The Stickers Have a Story…
Every year, our Advent Calendar is more than just candy; it’s an experience. From the cubes you unwrap to the candy you discover, every detail is designed to make December feel magical. And this year, the magic wouldn’t be complete without the artwork that ties it all together.
That’s where Kyla comes in. We decided that, for our 2023 Advent Calendar stickers and beyond that, we wanted to work with local artists to help us design them. Given this was our first crack at this, some logistics and deadlines fell through the cracks. Was Kyla the original designer for 2023? No, but did she still make our printing deadline? Yes! We wanted to give you the chance to meet the creative mind behind the designs, hear her story, and peek behind the curtain at how these festive little details come to life.
So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and get to know Kyla from ForagePhoto (and The Sugar Cube)
Q&A with Kyla
I sat down virtually (and telepathically) with Kyla to chat about her art, her inspirations, and (because I had to ask) how big a part Dirty Soda plays in her creative process. If you didn't already catch it from the tone above, I'm interviewing myself! Let’s dive in!
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background as an artist?
A: How much time do you have? I've always been the "creative" type. I've tried so many different avenues of art. Illustration, crafts, photography, and design are just a few examples to scratch the surface. Some have stayed with me, and some have been fun to dabble in, but I know my strengths. I definitely love a good hobby!
Q: How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
A: Maximalist, Colourful, Dopamine Decor
Q: Do you work full-time as an illustrator, or do you balance art with other creative or non-creative work?
A: No, not even close. Illustration is actually one of my least honed skills; I could use a lot of practice. But I do enjoy it. If you didn't know by now, I'm actually "the Kyla" from The Sugar Cube. Marketing Manager. Hi, Hello! Nice to meet you.
Q: Where do you usually find inspiration for your art?
A: Everywhere! I loved a good mess of colours. I think I really gravitate towards colours and the feeling I get from them. Once I settle on a palette I like, then I can sort of decide what art I want to make.
Q: Can you give us a peek into your creative process?
A: I’m a true Millennial in the fact that I need a desktop set up when I’m doing anything digital. Something about the big screen, a real mouse or a drawing pad is a must. I also really like my iPad. I have a keyboard case for when I need it on the go, but I use it for drawing and sneaking in some games on the side. I also really like to pop on some ASMR in the background, which keeps me more focused.
Q: Were there any challenges you faced while designing this project?
A: Well, I wasn’t the original artist for this season, but the night before, we needed to have something to send over to our printer. Alyssa suggested a brief on winter foliage in a pattern.
Q: How did you ensure the stickers captured the holiday spirit while still being fun and reflecting your style?
A: I think that for a quick put-together the night before our deadline, this turned out just great! It had winter elements, a nod to the holidays with the holly and pine. It captured what we needed, but if I had been tasked with this and had more time, I would have done something completely different.
Q: What was your inspiration for designing the Advent Calendar stickers?
A: Panic? Haha. Winter foliage, with an ever-changing pattern.
Q: Is there an illustration that you felt especially connected to?
A: I really thought the pinecones were fun. My kiddo used to call pinecones "pineapples," so that always made me giggle.
Q: What’s a small detail in your work that you always pay extra attention to?
A: For me, colour. So, having this be all purple was a stretch. I also really have a more-is-more approach. You know when they say to put on your jewelry and, before you leave the house, take one piece off? I’m like, nah, put more on! You know?
Q: If your creative process had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
A: ASMR for sure, or give me a hard rock Spotify playlist.
Q: What do you think makes you the coolest mom?
A: Tricky question, as it’s all relative. But, I’d say I’m very nurturing, creative and willing to do the fun stuff. You change your Halloween costume Idea the night before, I’ll make it happen!
Q: What’s your go-to comfort show or movie when you need creative background noise?
A: Love Brooklyn 99, but I’ll absolutely get distracted. I really like the show The Block as well, scratches my demo/decor itch.
Q: Do you have a favourite holiday song that instantly puts you in the spirit?
A: I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas. One night when rocking my kiddo to sleep as an infant, I blacked out and couldn’t think of a song that wasn’t Christmas-related. That has become a fun staple in our bedtime routine, even now. 
Q: When you’re not sketching or designing, what’s your guilty-pleasure hobby or activity?
A: It’s truly difficult not to do something crafty. I do really love an Escape Room, though! I also really enjoy thrifting.
Q: What’s the weirdest or funniest place you’ve ever found inspiration for a design?
A: I love graffiti and urban alleyways, so that’s probably a good fit for this.
Q: Which emoji do you overuse the most?
A: 😊
Q: If you could only eat one holiday treat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Raspberry Jam Cream Cheese Thumb Print Cookies
Q: What’s the most “you” candy (the one that best matches your personality)?
A: Sour Grape Rings. Sweet at first, but with a fizzy edge that shows up when needed. A little awkward, a little sarcastic, and very Pisces-coded. Soft, emotional and loyal to my core, with an unintentional RBF that keeps people guessing and a flavour that lingers as long as I can hold a grudge.
Q: If your art studio could magically restock itself with one endless supply, what would you choose?
A: All of my various digital program fees and Subscriptions.
Q: If you could design for any dream project or brand, what would it be?
A: Diet Coke, for obvious reasons! Also, I would LOVE to name Crayon colours. I think that would be a blast.
Q: Do you have a creative survival kit?
A: Diet Coke, my camera, a notebook, and an iPad.
Q: What’s one thing about being an illustrator that might surprise people?
A: I definitely wouldn’t call myself an illustrator…But digitally, there are many fun avenues to explore. Procreate is so much fun; there are endless brushes and textures you can use, and it’s just a blast to create.
Want more of Kyla's art in your feed? Be sure to check out her socials below and give her a follow if you're not doing so already. Trust us, you’ll want to see what she creates next.
A huge thank you to Kyla for lending her talent to this year’s Advent Calendar. Every cube you open is a little sweeter (and a little more magical) because of her designs.
If you’d like to see more of Kyla's work (because, yes, yes you do!), check out the links below, and don’t forget to show her some love on social media. We’re so proud to collaborate with artists who bring heart and creativity into everything they do.
Instagram: ForagePhoto
And as you make your way through this year’s calendar, remember: the candy is sweet, but the story behind it is even sweeter.
