Steph Hagens is a full-time mixed media artist and creative consultant. A native of Denver, North Carolina, she has been creating art since childhood and was encouraged early on by friends and family to pursue her passion professionally. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina- Wilmington in 2007, with a focus on figure drawing.

Prior to relocating to Madison, Wisconsin in 2015, Steph spent nine years in the film industry working as an illustrator and costumer. During that time, she contributed custom artwork for characters portrayed by notable actors including Sophia Bush, Viola Davis, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Christopher Lloyd.

Continuing education has played a significant role in Steph’s artistic development. She has participated in the No Boundaries International Artist Colony and pursued further studies in figure drawing, graphic design, and metalsmithing at both the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Madison Area Technical College. In addition, she has served as a career advisor for the MATC Fashion Merchandising Program. Steph is also a 2019 graduate of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation UpStart Program, an entrepreneurship initiative designed to equip women and people of color with the tools to launch and grow their businesses.

Incorporating recycled materials and salvaged objects in her designs, Steph’s mixed media practice emphasizes sustainability. Her work explores themes of the female form, fashion, and a deep connection to nature. Her original pieces are held in both public and private collections across the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Finland, and Germany.