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

Alright, Kira thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

The thought of having a ‘regular’ job comes into my mind often – I wonder where I would be in life, and who I would be in this world. Having a creative job is very fulfilling; I am able to do what my heart loves to do most, express myself, and explore all different kinds of layers within my work. And, it’s very hard as well; having to create when I’m tired/not inspired, needing to meet deadlines with creativity, and above all the mental switch from seeing art as a hobby to a job. I feel one of the beautiful things about art is that it’s always there for you… if you need to cry, dance, laugh, smile, it’s always there to support you. And, when you feel inspired, motivated, or passionate about creating, you can make something out of the blue. So, when you begin to attach qualities of a ‘job’ to it, it becomes restricted, and sometimes less freeing, which makes creating less… creative. While there are hardships of having a creative job, there are many positive aspects to it. In times that I feel drained and still need to create, sometimes that’s when I create my most real, raw art; there are less emotional blockers standing in the way, and I’m able to be honest with myself in how I feel. When I need to dance and my body feels like It can’t take it any longer, I can feel myself getting stronger and building stamina. Overall, I am beyond thankful and blessed to be living my life as an employed creative – even in hard times, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a multi-faceted creative – I am a musician, singer/songwriter, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and a makeup/visual artist. I grew up with the arts as if it was one of my siblings; from dancing in the living room after watching Dance Moms to listening to my dad play guitar and sing, the arts as always been in my life. Thankfully, I grew up in a household and community where my passion for the arts was fostered, and now I’m 19 years old, living on my own, with big dreams. I am currently writing and recording for my debut album, after running a successful Kickstarter Campaign to fund it! I explore many different genres in my music, but I would label myself as alternative-pop (Similar to Lorde, Billie Eilish, Maggie Rogers). Working on this album feels like a dream come true – I would be honored to have you along for the ride, and be there when the project is released! While recording/writing music, I am also working as a dance instructor/choreographer! I teach a range of classes from varying levels, ages, and styles – from 8 year olds to adults, I love it all! I also love creating group pieces and solos; choreographing is one of my favorite parts of dance! I am also currently training under Blake McGrath in his online mentorship program, as well as interning for him within the program. My dream is to tour the world with my music, with a show that has dance, visual art, makeup and more!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

“Okay but what’s your real job?”, “But what are you going to do when you grow up?”, “You can’t make a living off of art.”…

Those are all sentences I’ve heard before, multiple times. And, they’re all sentences I’ve told myself, multiple times.

Growing up, there was always this constant voice re-stating that the arts isn’t a ‘serious’ job, and I need to get a ‘serious’ job if I want to be ‘successful’. Whether that voice was from friends, friend’s parents, or strangers, it was always there; so much so that it started to get into my head, and I began telling myself all those things. It took a long time, and I’m still working on silencing those voices that ring in my head. Because I am proof – I am proof that the arts is a real job. That I can continue to do this into adulthood. That I can support myself doing what I love. Just because the path wasn’t ‘normal’ doesn’t make it any less valid.

I wish non-creatives understood that the path of the arts for a career should be taken just as serious as any other career path. Just because it doesn’t require a degree does not make it any less valid, difficult, or serious. A creative job will require a creative path for success. I hope that when a child has a passion for the arts, the community surrounding them supports that passion – It breaks my heart to think of all the creatives that could have been if they were only taken seriously. The arts is needed in this world, and we need the artists behind it.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is one word… connection.

I feel that one of the most beautiful things that comes from the arts is connection; a song that a whole friend group knows, a movie that’s a tradition to watch in your family, a social dance you do with strangers at an event. The arts go beyond any form of communication, and is able to create connections and bonds on another level. The concept of a concert is so beautiful to me – strangers, from all different walks of life come together in one space to listen to and sing songs that have touched them profoundly. You could be complete strangers and both of you could be crying while singing the same song – in that moment, there is only connection. No opposing beliefs, no contrasting opinions, no insecurities… just you, and them, connecting in that moment. How beautiful is that??

My goal is to create connection with people who listen, or watch my art. I want to connect to them as an artist, I want them to connect with other people through my art, and most of all, I want them to be able to connect with themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kiratakei.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiratakei/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078823046576
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kiratakei7588?si=UIzzz5XzReOX9dzV

Image Credits

Julia Lynn