When Kate Vander Wall began exploring watercolors in seventh grade, she had no idea her natural talent would flourish into a business one day.

Cheerfully Made Design Co. is a stationery brand that features designs crafted by sophomore Kate Vander Wall. Vander Wall began making stationery in grade school when her mom bought her a set of watercolor paints.

“I made these two pieces of art that were birds: there was a cardinal and a mockingbird,” Vander Wall said. “In my opinion, they were the best pieces of art I had ever made; I was super proud of them.”

Vander Wall set out to paint every state bird and fell in love with the idea of stationery. “Over the next few years, I started making more card designs. That was a type of art that I really enjoyed because you could do so many different styles,” she said.

However, her business wouldn’t come into being for another few years. During her junior year of high school, Vander Wall participated in her homeschool group’s handicraft fair.

“I had my cards, and a lot of moms decided to use my cards as their Christmas cards for the year, so I got some big orders,” Vander Wall said. “For me, it was a big deal.”

Since the homeschool fair, Vander Wall, who is from the Chicago area, has participated in several local farmers markets, as well as Hillsdale’s Maker’s Market. Markets have become a passion for Vander Wall, who has fallen in love with the community.

“Honestly, markets are so much fun,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun to be part of that community, meeting people and networking. It’s a good way to start conversations and to meet people in the area.”  

When it comes to her style, Vander Wall has discovered that she loves to maintain interest by switching up her media.

“Lately I kind of take all of my art supplies, dump them in a pile, and go from there,” Vander Wall said. “So, I definitely like mixed media.”

Sophomore Daniel Molter learned about Vander Wall’s work when she posted leftover cards from Markers’ Market on her Instagram.

“I really liked the one I bought; it was an anatomical heart with a gramophone on top of it. It’s currently still hanging up in my room,” Molter said. “She’s really talented.”

Senior Ava Helms found Vander Wall’s art to have a very classic style.

“They’re simplistic, but in the best of ways so that they don’t have too much going on,” she said. “They’re pretty versatile too.”

Looking forward, Vander Wall said she doesn’t believe it’s realistic for her to turn her business into a full-time job, although she certainly wants to continue selling.

“I think it’s every artist’s dream to make a living off of what they do,” she said. “Realistically I don’t see it becoming much more than a side gig.”

While it may never become her career, Vander Wall said she truly enjoys creating and sharing her art and being a part of the community.