We recently had the chance to connect with Kristi Westberg and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristi, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with my full-time work as a book conservator. I spend my days preparing rare books and materials for exhibition or loan, carrying out conservation treatments, and making sure these treasures remain safe and stable for researchers and future generations. It’s incredibly inspiring work — I’m surrounded by history, creativity, and even a botanical garden that often sparks ideas for my artwork. In the evenings and on breaks, I switch gears into my role as an artist and surface pattern designer, slowly building my business one step at a time. This slower pace feels right for me — it allows me to create with intention and let inspiration from my day job flow into the artwork I share through At the Dot Design.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kristi Westberg, an artist, printmaker, and surface pattern designer behind At the Dot Design. My brand is all about bringing joy and story into everyday life through artwork inspired by California’s wild landscapes and my background working with rare books. I combine block printing and digital design to create bold, colorful patterns and products that feel both timeless and rooted in place.
What makes At the Dot Design unique is the way it blends history, nature, and handmade process — I want my work to feel like a little piece of wonder you can bring into your home. Right now, I’m especially excited about two projects: my new Tiny Treasures Press print subscription, a monthly snail-mail club where I create and share small original block prints, and my upcoming 2026 calendar, which will be centered around seasonal fruits and vegetables. Both projects are a reflection of my love for slow, intentional creativity and my hope to inspire others to notice the beauty in everyday details.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that most shaped how I see the world was the summer I spent living and working in the UK with a friend. We moved there without jobs or housing lined up, and it was hard — I remember calling my dad in tears after the first week, ready to come home. He encouraged me to stick it out, and I’m so glad I did. That summer became the springboard to applying to graduate school in the UK, living there for 2.5 years, and later working in Northern Ireland.
Those experiences changed me in the best way. They taught me that I can do hard things, introduced me to different people, cultures, and traditions, and opened my eyes to just how big and interconnected the world is. Travel continues to be something I value deeply, and I always encourage my niece and nephew — and really anyone who will listen — to see the world if they can. It gives you perspective, resilience, and a better understanding of yourself and others.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: your dreams can and will come true, but not always on the timeline you expect. The things you long for may take longer to unfold, but that doesn’t mean they won’t happen. Even something as simple as my dream of living in California — it took me eight years to get here, much longer than I imagined, but it still became a reality. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and keep going.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. I make a conscious effort to share all parts of my journey — not just the highlights. On my Art After Dark podcast, which I co-host with my artist friend Stacie Martinez, we’re intentional about talking openly about both our wins and our struggles. We’re both tired of seeing only the shiny side of building an art business. By sharing the “tarnish” too, we hope to give people a more honest, realistic perspective of what it really looks and feels like to grow a creative business while working full-time.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop worrying so much about what other people think of me. I’d also let go of the little habits that drain more energy than they give back — like mindlessly scrolling through social media or checking my email way too often. Those things don’t add meaning to my life. I’d want to spend that time more intentionally — creating, connecting with people I love, and enjoying the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atthedotdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atthedotdesign/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGv0Yx2xiVZ2zCrbwH1Ejsw
Image Credits
Chandra Wicke Photography
