Meet Kendra Dandy

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Kendra Dandy again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Kendra, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I was the kid always doodling in class, so it felt natural to turn my passion into a career. After years of uninspiring retail jobs, I took a leap into freelance illustration, and I’m grateful it’s become both my work and my joy.

I create playful, bold, and engaging artwork inspired by vintage design, nature, and post-impressionist art, blending those influences with humor and originality. My style has led to exciting collaborations with brands like Marc Jacobs Fragrances, NYX Cosmetics, Anthropologie, and Vans, across beauty, fashion, and home décor.

I’m proud to create art that stands out, sparks conversations, and brings joy. My goal is to connect with others through expressive, unique designs that make an impact.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
It’s been a bit of a tough stretch for me since we last connected. Getting steady client work and selling my art has been challenging, especially over the past year. It’s been hard enough that I’ve had to seriously consider whether I might need to explore other forms of employment and temporarily step back from my art career. That’s not a decision I want to make lightly, so for now, I’m holding on and staying focused on the path I’ve built.

Right now, I’m putting my energy into creating new work and growing my online store. I’m working on adding more pieces to my website, and I’m actively searching for brand collaborations and client projects that align with my style. Despite the challenges, I’m still motivated to keep creating and finding ways to share my art with others.

This chapter has definitely been a test of resilience, but I’m hopeful things will shift as I keep pushing forward. Creating is such a core part of who I am, and I’m determined to explore every option to keep this dream alive. I’m excited to see what opportunities might unfold next as I continue working to make it happen.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite TV Show: Love After Lockup

Sweet or Savory: Savory

Mountains or Beach: Beach

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: An Artist

French Fries or Onion Rings: Fries

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Ren And Stimpy

Favorite Childhood movie: Home Alone

Favorite Breakfast Food: Waffles

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want people to remember my work as art that feels unmistakably mine while being bold, expressive, and uniquely personal. My goal has always been to create pieces that not only catch the eye but also resonate on a deeper level, bringing joy, humor, or even a bit of intrigue into someone’s day. I love blending the things that inspire me with a touch of my own mood-driven creativity, infusing everything I make with originality.

What I think sets my work apart is its ability to strike a balance between vibrant, attention-grabbing visuals and a sense of lightheartedness. Whether it’s a custom project for a brand or an original work on canvas or paper, I want my art to spark conversations and invite connection. Most of all, I hope it leaves people with a fresh perspective, a smile, or just a moment of delight.

Website: https://theebouffants.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theebouffants