Kristine Hanna of Paper Doll Miniatures

There’s a moment in every artist’s life when creativity stops being optional—and becomes essential.In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Christine of Paper Doll Miniatures, whose journey into miniatures began not as a career move, but as a lifeline.Originally a photographer, Christine turned to building small-scale worlds during a long period of chronic illness that left her unable to work. What started as a way to stay connected—to purpose, to community, to creativity—slowly evolved into a deeply personal and professional practice rooted in storytelling.Today, she creates intricate, cinematic miniature scenes for major brands, blending design, filmmaking, and narrative into work that captivates both clients and audiences. But behind the beauty is a process that is both demanding and deeply intentional—projects that can take over 100 hours, built under tight timelines, all while navigating the realities of creative burnout and balance.In our conversation, we explore:– how creativity can carry us through difficult seasons– the evolution from hobby to profession– the art of storytelling through miniatures– the unseen labor behind brand collaborations– and the growing importance of the human touch in an AI-driven landscapeChristine’s work invites us to slow down, look closer, and remember that even the smallest worlds can hold immense meaning.🎧 Tiny Worlds, Big Stories is a podcast about the artists who build small—and the stories that make their work feel anything but.https://www.paperdollminiatures.com/https://www.instagram.com/paperdollminiatures/https://www.tiktok.com/@paperdoll_miniatures*********Lara's art:https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturisthttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews