I’m a Midwestern illustrator, author, and product designer.
Things I love: cats, travel, biking (the old-school kind where you actually go outside), and community gardens.
I always knew I wanted to be an artist, so when I attended the University of Illinois in 1992, I got my degree in one of the three art majors they offered—graphic design. The only other options were photography and painting. I am not a photographer and according to my dad, artists (painters) don’t make any money, so graphic design it was. Let’s just say I wasn't immune to my dad’s lack of enthusiasm.
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I quickly learned
that kerning (adjusting space between letters) on the back of John Deere oil lube spray cans was not my thing. After a few more advertising agency stints and designing catalogs for farm equipment, I took the plunge and went 100% freelance at 27 years old. No more 9-5 jobs.
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I mixed in mural painting
with my freelance graphic design, and eventually went all-out and started designing my own home décor product line in 2000. I teamed up with a fine art publisher and agent, Art In Motion, and began designing countless product lines for retailers across the globe.
Story on style - truth bomb!
I am not like other artists. I have not one, not two, but many styles up my sleeve. Most artists work very hard at developing their own signature style. In all honesty, I have tried my darndest to achieve the same! But I’ve been illustrating since I was in the single digits, and over the years my illustration style has changed dramatically. While that used to bother me, I have since come to embrace the fact that I thrive at pushing myself to try new mediums and methods.
The Buzz
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Tauck Luxury Travel
Writer and illustrator Angela Staehling found her artistic inspiration with us this past April aboard Heart of the Danube: Bavaria to Budapest
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FOX2 Now – St. Louis TV
Local author gives tutorial on how to properly pet a cat. Author Angela Staehling explains the do’s and dont’s of petting cats. Watch here.
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NPR – St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis author shares tips on ‘How to Pet a Cat’ — with Sarah Fenske of St. Louis Public Radio. Listen here.
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NPR – East End to Westchester
Angela Staehling talks about her inspiration for writing and illustrating the charming yet practical guide How to Pet a Cat on Dog Talk®(and Kitties Too!). Listen here.
A look back
Over 20 years of painting + design
- Freelance graphic design and mural painting
- Had baby Cole
- Moved to Missouri
- Exhibited at the Atlant Gift Show selling handpainted home decor + gifts
- Signed on with fine art Publisher, Art In Motion
- Had baby Mia
- Launched extensive product line with Art In Motion
- Sold products in major retailers around the world
- Had baby Ella
- Moved to Minnesota
- Art featured on HGTV + Paula's Home Cooking Show
- Created limited editions for Mario Andretti Winery in Napa Valley
- Sold original paintings in art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California and Lahaina, Hawaii
- Sold our house to travel Europe for one year
- Painted remotely for Art In Motion
- Launched a line of wall decor with Target
- Started licensing my own artwork
- Began a collaboration designing exclusive products for HomeGoods, T.J.Maxx, Marshall's
- Wrote and illustrated the book HAPPY HOUSEPLANTS
- Developed National Parks product line for retailers
- HAPPY HOUSEPLANTS book sold in Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble, New York Botanical Garden
- Reached the milestone of traveling to over 50 countries
- Wrote and illustrated the book HOW TO PET A CAT
