Hello!

My name is Heather Schaffnit and I am an alumnus of Montana State University, where I studied architecture (formally Environmental Design) from 2018-2022. I have always felt a strong draw toward the arts, so the MSU program’s focus on traditional media was a perfect fit. Drawing, painting, and particularly loose sketching are my primary vehicles for ideating and designing. I interned at a local architecture firm for 6 months during my undergrad, and in 2022 obtained a position as a lighting designer at an MEP Engineering firm. During my 2 years as a lighting designer, I saw multiple projects from schematic design through construction, working closely with contractors and electricians to ensure my design intent was maintained. This period cultivated my passion for connecting creative ideas with the grounded realities of installation.

In the summer of 2024, I took the leap of moving to Flagstaff, AZ with my partner, where I have been focusing on developing an apparel brand called the Chaos Closet. This passion project evokes my love for both fashion and painting and has continued to evolve since its conception in late 2023. The ethos of the Chaos Closet aligns with a slow fashion model, where simple or damaged thrifted items can become specialty pieces with timeless styling. I see these as art pieces more than just shirts. Many of my patchwork-style collaged artworks utilize thrifted or salvaged fabrics, and I limit waste in my production by using “scrap” however possible. I’m incredibly excited to see my 2D art elevated to a usable scale.

The Chaos Closet is run solely by me with all photography, design, and assembly done from my home in Flagstaff.