We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karla Lo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I cannot pin one specific movement in life to knowing that passion. It wasn’t a leap or revelation. It was small steps forward. Creating and drawing and painting as a child just stayed with me as I grew older. Never did I think I could make actual money in art. Growing up you hear the negative talk of “well you have to be famous to actually make it as an artist” and that sort of stays with you subliminally. So out of high school I became a nurse and as the years passed I pursued school for EMT, worked as a Chiropractor’s Assistant and I was a stay at home mom for a few years as well. All throughout those years I was painting and putting out artwork for a gallery in Charlotte,NC. The Art House owned by the lovely Judith Zehmke and when the coronavirus came, like most people we had time to pursue other hobbies or avenues. And that is when I started creating digital work and haven’t stopped since.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I wanted “Planet Lo” to become this sort of world that’s known for color and whismy and think I’ve been able to achieve that thus far with my character artwork and pop illustrations. I started out using local businesses as practice. Creating digital designs specifically catered to them and over time I’ve developed not only clientele by simply using them as “target practice” but also friendships. Clientele have come to me for business artwork to be displayed as murals, artwork to be sold a merch for their businesses, whether that has been in clothing, stickers/totes, etc. I’ve done a bit of logo work as well.

I like going for the unconventional and eclectic, something you don’t see everyday. I like going for color, something that can change your mood just by looking at it and I like going for nostalgia because we all have it and enjoy it. When followers of my artwork like, buy or message me about how much they enjoy a certain piece, that is what I’m most proud of.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

You know there is so much value in Art and it can be found everywhere. Art is used as a means for therapy, it promotes culture and tourism through film, music, painting, dance, etc. Art is used for campaign and advocacy messages. It’s such an integral part of everyone’s lives yet it can be more difficult to pursue a career in Arts. Buy artwork directly from the Artist, attend exhibits and openings, leave reviews and most importantly- SHARE their work. Supporting does not need a monetary value to make it meaningful.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think everyone is an Artist of some sort. While some artists create art for themselves, exclusively, others create to sell and for the majority of artists, success means getting artwork into the world so people can appreciate and buy it. While many times that’s the goal, to solely rely on your art selling for income, that can create a strain. An imbalance of doing what you love and the need to make money. I’ve found myself the most happiest with my art when I’m creating what I love and I happen to come across buyers who see my vision. Art is entirely subjective and what works and is good for me will in turn be good for other people as well. Having just one person look at something I create and say “I love that!” Is the most rewarding part of being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captainkarla

Image Credits
Personal Photo: The Mango Market