Creating Joy Through Color: The Artistic Journey of Kristi Dammann and Bristle & Whim
BY EMMA GEARY - JANUARY 15, 2025
Introducing more color into our lives to boost our energy and mood has long been a transformative source of power, and no one knows this better than Kristi Dammann, founder of Bristle & Whim. Today, we’re talking with Kristi about her path toward starting her own business built on creativity, authenticity, and most importantly, COLOR!
Kristi Dammann, founder of Bristle & Whim
For Kristi, art has always been a source of joy, creativity, and connection. What began as a personal project to brighten her own home during the pandemic has blossomed into a full-time career as a muralist, transforming walls in commercial and residential spaces with vibrant, custom designs.
“I’ve always been creative and interested in art,” Kristi shares. “Painting was a hobby for me on a smaller scale, but the pandemic allowed me to experiment with large-scale murals. It was a way to bring color and joy into my life during a challenging time.”
From Hobby to Full-Time Passion
Kristi’s journey to founding Bristle & Whim wasn’t linear. With a background in interior design, she worked in commercial interior design in her early career, often collaborating with design firms to create public spaces. But it was during the pandemic when the world came to a halt that she decided to channel her love of painting into her biggest project yet: a life-sized mural in her dining room wall. “That first mural felt easy, like something I was naturally good at. It sparked a passion I hadn’t felt in any other job,” she recalls.
The leap into running Bristle & Whim full-time came naturally. From her first commissioned mural, Kristi felt a deep sense of contentment and purpose. “It just felt right,” she says. “I’m still as passionate and excited about it now as I was then. That feeling is what keeps me going.”
Bristle & Whim mural at Camp Birchwood
A Unique Creative Process
Each Bristle & Whim mural begins with a story—Kristi’s clients’ stories. Her creative process is rooted in collaboration, starting with a meeting to learn about the client’s life, personality, and vision. From there, she develops a few design options tailored to their preferences. “I want the mural to feel unique to them,” she explains.
When it’s time to bring the design to life, Kristi often works freehand, sketching directly onto walls. For larger spaces or outdoor murals, she occasionally uses a projector. “I usually start by blocking in the lightest colors or the larger shapes, and then I move around the design. It’s an organic process that allows for flexibility and spontaneity.”
One of her favorite projects, a mural at Camp Birchwood, exemplifies this approach. “It was more abstract and freeform,” she says. “I had a concept going in, but the team at Camp Birchwood was unique because they truly let me do whatever I wanted, and parts of it came together on the spot. It was so exciting to see a design evolve as I work.”
Connections Through Creativity
For Kristi, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the connections she’s made through her art. “I’ve had such a wide variety of clients, and it’s been incredible to see who’s drawn to my work,” she says. “Every mural is something new, specific to the client, and I’m always in awe of what we create together. It’s a collaborative process that brings people and ideas together in unexpected ways.”
As anyone who has ever created something knows, art is inherently a vulnerable thing to both create and share with the world. Amplifying that vulnerability on a life-sized scale that is on display for the world to see adds a level of realness to Kristi’s work, and in turn connects her to clients who trust her vision and share the same enthusiasm that fuels her creativity. “It’s inspiring to work with people who value art and want to bring something bold and beautiful into their spaces,” she adds.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Looking back on her journey, Kristi has some words of wisdom for her younger self—and anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship. “Just start somewhere,” she advises. “It’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out before you begin, but starting small can lead to great things. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
That mindset has been a driving force in Kristi’s career, enabling her to grow Bristle & Whim from a personal passion into a thriving business.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Expansion and Exploration
After taking a step back last year to welcome her first child, Kristi is excited to dive back into her work with renewed energy and vision. “This year, I’m looking forward to doing more projects, especially in commercial spaces,” she shares. “I love the idea of creating murals that enhance community spaces and bring people together.”
Kristi shared with me that one of her dreams is to create a mural for a coffee shop, and we’re manifesting this with her! If you’re opening a coffee shop in Minnesota this year, you need a touch of Bristle & Whim in your space. ;) With her bold use of color and her knack for storytelling through art, Kristi is poised to leave her mark on walls across our community.
Bringing Color to Life
At its core, Bristle & Whim is about more than murals—it’s about creating joy, sparking creativity, and connecting people through art. For Kristi, each brushstroke is a chance to transform a space and make it feel more alive.
Whether it’s a playful mural in a child’s room, a statement piece in a restaurant, or a collaborative project with a community, Kristi’s work radiates warmth and originality. As she continues to expand her portfolio, one thing is clear: Bristle & Whim is painting a brighter, more colorful world, one wall at a time.
Emma Geary
Emma is the one writing it all down. She's been with LAB since 2021 and is finishing her MFA in Creative Writing in her spare time. Her favorite color right now is cobalt blue.
