The Mark of the Maker: From the Field to the Digital Canvas
At Kempain Family Outfitters, we believe that the gear you carry should tell a story. It shouldn't just be a plastic accessory; it should be a connection to the wild.
My journey as an artist didn't start in the woods, but in the studio. I’ve been designing and illustrating professionally since 2009, beginning my career at a marketing agency where I executed visual strategies for clients from New York City to D.C.. After graduating from the University of Hartford’s Art School with a BA in visual communication design, I spent nearly two decades honing the technical skills that I now bring to every Kempain Original.
But the real inspiration happens outside my studio in Putnam, Connecticut. As an active hiker, hunter, and fisherman, I spend my time observing the textures and patterns of New England—the way a fern unfurls in the spring or the specific jagged edge of a poison ivy leaf.
Here are the stories behind three of my favorite designs.
The Green Fern: Capturing New England’s First Life
The Green Fern Pattern was one of the very first illustrations I created for Kempain. Living in Putnam, I’m always watching for the first signs of spring. Ferns are some of the first plants to "pop," showing vibrant life against the forest floor. I drew this design on my iPad, focusing on the intricate, repetitive details of the fronds. To me, it represents that moment when the trails finally wake up after a long winter.
The Poison Plant Study: A Wearable ID Guide
The Poison Plant Pattern was actually born out of a joke. I am severely allergic to these plants and learned to identify them at a very young age. However, I realized many people—including my wife, Sarah—couldn't tell the difference between a harmless vine and a patch of trouble. I thought it would be funny (and practical) to create a case that forces you to carry a "field identification guide" for Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac everywhere you go. If you’re ever in doubt on the trail, you just have to look at your phone.
The Black Ink Bear: A Neighborhood Visitor
The Black Ink Bear was inspired by a very real, very determined neighbor who decided to get into my trash one night. Black bears are awesome, powerful creatures, and I wanted to capture that presence using a high-contrast, pen-and-ink style. I used digital brushes to mimic traditional linework, ensuring every stroke felt deliberate and raw—just like a sketch pulled straight from a field notebook.
Fun Fact: I chased this bear away from the trash and around my yard with my car honking my horn to scare it away and so it did not have time to find my chicken coup. Its the last time I brought my trash out the night before pick-up day.
Why "Artist-Led" Matters
In a world of mass-produced "clip art" and AI-generated graphics, I take a different path. Because I value a "Buy Less, Buy Better" philosophy, every design is hand-illustrated by me—no shortcuts, no off-the-shelf graphics, and no AI.
When you purchase a Kempain Original, you are getting gear that is made-to-order and infused with over 15 years of professional craftsmanship. It’s about more than protection; it’s about carrying the "mark of the maker" with you into the field.