In the Spotlight | Kelsey Swanson
In our mission to support Central Cass students in the arts, our “In the Spotlight” series aims to showcase alumni deserving recognition.
Kelsey Swanson | Central Cass Class of 2010
Art Department - Lakeshirts, Detroit Lakes
Kelsey Swanson (CCHS 2010 graduate) has spent the last five years working in the art department at Lakeshirts, a large wholesale, t-shirt company based in Detroit Lakes, MN. The company takes pride in creating custom-designed t-shirts, stickers and sweatshirts sold in resorts and colleges across the country. Resort items would be any shirt you would find at gift shops, airports, or local shops. The college products include everything from different education departments to sports—we create shirts that players wear after they win a game or tournament. “I live and breathe college, so that is my main focus at work.” If you are out and about and see Blue84 in a neck label, that's the Lakeshirts brand, and Kelsey could be the designer!
How did Swanson get to where she is today? She started college with the intent of going into education, but changed directions and graduated from Valley City State University (VCSU) in 2014 with a University Studies degree. “I came to the conclusion that I really enjoyed using my creative side,” so after taking a semester off, Kelsey attended Minnesota State Community and Technical College and earned a degree in Graphic Design.
Kelsey recalls great memories of being in art classes all throughout high school. Seeing her paintings or drawings displayed around the school, always brought her joy. “Seeing others admire my work, made me feel so good about myself.”
After working in the art world, Kelsey has some advise for creative youth. “Always find a way to improve, practice or enhance your craft. Art is always changing and evolving. It’s never the same. Try to soak up all the information or techniques you can.”
Kelsey’s creative inspiration comes from nature scenes, so watching the old Bob Ross videos inspires her. He makes it look so easy and believes anyone can do it. Kelsey observes the artistic abilities of her friends and colleagues, and this inspires her to be her best self.
“I am able to do art for a job. Talk about a fun life!”
When not creating new t-shirt designs, Kelsey enjoys drawing and painting on canvas or an iPad. She loves baseball—especially the Minnesota Twins, and still loves to play video games. Kelsey is big on family, so she returns home to Casselton often to spend time with her parents, Ken and Jane Swanson, and siblings, Matthew and Lyndsey Swanson.
According to Kelsey, “I could not be happier with how my life is right now. It is so fun to see designs I worked on at Lakeshirts pop up all over the country, whether in gift shops or on national television. I am able to do art for a job. Talk about a fun life!”
Thanks for sharing your story, Kelsey!
“In the Spotlight” features Central Cass alum who have excelled in the arts. Do you know a squirrel deserving recognition? Nominate them here!
