I’m Karin, and La Cartrina is my creative studio. Although my roots are in Switzerland, I see myself as a citizen of the world: I love exploring, learning from different cultures, and letting those experiences inspire my art. One of my favourite places I’ve lived is Mexico, where I found the inspiration for my studio’s name. La Cartrina is a blend of La Catrina, Mexico’s iconic figure, and art, my lifelong passion.

I care deeply about human connection, joyful living, and helping people feel good about themselves. My mission is to use creativity as a tool to help us reconnect with one another, to combat loneliness and depression, and to encourage mindful creation instead of mindless consumption.

That might mean designing a Joy Journal for more mindful living, hosting creative gatherings that help people reconnect with their creative roots (and find other creators along the way), or simply making joyful cards, prints, and products that make people smile. I also care about sustainability and love giving old materials new life; upcycling clothing and furniture or using recycled material for my collages.

In my work, I love to combine my own photography and illustrations with found objects, creating tactile, layered pieces full of life and energy.

My style is a colourful mix of all the things that make me happy: bold colours, Mexican flair, plants, cacti, animals, carnival, and a playful spirit. I want my work to spread joy, spark curiosity, and remind people of the simple magic of finding joy.