My journey…

Hi, I’m Kiersten “Ruthy” Haugerud—artist, illustrator, and founder of Impact Studio.

Long before I ever studied nutrition, I wanted to be a natural science illustrator. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of observation and creativity—using art as a way to understand the world around me. When I began college at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, I started down that path, eventually earning a minor in Studio Art alongside my degree in Dietetics after discovering a parallel love for nutrition, metabolism, and the human body.

After graduation, I built a career as a Registered Dietitian—working in clinical care, metabolic health, and performance nutrition for over eight years. Throughout that time, art never really left. I continued taking on creative projects, designing logos and graphics, and illustrating in my free time—but like many people, I didn’t believe it was something I could realistically turn into a business.

Starting my own private practice changed that.

Entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to explore what kind of work truly energized me—and I kept coming back to the same place: illustration, design, and visual storytelling. Even within my nutrition business, I found myself most excited by creating the brand itself—designing my logo, developing merchandise, building my website, and bringing visual ideas to life.

Now, while working full-time in clinical care, I’m excited to pursue my art and illustration business with renewed clarity and intention. Impact Studio exists to create meaningful, nature-inspired artwork rooted in observation, education, and a deep appreciation for the Northwoods.

From custom watercolor and illustrations to hand drawn logos, my goal is to make art that connects people to the natural world—and reminds them to slow down long enough to notice it.