K&K Inspirations LLC

Squish and Pip - Learning that big things are built one piece at a time, and tiny choices can shape what things become.

When I made this one, I was thinking about all of the “micro-decisions” I had made that led me to where I am today, and how life is created in the simple, day to day choices.

In parenting, I warn my kids against what I call “micro-compromises” -those seemingly small moments where you are acting against your conscience… maybe it is a little white lie, or giving in to peer pressure, “just this once”…

But too often, “just this once” turns into a pattern, and before you know it, you find yourself making choices you never thought you would… Don’t ask me how I know… 🫣

This is why I tell them (and myself) it is important to ask yourself before you do something, “Does this decision make me proud of me?” And if the answer is no- maybe don’t do the thing…

That being said, the beauty of Squish and Pip is that the images are meant to be relatable and resonate with different people for different reasons…

So, I’m curious- What do these images make you think of?

I want to introduce my friends to Squish and Pip… *Insert future trademark here…

For the last 6 months or so, I have been working on creating these characters and giving them personalities and a story.

Squish (the mostly ice-cream dollop shaped one) is kinda the big brother/parental figure of the duo. Squish is protective, kind, and likes to think things through.

Pip (the mostly splashy-shaped one) is more spontaneous and instinctive. Act first, think later. Pip is often looking up to Squish for guidance, and comfort. But Squish often has things to learn from Pip too… 🙂

You might be asking, “Kia- from picture to picture, they don’t really look like the same characters… they are different colors and shapes.”

Let me assure you- that is 100% intentional. Squish and Pip have a couple of features that will carry from image to image- their black eyes, simple mouths and teeth, and Squish will almost always have the little curve on the top of his head. But these two characters are intended to be expressions of emotions. Their shape and color is supposed to shift, based on what they are feeling or experiencing.

I have created about 30 of these images so far with the help of Chat GPT… And I know- a lot of my friends (and even some of my family) will exit stage left at this point. That is ok.

I understand a lot of people have strong feelings about “AI art,” and I can see things from their perspective, but for me- I see it as another medium, much like a Graphic Artist might use Procreate.

One Squish and Pip image can take up to 4 hours (sometimes longer)… mainly because the AI will default to generic “AI slop” sometimes - even with the extensive documentation and style guide I have created- and it takes a lot of time, patience, and redirection to get them to look how I want them to.

That being said, I am planning on posting both- the AI image, and the Hand-painted artwork.

You might also ask, “Why don’t you just paint them without using AI first?”

Well, while I am an artist- painting something without a reference is really hard for me, because I was not really formally taught, But- if I have a picture, I can paint almost anything…

My favorite medium is Acrylic, because it is the most forgiving when I make mistakes, but I have been playing more lately with Mixed Media- using watercolors, watercolor pencils, gouache, and CaranD’Ache water soluble crayons, which has been super fun! 🙂

These paintings are mixed media, and because I am still learning these methods, they aren’t perfect, but perfection isn’t the point for them.

The point is to inspire people to feel and think and process. Each Squish and Pip image has a story to tell or a lesson to learn- most of them are Stand-alone, but I have a few that are in pairs too. (I even have one story that I might turn into a book someday)… 🙂

With all of that said: Meet Squish and Pip!

It has been a wild and wonderful ride, but the time has come…

I am officially closing K&K Inspirations soon.

My primary job has been intense lately, and I am experiencing some minor health issues that are draining my energy.

Thank you, everyone for your loyalty, friendship, and patience with me as I have transitioned into this new chapter of my life.

I will miss you all!

Hello all! K&K is shifting gears lately. I recently accepted a contract position doing Tech Support.

This means that I have limited my availability to Saturdays and a couple of evenings by appointment only.

I understand that I might not be able to accommodate some of my clients anymore. Just know, you will be missed! And if you would like a recommendation for a new stylist, don’t hesitate to ask. I won’t be offended.