We were lucky to catch up with Kalin Monet recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kalin , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

Growing up as an only child for the first ten years of my life, art became an integral part of my existence. From crafting paper doll houses to attempting to replicate characters from cartoons, my creative endeavors evolved over time. Whether it was sewing, candle making, or immersing myself in various crafts, I found solace and fulfillment in artistic expression. As I transitioned into adolescence, art became more than just a pastime – it became a means of self-expression. Despite keeping my creations mostly to myself, positive feedback on characters I replicated from TV shows fueled my passion. Upon reaching middle and high school, I faced a pivotal moment in choosing my career path. Contemplating between the safe route of Architecture/Interior Design and the riskier path of pursuing the arts, I initially opted for the former, hoping it would satisfy my creative urges. However, the reality of the Architecture and Interior Design industry fell short of my expectations, leaving me disillusioned. It was then that I rediscovered the joy of creating for myself. Slowly but surely, I began sharing my work on social media and participating in pop-up art shows. Despite the daunting prospect of pursuing art professionally, fueled by the negative stereotypes surrounding artists, the success of my first art show dispelled any doubts. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that fear had held me back from fully embracing my passion for art. Looking back, I wish I had taken the leap sooner. Art isn’t just a hobby – it’s my passion, my essence, and the very core of my being. It’s a journey I’m committed to pursuing wholeheartedly going forward.

Kalin , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Upon graduating from college with a degree in Architectural Technology in 2015, I embarked on a career in Interior Architecture and Design. However, within a few months of entering the workforce, I realized that the excitement and creativity I had experienced in my studies were notably absent in the real-world industry. This realization prompted me to rekindle my passion for art, which had always served as a means of self-expression and solace for me. Returning to artistic creation brought a newfound light into my life. Despite feeling a spark that hinted at a potential career in art, I hesitated due to the negative perceptions I had internalized about pursuing a creative path. Nonetheless, I began participating in small events, starting with the Valentine’s Day artist contest with Blick Art Supplies in 2017. Selling my silhouette-inspired paintings in Union Square and receiving positive feedback further encouraged me to share my work on social media, eventually catching the eye of a curator for my first pop-up art show. At this show, I found myself delving into the deeper meanings behind my art for the first time. This experience resonated with me profoundly, evoking a sense of purpose and fulfillment akin to finding one’s calling. Engaging in meaningful conversations with attendees further solidified my commitment to pursuing art as a career. Over time, I ventured into larger events, markets, group exhibitions, and eventually organized my solo exhibition titled “Lunar Echoes” in Bronxville, NY, in March 2024. Each year, my involvement in the art scene deepened, fueling my desire to learn and grow within the field. My mission now is clear: to make art my career, regardless of challenges. Through my artwork, I aim to share moments of my life through symbolism, offering solace, inspiration, and connection to others. As someone who grapples with anxiety and depression, combating loneliness remains a significant motivation for me. If my art can serve as a beacon of light for others facing difficult times, I consider it a meaningful success. To ensure accessibility, I offer a range of affordable art prints, handmade decor inspired by my artwork, and printed merchandise. Additionally, I actively promote mental wellness awareness, provide support, and foster connections through my art. My journey in the arts has led me down various paths, from designing jewelry and being published in Belle Armoire Jewelry in 2020 to sharing my knowledge to this point on youtube and volunteering with “We Roam Freely,” a non-profit supporting BIPOC, non-binary individuals, and women. Ultimately, I find passion in creating mixed media ethereal art, teaching my soothing painting workshops, witnessing someone’s eyes light up when they see the fulfillment of the commission project, and building personal connections with visitors at my exhibitions and market booths. These are the moments that fuel my creativity and drive, and I aspire to continue pursuing them and more throughout my life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Crafting with my hands has always served as a mode of self-expression throughout my upbringing. Whether sewing or baking to unwind, or delving into art as a means of expressing my emotions, creativity has been my sanctuary. Initially, when I began showcasing my artwork, I hesitated to share the narratives behind each piece and the motivations driving my creative process. For years, I internalized the notion that my struggles with mental health were something to conceal, leading me to imbue my art with symbolism as a form of guarded expression. However, at my first exhibition, where I presented around 20 pieces, I gradually started opening up about my personal journey to visitors. Engaging in these conversations felt cathartic, not only for me but also for those who resonated with my story. As I participated in more showcases, I became increasingly comfortable discussing the themes and emotions embedded in my work. I realized that these dialogues were not only therapeutic for myself but also offered solace to others who found comfort in shared experiences.

Throughout numerous exhibitions, pop-up events, and markets where my artwork is displayed, I’ve engaged in profound discussions encompassing life’s trials, resilience, and more, sometimes even leading to impromptu therapeutic sessions. Over time, I’ve come to view it as my mission to create connections through my art. I continue to incorporate symbolism into my pieces, allowing viewers to interpret them through their own lenses while imparting the message that they are not alone in their struggles. Beyond merely showcasing art for sale, I actively encourage anyone I encounter to reach out, whether they’re grappling with challenges or simply seeking someone to talk to. My purpose extends beyond the canvas—I’m here to listen, connect, and foster growth within our community

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Entering the realm of the arts, I held onto the belief that consistent creation and participation in pop-ups and exhibitions would eventually propel my career forward. However, I soon realized that being an independent artist parallels running any other business—a realization I wish had dawned on me sooner. Beyond mastering the technical aspects, I needed to acquaint myself with administrative tasks. In 2020, faced with the inability to partake in in-person shows, I transitioned to showcasing my work online, discovering the daunting challenges inherent in digital presentation. This shift underscored the importance of comprehending marketing, video editing, finance, crafting a business plan, and more.

During that pivotal year, I stumbled upon the book “Art/Work,” which remains my invaluable reference for foundational principles. It enlightened me on the significance of maintaining an inventory of my artwork, a practice I adopted just in time, as my portfolio now nears 200 pieces. Even today, I revisit the book intermittently, extracting insights to enhance the business facets of my artistic endeavors. Its tailored guidance proves indispensable, considering that not all business strategies seamlessly translate into the realm of art.

Additionally, I regret not discovering resources like Score earlier, particularly when registering my art practice as a business. Their plethora of online tips and tricks, though not universally applicable, offered invaluable guidance. YouTube emerged as my go-to platform for various tutorials and was no longer just for entertainment, ranging from video editing to optimizing SEO for my website. Moreover, it provided a crucial shift in mindset, helping me reconcile the personal nature of my art with its commercial aspects. In my quest for guidance, I turned to documentaries and TED talks, blending insights from these sources to strike a balance between my artistic expression and business vision. Nowadays, I seek inspiration from podcasts for daily motivation, while still relying on YouTube for technical expertise.

Ultimately, I’ve learned to distinguish the applicability of advice within my unique context. Recognizing that every artist possesses a distinctive style and persona, I evaluate guidance through my own lens, ensuring its alignment with my artistic vision and objectives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Kalinmonet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalinmonet_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kalinmonetart
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@kalinmonet7956

Image Credits
Gus Stratigeas