Our Story

WHO YOU’RE SUPPORTING:

We’re sisters Kristen and Lindsey Archer. Kristen, slightly older and taller, is the photographer, videographer and video editor. Lindsey, the one with the glasses, is our graphic designer and illustrator. We live AND work together out of our home studio in Memphis, TN, where we spoil our beloved pets – Kristen’s dog, Whiskey, and Lindsey’s cat, Prescott.

What began as a side hustle in 2014 has grown into our full-time gig. ARCHd is now one-half retail (our collection of handmade feminist goods) and one-half creative services (design, photography and video).

Our art has VERY much evolved since that first year, an evolution which began with a Ruth Bader Ginsburg illustration. We sent art samples as a gift directly to RBG’s Supreme Court office with a letter detailing her influence on our work. One week later – which happened to fall on our FIRST official day as full-time entrepreneurs – we received a handwritten note from RBG. You can read all about that experience (and read the full note) here.

That single illustration was a catalyst. It was first time we remember being REALLY excited about our art, as well as our first step into creating art with a more political message. It shifted our focus and sparked our bestselling iconic women series, which grows every year, prioritizing progressive-minded women – from changemakers and political leaders to activists and those who were first in their fields.

Our art directly reflects the values important to us — like being pro-choice, championing women’s rights, and fighting for reproductive freedom, equality and freedom of speech. Our art is our own personal way we use our voice and platform to challenge those who may seek to strip away our rights and the rights of others. And regardless of who is in office, we know there will always be people and organizations that need uplifting.

We know our work is not for everyone. And that’s okay. Sharing our values has brought us more meaningful work and more joy in running our business. From platforming incredible women to fighting for reproductive freedom, nothing will stop us from celebrating our values out loud.

OUR HANDMADE PROCESS:

Not only do our goods feature OUR original artwork, we also handcraft the majority of our products in our home studio. From the cutting and sanding of wood to the packaging and shipping of orders, we are just a two-woman team (with the occasional part-time production assistant).

Our art is crafted by hand using an image transfer process. We transfer our art directly from paper onto wood and marble via a gel medium, which absorbs most of the paper’s ink. The pieces are then scrubbed by hand to remove all paper residue, leaving behind the majority of the image. Yes, the underlying white showing through the image is part of the aesthetic. This imperfect look is intentional and a characteristic of ALL of our handmade art, with variations on the amount and location of distressing, resulting in no two pieces ever being the exact same!

Handcrafted goods are not important to everyone, but we're thankful every day they are important to you!