Meet The Team
Chris Kates
studio owner, founder & printmaker
“I got really into photography in high school. I was a terrible student and the only out gay person in my class. I needed something to get me through that time in my life. Back then we shot on film, developed it ourselves, and then printed in the darkroom. It was a much needed escape from reality. Nowadays I’m more into printing than taking photos. The Painted Pixel was just an idea that started with one printer in a spare bedroom that kept growing. I’ve met so many wonderful artists that continue to trust us with their printmaking needs. It means a lot to me that people see the value in our team and the work we produce for them.”
What's your dream project to work on, no limits?
I’d love to write a memoir one day. Everyone has a story and I love hearing people’s stories. I think when we read honest accounts of other peoples’ lives we not only have more empathy for each other but also for ourselves. I’d like to think my story could help another person one day.
What’s the most satisfying part of the printmaking process?
Hitting the print button on the final print of something you’ve worked really hard on is satisfying. Knowing that the print looks really good because you took the time to make proof after proof to get everything just right and knowing someone is going to treasure it. I also really love stretching canvas. Working with my hands is relaxing and a nicely stretched canvas print is pretty satisfying.
If you could instantly master one new art skill, what would it be?
I’d love to be able to paint really detailed portraits and landscapes. I love fantasy artwork. I’m often inspired by video games and books. I like the idea of a very serious and technically impressive art style but the subject matter being light hearted like a dragon or a squirrel with armor in a gorgeously painted landscape. I think the world could benefit from people being more lighthearted.
Kristen Mickulesku
studio manager & printmaker
Kristen has been with The Painted Pixel for over 4 years, where she focuses on cultivating an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. In her role, she nurtures her own artistic practice while also supporting local artists in growing and developing their work. When she's not in the studio, Kristen dedicates her time to Meander, her fine art photography business where she creates unexpected landscapes of the American west on film.
Signature Tool: My trusty, but very heavy, Pentax 67
Signature Color: Desert hues have my heart
Creative Muse: Georgia O’Keefe for being a badass woman, an unapologetic artist, a style icon and an unexpected photographer - “I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I've never let it stop me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”
What’s the weirdest place you've found inspiration?
You never know where good light is going to strike, and I definitely have a photo from the inside of a vault toilet I took while camping.
What’s a non-art hobby that influences your creativity?
Travel! I get so much inspiration from visiting new places, trying new foods, and seeing how people go about their lives in a place different from my own home.
What was your childhood dream job — and does it show up in your art now?
I’ve dreamed of being a photographer since middle school, but took a really winding way to get here. After many twists and turns, I am literally living my dream. My work speaks a lot to abstraction, nostalgia, mistakes, and letting go, all things that I’ve embraced to get to this point in my life.
Allan Thomas
printmaker
My name is Allan, I was born and raised in Denver, and I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. I primarily do watercolor paintings and cartoony drawings leaning on the humor and environments I enjoy. I started my relationship with The Painted Pixel as a customer in 2021 and often bit my tongue on visits fighting my urge to ask if they needed a hand around the shop. When the opportunity finally presented itself it was a real no brainer and I’ve been a happy member of the team since.
Signature Tool: .003 Black Micron Pen + Pentel pocket brush
Signature Color: The really deep blue watercolor tube I have at my house
Creative Muse:All kinds of stuff!
What's your dream project to work on, no limits?
Designing and painting a movie poster has always been high on my list. Sometimes I make up movie titles just to paint a poster so I guess I’m already living my dream. That or illustrating a graphic novel. I’d love to write it too but unfortunately that is way beyond my bandwidth - if you or someone you know wants to team up on this I’ll be waiting!
What’s the most fun part of working with artists to bring their vision to life?
It feels nice knowing you’ve had a small helping hand in another person’s creative undertaking, especially if it’s an artist you know or follow. I love getting to see all the different work that comes through our doors and getting an up close glimpse at projects. By up close I mean I really enjoy opening up the high resolution files and zooming in to an atomic level to look at all the colors and textures.
What would your perfect day off look like?
A perfect day begins the same as any other, I put on my fake mustache then head to the backyard with a cup of coffee. It’s warm, but not hot, and my dog Tully is ripping around like a little maniac. After that, I’ll see what’s going on in the garden (you have to check for new developments as often as possible- I’m an incredibly impatient gardner) and respond accordingly. Next it’s time for some kind of activity, maybe a round of disc golf? Whatever the day calls for. The evening is a toss up, cooking dinner and getting creative are both perfect evening activities, but the order is uncertain. Sometimes one cancels out the other, but if it really is a perfect day, there will be time for both.
Gina Valvo
printmaker
Gina is an enthusiastic and curious multidisciplinary artist. As a lifelong student, she thrives when exploring different outlets for ideas, making connections across mediums, and creative problem solving. She was initially drawn to printmaking through linocut block printing and is excited about expanding into fine art print reproductions and working with local artists on this larger scale. Attention to detail is in her nature and she strives to deliver top quality work for each and every print order.
Signature Tool: Pen and paper, Wacom tablet, Arturia Mini Lab II
Signature Color: Saturated colors, textures, bold style
Creative Muse: Fred again.., Chappell Roan, Pixar Shorts
What's your happy place in the studio?
The color matching and proofing process is so satisfying! I feel like a lab scientist when testing proofs and making the adjustments. And a big chef’s kiss to the before/after comparison between how a piece’s color prints straight from the scan and watching it come together to match the original artwork over a series of edits.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not in the studio?
I love relaxing in the park on a blanket with some snacks and a journal or book. It also gives me life to immerse myself in creative projects like animating, making music, or whatever inspiration strikes.
What’s the most fun part of working with artists to bring their vision to life?
Order pick up - sharing good vibes with artists when they see their color proof or receive their prints! I truly feel honored to be trusted with your work and to help you share it out in the world.
Will Mintzer
printmaker
Originally from Buffalo, Will has been drawing since he could barely hold a crayon. He studied graphic design and fell in love with the creative process in his homelands of Upstate New York. A summer internship in Denver inspired him to replace the lake-effect overcast with the 300 days of sunshine. After attempting the corporate grind he decided to further explore creativity on his own terms and has dabbled in illustration, collage, printmaking, and the occasional mural. He is obsessed with all facets and forms of printmaking and is in love with every step of the process. He is excited to join the Painted Pixel team and to further explore the art world and to help facilitate artists who long to do the same!
Signature Tool: Pilot v5 pen, Field Notes notebook
Signature Color: goldenrod
Creative Muse: the changing of the seasons
What’s a non-art hobby that influences your creativity? Cooking! I love exploring the culinary universe and I find the kitchen to be a very creative space. I especially love to find new ways to use ingredients and remix components of meals gone by.
What's your dream project to work on, no limits? I want to get into risography, which uses printers that are somewhere between screen printing and deskjet to create beautifully imperfect prints. I’d love to use this medium to self publish zines and comics.
What would your perfect day off look like? Go to the farmer’s market in the morning, pack a picnic and bike to a far off body of water, set up my hammock and enjoy a book and a sunset.
Tully
Shop Dog
Very Shy Guy
Loves: his hearding egg, squeaky tennis balls, camping
Ruby
Shop Dog
Very Nosy Girl
Loves: lamb chop, ice cubes, and endless pets