Art that remembers.

SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET ALL SAPPY EXPLAINING IT

Framed artwork of the British Parliament and Big Ben, placed on a mantle with miniature horse-drawn carriage toys and a decorative silver vase.

Paper Work Design Co. creates paper illustrations, cheeky prints and stickers, and giftable art that’s personal … and way cooler than your average keepsake.

Everything we do is crafted to celebrate your weird, wonderful, beautiful life.

Sentimental? Yeah, a little. 

Boring? Not a chance.

THESE AREN’T YOUR GRADE SCHOOL MAGAZINE COLLAGES

So … what exactly is a paper illustration?

Sure, scissors and glue are involved - but this isn’t arts and crafts hour. My paper illustrations are custom cut, layered scenes made from painted, textured, and patterned paper, built piece by piece to turn your favorite places and moments into something you actually want to frame … and maybe brag about.

Short and simple - think of it as painting with paper instead of a brush.

A paper illustration of a fishing boat in Mykonos, Greece, with today's catch hanging from a wooden oar.

Whether it’s your childhood home, a dreamy travel spot, or a custom gift that says “I love you” without getting *too* mushy, each piece is made with obsessive attention to detail and just the right amount of whimsy.

They’re bold. They’re personal.

They’ve been known to make grown adults tear up …
in a good way.

A yellow ceramic pot with a snake plant. Next to it is a black-framed sign with layers of pink, orange and yellow cardstock displaying the name 'Camila' in stylized text.
TURN A MEMORY INTO ART

PERFECT FOR GIFTING … EVEN BETTER FOR KEEPING

Art that feels so you it’s borderline spooky.

In a gift-giving crunch? Just feel like treating yourself because, honestly, you deserve it?

I’ve got you.

Check out my ready-to-ship collection of gifts and home decor - a mix of hand-cut paper illustrations and digital art you can grab without the wait. Think modern postcards featuring your favorite travel spots, framed name art, florals, nursery pieces, and other feel-good finds.

A decorative poster with a quote about magic, featuring a crystal ball illustration, hanging on a corkboard with a clip.

You’ll also find digital illustrations available as frameable prints, stickers, mugs, and cards - aka instant personality for your walls, shelves, laptops, or wherever else you like to show off a little style.

No custom lead time. Just cool, meaningful art that ships fast and looks great.

SHOP THE READY-TO-GIFT COLLECTION
A cute illustration of a green trash bin with a smiling face and fire coming out of it, with the caption "Little fires everywhere" beneath the image.

Oh, hi!

I’m Kim Helme, Your Paper-Cutting, Pixel-Pushing Memory Hoarder (In a Cute Way)

A woman smiling at a desk with a laptop, notebook, and pen in an office with framed pictures and plants.

I started my design career at the early age of four. Just kidding … sorta. But my memories of being creative are some of the oldest ones I have!

My childhood was full of art supplies and journals. I graduated to digital arts in high school before earning a Creative Advertising degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Today I use these storytelling and design skills to create one-of-a-kind art that celebrates your homes, trips, and big life stuff.

I run on iced chai lattes, red wine and popcorn. I love exploring new places so I’m always up to chat about your fave travel spots. And I still carry around my Leuchtturm notebooks and (too many) Staedtler pens wherever I go.

LET'S BE FRIENDS