Keeks Paper Co., based in Winnipeg and started by a woman from Niverville, specializes in creating custom hand-drawn greeting cards, stationary, and wedding invitations. The results of combining hand-drawn art with computer technology are always one-of-a-kind.
“You see so much out there that’s purely graphic or digital,” says Kyla Donkersgoed, the company’s owner and artist. “My designs are originally hand-drawn or painted, and then tweaked for the final design using computer software. This allows me to continue creating with my hands and not just stay on the computer all day.”
After finishing high school in Niverville, Donkersgoed moved east to attend the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax. She then transitioned back to her home province to study at the University of Manitoba’s International Development Studies program. This led her to travel to Thailand for her practicum.
“While there, I was working for a social entrepreneur,” says Donkersgoed. “I worked for her, but in my downtime I would design packaging and give logo ideas for the business. I can’t not do design.”
Five years ago, she worked for a flower shop, The Floral Fixx, when her boss mentioned that she could use some greeting cards in the store.
“So I made her greeting cards,” Donkersgoed says of her first opportunity. “Then a friend asked if I could design her wedding invites. From then on, Keeks Paper Co. was born.”
It didn’t take long before her new endeavour became a full-time job. Donkersgoed worked to get her cards into stores across Winnipeg and the surrounding area. Keeks Paper Co. has also been featured in Wedding Bells Magazine and the blog L.A. Bride.
When Donkersgoed designs wedding invites, she sits down with the bride and groom to hear their ideas. Then she creates something just for them. She uses a local print shop, Minute Man Press in Winnipeg, to print all of her stationary.
Three months ago, she branched out into business branding. Donkersgoed handles everything from creating logos, brainstorming branding strategies, and website design. This requires a lot of time meeting with clients.
“They’re so passionate about this new business that they’re starting,” she says of working with startups. “I’ve had the best conversations with people, because they just open up. After asking what they do, ten minutes later they’ve told me their life story. That’s my favourite part of this job, and then the designing.”
You can find her greeting cards at the Forks market, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and many local flower shops.
