for the modern creative entrepreneur looking to level up.”
I also provide sculptural floral design services for clients who enjoy funky shapes and less traditional elements.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I have always been creative. When I was younger, I spent my free time creating Geocities pages and learning graphic design. I enjoyed designing friends’ business cards, or menus for the restaurants I worked at. It was a passion of mine that I never explored thoroughly. During the pandemic, I took a Squarespace Design course with ilovecreatives which ignited my creative side. I decided to finally go all-in and make my side gig into a full-time studio. I want to help other creatives and small businesses develop their brand identity and digital presence with personality.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I am very intuitive, and collaborative. I enjoy getting to know clients and putting their personality or meaningful touches into their brand design.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working on a brand refresh for an interior designer and creative direction for an amazing stylist and an upcoming home goods brand.
Q What’s your style?
I would describe my taste as quirky elegance. My website reflects that style, as well as www.oliviayohai.com. I love it when there's a touch of something unexpected!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could focus more on graphic design. I would love to create a zine one day. I also have plans to design home decor.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Finding the time to create or promote services through social media. I can’t keep up with reels or tiktoks!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Creating social media content for me! Folding my laundry would be pretty nice too.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
A few years ago, I would tell myself, “investing in yourself always pays off.” I was in a toxic workplace, and I was undervalued and overworked. I was nervous about investing in myself, and I wish I didn’t wait so long to invest in myself and realized my worth.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to gain insight on investing, business expansion and work-life balance.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Creative Direction for small businesses. Brand Identity or refreshes for creatives and entrepreneurs. I’d love to build a permanent floral art installation in a residence, gallery, or shop.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client loves collaborating and is passionate, community-driven, and communicative. A sense of humor would be a plus!
Q What is your rate?
My signature package starts at $3700, including brand identity guidelines, a Squarespace sales page, and copy! I also have other packages tailored to the client’s needs, including a brand refresh, a large website, or creative direction.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The inquiry form through my website. poppykock.com/inquiry-form
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Olivia Wilson is a fantastic painter and baker who is constantly evolving and sharing their process.
@olivemajor
Christina Allen is a prop stylist and illustrator who creates beautifully surreal scenes.
@cdaryla / christinadallen.com
Nikki Leone is a set designer and artist. What Nikki creates is out of this world, and I am constantly in awe.
poplarandpinestudio.com/@poplar_pine
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Big laughs, good meals, deep thoughts.
This member profile was originally published in October 2022.