STart Studio

STart Studio was happy to contribute to the Hawthorn Hill fundraiser: Art & More for Shelter on April 17, 2014 at West End Architectural Salvage.

Artist Statement

STart Studio (Sadie Trytten Art Studio), started in 2009, is art created in a fun and casual atmosphere. I started painting in high school, and carried it on to college where I began using pieces in homes and businesses. I generally produce modern abstract paintings with splashes of color using large brushes, painting knifes, and sponges. When I work with the acrylic paint on canvas, I am reminded that I have the freedom to let my hand do the talking. I begin a piece by sketching ideas down on paper and using colored pencils to blend colors that accent each other. I generally like to use colors that will fit in any environment, sticking with tans and browns, and adding in a small splash of color towards the end of the piece. I tend to use a large brush stroke or graze over the paint with a paint knife after I achieve the overall look that feels right. I know a piece is done when I step away from it three times and observe it. when I come back after the third time, I force myself to quit. When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and excitement. When people see my work, I'd like them to imagine a happy place and bring themselves there.

Forty Under 40 Profile

March 2009: Sadie Trytten | Age 29 Sales and marketing manager, Allegra Print & Imaging Printer's ink is in her blood now. Sadie Trytten accumulated four years in the print and mail services department at the University of Northern Iowa, and she's been in sales at Allegra Print & Imaging since graduating in 2002. "Once you get into printing," she said, "you never get out." Trytten grew up in the small northwest Iowa town of Remsen, and her college career got off to a rough start. She started her studies by attending Westmar University in Le Mars on a volleyball scholarship - but then the school went out of business. She planned to attend the University of Sioux Falls - but that school sent her an outdated schedule and she missed the starting date by two weeks. So off she went to UNI, where she met her future husband. She moved to Des Moines after graduating, and a friend of a friend led her to a job at Allegra. Her duties include sales, marketing, advertising and promotion, plus being in charge of the FootPRINT Fund Grant. The grant program is open to nonprofit organizations and provides money to be used toward printing and mailing services. Allegra Network LLC operates about 450 franchises in the United States, Canada and Japan, and in both 2006 and 2007, Trytten was named one of the company's top 10 international sales performers in North America. The local outlet has ranked among the top 10 Allegra centers in sales since 2002. "I try to do five meetings a day during business hours; then at night I'll do two or three a week," she said. Trytten has sunk her roots into Des Moines' South Side; she has served on the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce board of directors since 2004 and is the membership chairperson this year. She's also a member of Rotary Club Emerging Leaders, the Junior League of Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Partnership Communications Advisory Council and the Young Professionals Connection. She's a regular volunteer for causes such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation gala, the Living History Farms golf outing and Rebuilding Together. Trytten and her husband, Ryan, have two daughters - Torey, 11, and Layla, 2 - and a son, Davin, 5 months.