Image: Jessica Kaminski

Hi, I’m Barbra

I make things pretty, with a rebellious edge. My art is about frivolity, indulgence and happiness.

I offer my art as digital wallpapers to prettify desktops, phones and more. In January of 2012, I moved to Washington, DC area from Milwaukee, WI, with my husband and our dog, kitty and snake and have been exploring this area since. I’m inspired by the flora, fauna, intrigue and weirdness of this place.

Here’s my backstory…

After graduating from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design with a BFA in Illustration, I worked in several in-house design departments in Milwaukee, creating artwork for products such as party ware, wall art, scrap-booking papers, stickers, and shirt graphics.

In 2009 I was laid off from my job in the corporate marketing world and dug deeper into the surface design and art licensing world. I taught myself how to create repeat patterns, which I LOVE to create. Every once in a while, I share what I know about graphic nerdery in the form of a goofy tutorial.

Every Thursday I post a new free wallpaper and email it to those who are subscribed to my Museletter. Join me and get amusing stories and FREE pretty downloadable artwork every week.

I am oftentimes a dorky goofball – I mean just look at the photo above? What am I doing there? So if you don’t appreciate the goofing and the silliness, you might not think any of this is amusing.

I love new food experiences, travel both near and far, dance music and am a singer and hoop dance freak. In 2010 I joined up with my sister to create shirts for hoop dancers to express their love of hoop dancing. That project was called HoopPretty.

Here’s a bit about my style:

Barbra’s work, as well as her personality, has often been referred to as “sassy”. Her sketchy, playful style and sultry color palettes have been described as “Lolita-esque”. Playing off of her sense of humor, love of quirkiness, and all things clever and fun, her style is sometimes edgy, always pretty, and never takes itself too seriously.

Her art is for those who love color and living a life that defies convention.

Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to subscribe so we can stay in touch.

xo,

Barbra


Quirkball Facts:

  • Foo is my babykittypants
  • Spider is a dog. He is the best lil buddy. Even more popular than me.
  • L O V E karaoke. Like to harmonize to songs on the radio.
  • Fan of colorful eyeshadows
  • First big-person job: “Microfiche Technician”
  • Art tools of choice: sketchbook, pencil, watercolor and iPad