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Meet Angie Nordstrum of Angie Nordstrum Design and Blue Elephant Arts in Erie

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Nordstrum.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Angie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been a multi-faceted artist all my life. I like to say my interest in creating art was ignited by my childhood 4-H projects for the Iowa State Fair. From sewing and quilting to paintings, drawings and fiber art projects, I grew up always making and creating. I was the girl who would neglect her homework and stay up until all hours sewing a new outfit for school the next day.

I went to school for Apparel Design and had the opportunity to study at the London College of Fashion. Living in London opened my eyes to a whole new world of creativity and expression. Upon my return to the midwest, I worked as a furniture painter for an innovative art furniture company.

The mountains and snowboarding called me to Boulder in the late 90s, where I enjoyed working for a local clothing company as a Designer. I designed tshirt screen prints, surface pattern designs and product catalogs. In this role I also had the opportunity to create dozens of paintings that shipped to retail stores all over the country.

After I had my son, I returned to work as a Graphic Designer and Chalk Artist for a large national organic grocer. It was there that I fine-tuned my hand lettering and chalk illustration skills. I assisted with rebranding hand-drawn signage and artwork at multiple stores. I was also able to put my sewing and painting skills to work and created huge installation pieces for the store.

In 2016 I decided to fulfill my life long dream of having my own Graphic Design and Decor business and began Angie Nordstrum Design. I’ve had the fortune to work with a large restaurant group where I created and illustrated enormous chalkboards for restaurants all over the United States. One of my favorite projects was to paint and hand letter a life size bull for a BBQ restaurant, along with all their menu chalkboards and decor. I’ve also had the pleasure to work with several CPG brands where I have designed logos, branding and packaging.

I’ve always loved working with kids and enjoying their creativity. I worked as a craft artist for a local property management group where I created projects for hundreds of kids at large events. This led to the creation of Blue Elephant Arts, my business for crafting with kids. Last year Blue Elephant Arts launched a monthly kids craft box for children and parents to enjoy at home.

Recently I have returned to my love of painting. I feel like I have come home. I’m enjoying painting canvas, wood and murals. I’m finding that I love painting large pieces and I’m really enjoying painting murals and windows for local businesses.

I live in Erie, Colorado with my teenage son in a home we fondly call, “The Art House.” I may have paintings and chalkboards going in one room and kids craft projects in another. What could be better than a home filled with art and creativity?!

Has it been a smooth road?
I’m immediately reminded of the Robert Frost poem, “Road Not Taken.” I’ve identified with this poem ever since I had to memorize it in 8th grade. My road as an artist and entrepreneur has not been smooth, its been more of a roller coaster! But how many artists paths follow a smooth road? I believe our personal and professional struggles lead us to really explore our creative paths in unexpected ways. Today I’m so grateful to be a multi-faceted artist who finds creative expression in a variety of mediums.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

 I took the one less traveled by,

 And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Angie Nordstrum Design and Blue Elephant Arts – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Angie Nordstrum Design provides graphic design services and retail decor products for small businesses. We specialize in menu design, product branding and packaging. For retail decor we specialize in painted murals, menu boards and hand-drawn and lettered signage.

I’m very excited about my recent graphic design work rebranding a restaurant with multiple locations across the country. I love working with clients creating logos and defining their brands. Its a thrill to see design work I created on products in grocery stores.

Relationships are key. I’ve made some of my best friendships with my clients. It is such a pleasure to take someone’s vision into a 2D or 3D creation. My goal is for every client to absolutely LOVE the work I create for them and for that work to get their brand or business noticed.

At Blue Elephant Arts, we specialize in high-quality craft projects for all ages, monthly kids craft boxes and hand made home decor. We have some new products rolling out this fall and are very excited to serve a larger audience.

I’m absolutely delighted to create and make art with kids. Their unbridled creativity fuels and inspires me in my own work.

Today I am especially proud of my ability to pivot my businesses in our changing world. The world needs art and creative expression right now more than ever and I’m truly honored to contribute.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Entrepreneurship, food and art!

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Leah McClay
Hayden Niederhauser

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