Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kianna Krauss. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I feel like in modern society you hear a lot about how you need to have a good business plan or outreach to be successful. I agree that can be valid for blue or white collar workforces, but not for us creatives.

To be successful as a creative, it’s important to leave a lasting impression on your clients and customer base. This can be done either through what your work portrays and ignites in the person, or just how you present yourself to them. A large portion of my peers and clientele don’t recognize me solely by the art I create but rather the interpersonal connection we’ve created. There’s absolutely nothing I love more than creating connections and little memories with the people I interact with when sharing my art. I don’t ever want to just be seen as a “sales person” selling some cool looking stuff at a market – I want people to walk away from our conversations with a sense of fulfillment and joy with their purchase.

When all said and done, human interaction is a huge part of being able to sell your art. As creatives we’re always told our art needs to make people “feel” something, but that also falls in line with US also having that ability.

In this industry I don’t care to be “well known” – I care to be worth knowing.

Kianna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! For those who aren’t aware of me, my name is Kianna but often go by Key as its easier for people to remember.
I am a freelance illustrator and tattoo artist based in Las Vegas. I am originally from Southern California but am happy to say my days are spent out here now.
My art alias is Keyyahnuh Art – which is derived from the phonetic spelling of my name (Key-yah-nuh).

Throughout my youth, I was immediately indulged into as many art courses and art-related activities in school. I hold an array of advanced art courses under my belt beginning from sixth grade all the way through college – allowing me to advance my skills and understanding of the basic principles of art and incorporate them to my everyday works. These courses included commercial art, studio art, digital art, graphic design, character design, life/anatomy, and so on.

I am a firm believer that there is always more to learn. I always strive to better myself and my skillset. And for that reason, I now hold three degrees – one in Psychology, Sociology, and Narrative Illustration.

I sell my art at local art markets and anime conventions, allowing me to connect with peers of similar interests while sharing my work. Alongside that, I am also a tattoo artist! I specialized in anime and anime inspired tattoos at Silver Squid Ink in Las Vegas. It is an all women safe space tattoo shop – and it is such an honor to be apart of!

All of my works both on paper and skin art inspired by my dreams, interests and the people/places I encounter – weaving these elements together to make eye-capturing illustrations!

I have been a creative my whole life and have always strived for human connections – being able to combine the two and create art / tattoo people is such an honor.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had always wanted to pursue art full time, but sometimes it is hard to pull the trigger when you are comfortable in your current position.
From the age of 17-26, I had worked for an outdoor retailer and climbed the corporate ladder. Sadly as of recent, the economy had shifted and my position was no longer needed which led to me getting laid off.

This happened to occur at the same time that I got cleared by my mentor to tattoo on human skin and begin taking clients.

When you work for a company for 9 out of 26 years of your life, you would think that it would hurt when that status changed. Surprisingly enough, I was actually excited. It felt as though the stars were aligning and I was finally getting my shot to pursue being an artist full time – so I willfully took that chance by the reins and ran with it!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I personally feel as though the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the fact that I can create something and someone else likes it enough to spend their hard earned money on it.

It sounds so silly, but just the fact that a little thing that I put my heart into was captivating enough to someone else to the point where they want to own said little thing is so so so fun. What do you mean you want to hang my art on your wall?! Like that’s crazy!

And now all their friends/family/guests get to see that art and appreciate it just as I and my customer have.

I prefer leaving a lasting impression on my clients and customers, so that way when someone DOES ask about said little thing, they don’t just say “Oh I bought it from some artist”. I want them to be able to say they bought it from me specifically and have a fun little story to go along with it. And I think that’s such a special moment

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.keyyahnuh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyyahnuh
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JhYquZM2yg
• Other: https://keyyahnuh.myportfolio.com/