When we began planning our own online “merch” store, we knew we wanted something that would capture our scrappy spirit, and also convey an identity that was unmistakably Delaware.
Wilmington artist Kristen Vaughn understood the assignment.
Meet Scoop McCluck, our pleasantly pugnacious poultry mascot, who has been splayed across a wide range of shirts, mugs and totes inside Spotlight’s newly launched merchandise store, just in time for holiday giving.
Before you begin your shopping spree, take a moment to meet the artist and hear about her journey from English major to one of Delaware’s most endearing young illustrators.
Spotlight Delaware members receive a 15% discount when shopping the merch store!
Check your inbox or email info@spotlightdelaware.org to get the member-exclusive code or to become a member.
Spotlight: We’d like to hear your artist origin story — where the initial sparks came from, and what convinced you to make the leap into a professional career.
Kristen: As an English graduate from the University of Delaware, I had always loved storytelling and vintage children’s books. My obsession started with illustrators like Richard Scarry, Roald Dahl, and Beatrix Potter, but the silly thing was that I never practiced drawing in my younger years. Fast forward to 2020, I had been studying design, learning how to draw, and truly finding this passion for illustration through the pandemic. My business organically evolved as I started sharing my work, learning how to make my own products, networking and meeting new artists, and then I started selling my work at events.
Spotlight: Was there any particular gig you really got your career off the ground?
Kristen: I had, early on, done a design for Wilmington Brew Works for one of their beer labels, which I think really helped my resume when reaching out to other local businesses. Since then I’ve done quite a few more designs for people and businesses. I also sell my products at a lot of events and markets in person – I think that’s where most people recognize me from.
Spotlight: You have given us a chicken. We have many questions, but first among them: Does the chicken have a name?
Kristen: I’d like to say their name is Scoop McCluck. (Editor’s note: We’ll allow it.)
Spotlight: Where did the inspiration for the look and feel come from?
Kristen: When your team mentioned the idea of a Blue Hen reporter, they referenced Foghorn Leghorn as one of the inspirations for the vibe. Say no more! As a longtime fan of Looney Tunes, I felt like I could see the vision. I pulled references of Blue Hen chickens and old-timey reporters to make sure I got those details, and started sketching away. It came about quite organically after that.
Spotlight: So how do you feel about how it came out?
Kristen: I’m thrilled with the finished design! I’m so grateful for the trust Spotlight had in me to fulfill this vision. It’s something I’ll be very proud of for a long time.
Spotlight: What’s next for you? Plug away.
Kristen: The holiday season is upon us! I will be joining a bunch of other artists at some local markets, including Made in Delaware Popups at the former Huxley and Hiro location, the Newark Punk Rock Flea, Holiday Market at Scout Cafe, and plenty more which you can find on my instagram @kvaughnart. If you can’t make it out to these events, I do sell online on www.kristenvaughnart.com.
