The Mission Behind Karma by Design - Detroit Creative Studio Making Art With a Purpose.
- Harper Wells
- Jan 22
- 5 min read
Updated: May 15
A Platform Built on Purpose, Grown Through Collaboration
Karma by Design didn’t begin with a business plan — it started with a brushstroke, a passion for creating, and the simple desire to make people feel something.
In the beginning, it was just a personal way to do what I loved: making art for friends and family, giving it as gifts, spreading good energy. I never charged for it. In fact, I’d lose money on materials and supplies, and it didn’t matter — because creating was enough.
Until one day, a friend insisted on paying for a piece I made. I refused. But he pushed harder, so I offered him an alternative:
“Donate to a charity of your choice. That’s more than enough.”
He agreed. That moment sparked something. I realized that art could be a bridge — between self-expression and social good. Between creativity and contribution. That’s how the name “Karma by Design” was born.
Profits Not Our Strong Suit, But Giving Back — That’s Where We Thrive
At its core, Karma by Design wasn’t built to be profitable. It was a platform for impact — a way for artists to do what they love, be seen, and give back, all at the same time.
As requests grew, so did the vision. Strangers began reaching out. Friends told friends. And soon, I couldn’t keep up on my own. That’s when I began reaching out to like-minded creatives who shared the same belief:Art can make a difference.
Karma by Design evolved from a solo project into a collaborative platform for artists, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals. A place where art isn’t just sold — it’s shared. And with every sale, a portion of proceeds goes toward real, tangible charity efforts.
Detroit Creative Studio Making Art With a Purpose.
Karma by Design is now a platform that supports:
Independent Artists looking to get their work out into the world
Interior Designers & Stylists looking to curate purposeful decor
Charities & Nonprofits needing a creative way to raise funds
Influencers & Affiliates looking to promote art and earn through impact
Businesses & Brands wanting to enhance their spaces with meaningful visuals
We offer a wide range of art — from extra large canvas prints and framed fine art to fashion-inspired pop art, cultural collections, and emotional storytelling pieces — all of which contribute to a cause.
Our mission is to empower artists to be successful, inspire people through art, and use creativity as a force for change.
What Makes Karma by Design Different?
Karma by Design started nearly eight years ago with a single canvas and a vision rooted in purpose. Since then, we’ve grown from a local side project into a full-scale platform that has curated, contracted, and networked with artists and clients worldwide.
Through our work, we’ve helped both our in-house art and collaborating artists’ pieces make their way into luxury hotels, lounges, and curated spaces such as:
SLS South Beach
The Beverly Hotel
The W Resorts
KOHEBA Day Club
Boutique concepts like The Whitmore and Halcyon House, Room 00 , Tide & Vine , Tiger Paw and More.
We’ve quietly worked behind the scenes — curating custom artwork and collaborating with interior designers and creative partners to craft spaces that feel personal, luxurious, and emotionally charged.
What sets us apart isn’t just what we create — it’s how we operate.We prioritize impact over ego, collaboration over competition, and purpose over profit.
Partner With a Purpose: How You Can Get Involved
We believe that collaboration is the future. Karma by Design wasn’t built to be about us — it was built to lift others.
1. Charities & Nonprofits
If you're a nonprofit or cause-driven organization looking for a creative way to raise funds, we offer custom promo codes you can promote through your own network. Every purchase using your code earns your charity a portion of the sale. We provide the product, you provide the awareness, and together we make an impact.
2. Influencers, Creators & Affiliates
Whether you're a content creator, a micro-influencer, or someone who just loves what we do — you can join our Affiliate Program. We’ll give you a unique code, and every time someone uses it, you earn a commission. The best part? No matter what, a portion still goes to charity. So even if you're making money, you're making an impact too.
3. Business Collaborations
We collaborate with businesses, retailers, salons, realtors, and designers who want to elevate their space and brand through art. Whether it's a one-time custom piece, a branded art experience, or ongoing commissions — we're here to create with you.
4. The Revolving Gallery Experience
One of our most exciting initiatives is our Revolving Gallery Program — a curated art experience for:
Lounges, cafes, or boutiques looking to add style and storytelling to their walls
Pop-up events that need decor with depth
Offices and showrooms seeking conversation-starting pieces
We rotate artwork on a scheduled basis, giving your guests access to art they may never have seen otherwise, while giving independent artists new exposure in real-life spaces. It’s decor, entertainment, and a platform — all in one.
The Long-Term Vision: Build With Us
The future of Karma by Design lies in collaboration.We want to grow with our partners — not in place of them. This is a brand built on mutual effort and shared impact. The more people we bring in — artists, affiliates, nonprofits, designers — the more lives we can affect.
It’s not just about making beautiful spaces. It’s about:
Giving artists a platform to succeed
Helping others discover meaningful art
Raising real funds for real causes
And making a difference in both the lives of the creators and the communities they serve
It’s not about us. It’s about you. It’s about all of us — creating something bigger than ourselves.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re an artist, a brand, a nonprofit, or just someone who wants to help — we’d love to hear from you.
From a Detroit creative studio making art with a purpose — to walls and hearts around the world. This is more than art. This is Karma by Design.
Explore our gallery → Shop the Collection
Get involved in our charitable work → Learn More
Apply to be an artist or affiliate → Partner With a Purpose
Follow the journey → @karmaxdesign
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