Artist and illustrator Lynette Schmidt has more than 30 years of experience in sculpture, painting, costume design, and book illustration.  As owner and president of her own Garden Studio, Lynette takes her inspiration  in the essence of nature--the hues and textures of her own lush garden and the flora and fauna along Minnesota's North Shore, where she lived from 1983-1993.  Now resident in Owatonna, Lynette continues to work as a sculptor, painter and  illustrator.  Living with husband Michael, a photographer and instructor, Macaw Tinker, Feargus the Scottish terrier, and two cats, Newton and Alice.

Her professional career started when still in high school as a part time staff artist at Josten's, Owatonna  (and later in Red Wing).  After a few years of school, and a move to Minneapolis/St Paul, she landed an Art Director position at Llewellyn Publications, and soon after became a feature illustrator at the Minneapolis Star and Tribune.  Just when things were seeming to be falling into place, the Star folded in 1982 and merged with the Tribune.  

Lynette took this opportunity to start  Garden Studio.  The intention was to freelance for periodicals and book publishers, but quite by accident, met some people in the gift ware design business.  This was perfect as a  support  while she pursued her love of painting.  She designed for companies such as Lenox, Goebel, Bradford Exchange, Hamilton, Hudson, Danbury and Franklin Mint.  Publishers she worked for are Bantam, Llewellyn, Dillon, Alyson, Weekly Reader, and a variety of periodicals.

Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Non-profit, Social Sector, Retail, Wholesale, Education, Media, Advertising, Publishing, Entertainment