Nikki Niedringhaus says she is currently living her cottage core life.
After moving from Hong Kong to Girdwood, Alaska two years ago and welcoming a baby in 2023, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to reset her artistic pursuits, including drawing, macrame, and drying flowers.
“While I used to find it frustrating not having enough time for art, I’ve reframed my mindset. During those precious moments of contact naps, I’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for art,” she said.
Niedringhaus is a multimedia designer specializing in art direction and brand identity under her brand Palo Haus, focusing primarily on branding for small businesses, and adding her creative touch to local events.
She won this year’s Girdwood Forest Fair T-shirt design contest; each year the Forest Fair Committee chooses a design to have printed on all merchandise. Niedringhaus’ design features a woodland fairy lounging on top of a mushroom, and she says her inspiration came from Girdwood’s enchanting trails, treasures and “the enchanting forest fair fairies, the ones that make the event great.”
“I started on this last summer, wisely before my baby arrived, ensuring I had the time to finish it. I’m thrilled to see the design on everyone. It’s heartwarming to see everyone loving the design, too,” she said.
Niedringhaus worked on regional campaigns for iconic brands in Hong Kong including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Marriott Hotels, and Disneyland, later joining a hospitality group to oversee art direction for 20-plus restaurants. She said those experiences and personal passion as a foodie inspired her food illustration guides on Instagram, including a rundown of the best noodle soups in Anchorage, a Girdwood coffee map, and guide to all things ube in the Anchorage bowl.
“It helps me connect with local businesses and immerse myself in my new home’s culture through food,” she said.
The art community in Alaska is very welcoming and supportive of each other, Niedringhaus says she was recently inspired by Lindra Paradise who designed this year’s state fair poster.
“My dream now is to design the poster for the Alaska State Fair,” she said.
Niedringhaus says she’s eager to collaborate with more branding projects with small businesses, and is working on art so she can be a maker at craft fairs this fall.
“It’s been a while since I’ve drawn just for fun, and I’m genuinely grateful for this unexpected gift of time and inspiration,” she said.
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
