Behind The Print: Gnome For The Holidays

Did you know buying a Magnetic Me outfit in one of our exclusive seasonal prints is like buying a one-of-a-kind piece of art? Each print is hand or digitally-drawn by someone exclusively for Magnetic Me.

So, you’re not only getting an adorable, everyday outfit for your child, but you’re also supporting female artists and designers who are passionate about bringing art and joy into the world.

Our behind the print series gives you an intimate look at our artists' design process. You’ll meet the artists behind the prints they created and learn what inspires them to create. Who's up next? Meet Kellie Brubaker, the incredible artist from The Brooklyn Nest collective who created the Gnome For The Holidays print.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I am an illustrator, graphic designer and mom living in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I have been working as a freelance artist for about 13 years and love creating surface design patterns and designs for paper goods. I also own a greeting card company that I run out of my home.

Q: What about your source of inspiration as an artist? 

The humor of everyday life and an overactive imagination inspire me. 

Q: What was your inspiration for the Gnome For The Holidays print?

I mean, who doesn’t love a gnome?! When I started this piece I thought to myself “if I were a winter gnome, what would I be doing all day” and the answer was very easy…making snow angels. 

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your design process?

I’m not your traditional illustrator - I can’t draw by hand AT ALL. I do all of my illustrating in Adobe Illustrator. Being a perfectionist I think drawing digitally gives me the freedom to make mistakes. And I think years of making those mistakes has made me a better illustrator.

Q: How does it make you feel to know this print is existing as living art in the world? What feelings or emotions do you hope this print evokes? 

Pure elation! I have actually had an obsession with baby and toddler pajamas since my son was born in 2014. The colors and the illustrations, they are like little walking (or crawling!) pieces of art. My son and I are also very big into pj days. We celebrate them often.

Q: Tell us a bit more about yourself – a few fun facts, perhaps? 

Although I do love a good vacation or adventure, I am mostly a homebody. My two favorite spots are on our front porch, watching people walk by in our amazing little neighborhood, and on our hammock in the backyard, watching my son play and our dogs run around.