An introduction to the person behind By Kristi Annette.
Heya! I’m Kristi, and welcome to my little corner of the internet.
I’m a self-taught artist based in the Cayman Islands, where I spend a rather unreasonable amount of time drawing things, collecting creative ideas, and convincing myself that I absolutely need another cup of coffee.
I create whimsical, island-inspired artwork, illustrations, art prints, greeting cards, stationery and other colourful little things that make everyday life a bit more interesting.
Some of my artwork is nostalgic. Some of it celebrates Caymanian culture, architecture, flora and fauna. And some of it exists because a completely ridiculous idea wandered into my brain and refused to leave.
Honestly, those are sometimes my favourites.
The slightly winding road to becoming an artist
I’ve been drawing since I was old enough to hold a crayon.
Naturally, I then took a rather lengthy detour through education, corporate life and a career in marketing before finding myself back where I started.
Making art.
Funny how that works.
Although, looking back, perhaps it isn’t that surprising. Creativity never really left. It just had to share space with meetings, deadlines, spreadsheets and all the other delightful activities involved in being a functioning adult.
These days, I’m building a creative business around the thing I’ve always loved doing.
And while I have discovered that running a creative business involves a suspicious amount of administration, I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to make things that are entirely my own.
Well. Maybe I’d trade the administration.
What I actually create
My work often begins with a pencil, pen or a very rough sketch that makes perfect sense to me and absolutely nobody else.
I love working with ink, pencils and markers, and I frequently combine traditional drawing techniques with digital colour and illustration.
I’m especially inspired by island life: the places, people, plants, animals, architecture and little cultural details that make Cayman home.
Sometimes that becomes a detailed illustration. Sometimes a colourful art print. Other times, a greeting card with a slightly questionable sense of humour.
I also have a particular affection for stationery.
Because apparently drawing something wasn’t enough. I also needed to turn it into something you could write your grocery list on.
A few things I’ve managed to do along the way
My creative journey has included a yearlong digital artist residency in Cayman, illustration work for corporate organisations and nonprofits.
In 2025, I held an exhibition titled Maybe Me! during Cayman Art Week.
I also created Colour Me Cayman, a fully illustrated 32-page colouring book.
Each project has taught me something different, usually including the valuable lesson that an idea can look beautifully straightforward until you actually begin making it.
But that’s part of the fun.
Mostly.
Ten random things about me
Because a proper introduction should probably include a few things that have absolutely nothing to do with professional accomplishments.
1. I’m an introvert who can extrovert when required. It’s a useful skill. It also requires a recovery period.
2. My downtime activities suggest that my ultimate ambition is to become a professional couch potato. Reading, relaxing, doing very little. I take this work seriously.
3. I once thought becoming an artist meant I could produce endless amounts of content. BAHAHAHAHA. That’s adorable. Create at your own pace, people.
4. Coffee is practically a supporting character in my artwork. At this point, it should probably receive its own credit.
5. I love travelling. New places, different cultures, beautiful scenery, interesting little discoveries. Sometimes I’m so busy being inspired that I forget to actually draw anything.
6. I’m a foodie. If a dish hits the right combination of sweet, salty, spicy and acidity, there may be a small celebratory dance in my chair.
7. I will probably greet your pet before I greet you. Nothing personal. Your dog is simply very interesting.
8. I sketch almost every day. On the days I don’t, something feels a little off.
9. I once ran a colouring website called Cayman Art Fix. I still love colouring and sharing the creative process, and that interest continues to find its way into what I make.
10. I’m delighted you’ve made it this far. Truly. You’ve survived my career history, coffee dependency and enthusiastic opinions about food.
You deserve a little something whimsical.
So, what happens around here?
Mostly, I make things.
I draw, experiment, occasionally swear at technology, and share the artwork and stories that come out of the process.
My hope is to create art that feels accessible, personal and joyful.
Something for your wall, your desk, your journal, or simply a little moment in your day.
If you enjoy colourful illustrations, island-inspired creativity, stationery, or the occasional glimpse into the mildly chaotic business of being an artist, I think you’ll feel right at home.
Welcome to my world.
It’s colourful, occasionally ridiculous, and almost certainly running on coffee.
Kristi
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