Freyja and Tyler Haney are the married artist duo behind Windy Woods Designs, a small independent art studio that operates out of Metro-Detroit. Their art focuses on relatable takes, snarky sayings, and sugar sweet cuteness that provides customers and fans with a daily dose of seratonin. Freyja and Tyler pull inspiration for their art from their travels, nostalgia, nature, day jobs, and little slice of life moments.
Why did you choose to partner with Yellow Door to sell your artwork?
We've been visiting the shop for a couple of years now. We're always impressed with the artists and thought it would be really cool to eventually sell our work there.
How long have you been creating your artwork?
We've both been making art with different studios. Freyja started in 2002, and Tyler began in 2009. We've both done lots of art since we were kids, and we even met doing art shows. We created Windy Woods Designs together in 2021.
Do you have any notable awards or accomplishments?
Last year we did the attendee badge art for Youmacon. It was really cool to see so many people walking around with a little piece of our art with them.
What makes your artwork unique or distinctive?
We feel like our art casts a broad net. A lot of different people can find something they like in our work. We make fun, colorful work that appeals to both kids and adults.
Our humor is also a big part of what sets us apart.
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
Freyja: I wanted to be a marine biologist.
Tyler: I wanted to be a vet tech.
What inspired you to start creating your artwork & how did you turn it into a business?
Early on we noticed that the inside jokes that we'd make into art would really connect
with some people. our favorite thing is watching someone walk up to the booth and just start laughing at the various jokes. We started doing local and regional
midwestern shows, and have grown a bunch over time.
What do you enjoy doing besides making art?
We love camping, hiking, and reading.
What are some quotes you love or live by?
"We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents." - Bob Ross
"No great artist ever sees things as they really are.
If he did, he would cease to be an artist." - Oscar Wilde
What are some of your favorite places to frequent around Detroit?
Drifter Coffee, Doug's Delight, Frame Bar, The DIA, The Detroit Zoo, Stony Creek Metropark
What's a recipe you're known for or like to make?
Freyja: Cuban style picadillo, the more olives the better.
Tyler: My family always asks me to make eclair cake.
What is a memorable place you've traveled to, and why do you love it there?
Sleeping Bear Dunes/Leelanau Peninsula because we just got married there last year.
It was stunning and truly a 2nd home for us.
What charities do you support?
The Trans Empowerment Project - https://transempowerment.org
Ferndale Cat Shelter - https://ferndalecatshelter.org
The National Park Foundation - https://www.nationalparks.org
In addition to their space at Yellow Door Art Market, you can find Windy Woods Designs on their website, on Etsy, on Instagram, on Facebook, and on TikTok.