Future Ink Graphics (FIG) is owned by artist and arts administrator, Stephanie Kluk. Stephanie has over 20 years of experience working in visual arts programming and non-profit management. The idea for FIG was brewing for some time. After working for seven visual arts organizations Stephanie had the experience to move forward with her own visions for an arts space for creatives. 

The idea of FIG truly started to take shape as Stephanie began working with the Hispanic Business Center to create a full business plan. After several months working with consultants, accounts and mentors, Stephanie signed a lease for the space FIG would operate out of.

The space Stephanie selected was a new arts hub called the Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression. The building was still being gutted and renovated but Stephanie saw the potential and knew she wanted to be in the building.

Since the space was completely ripped apart Stephanie had to raise funds to build out FIG’s makerspace. Through grant funds from private foundations, support from the Councilwoman and city grants, and a much needed loan from HFLA, Stephanie was able to contract a general contractor to start building out FIG’s new home.

With the buildout underway Stephanie began to market her business and conduct off-site programs. For almost a year, Stephanie worked out of alternative spaces building the business one connection at a time. Programming officially launched in Spring of 2021 with the official opening of the makerspace in Dec. 2021.

Starting a business is hard, it takes a lot of dedicated hours and tears but it also comes with moments filled with joy and proud accomplishments. One of Stephanie’s favorite accomplishments is the creation of the Anne Kibbe Residency Program for Women. This is a grant funded residency for women directly in FIG’s neighborhood. The residency was funded this spring and FIG welcomed its first resident artist soon after.

FIG is constantly growing and evolving. It has formed so many wonderful community partnerships. The future will be growing more partnerships, more collaborations and having more artists and designers benefit from access to FIG’s facility and mentoring services. 

Learn more: futureinkgraphics.com/