We recently connected with Katelyn Marks and have shared our conversation below.

Katelyn, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

Back in 2017 is when I first started painting. I’ve always been a creative person and my partner convinced me to give it a go. I tried it and enjoyed it so I started a page for my art. I kept at it for a bit when someone sent me a message saying they’d like to purchase a piece I had made. I was over the moon excited, turns out she was located in the u.k. which was also very exciting. I had to learn how to ship things and to ship overseas. It was the first sale I had ever made.

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 back background and context?

I’m a local artist based in Michigan. I am 29 yrs old and I’ve always been a creative. I first started with sketching/ drawing and I was pretty good. They say practice makes perfect but truthfully no one is perfect. Practicing will definitely help you become better at something that’s for sure. Later in my life I got reacquainted with my childhood best friend who would come back as my better half who convinced me to try painting. I did a little research to figure out which medium I wanted to start with as there’s so many options.
I then decided on acrylics and I feel like I picked it up well.
I worked at painting for the years to come and sometime in 2021 I started vending at different events/shows.
I feel at this point is where things began to pick up, I started vending more each year.
I had a great support system for my art endeavors, my partner, my parents, and friends.
Along the way I’ve met some amazing people who also do art.

The kinds of things I create are colorful and I like to think magical. I create all types of work including; landscapes, dot mandalas, mystical cloudscapes, pet portraits, cartoons, abstracts and much more. I love to try new things and experiment with new mediums and materials.
I’ve experimented with woodburning, watercolors and even oil paints. Aside from canvas paintings I also create things like; handpainted magnets and pins, ceramic coasters, ornaments, tie dye shirts, along with handmade earrings as well. I make custom pieces of art for my clients as well.

I love painting and I do it everyday. It’s my passion, my hobby & my stress reliever all in one. There have been challenges along the way, such as my adhd. I’ve learned to embrace it. Sometimes I can take weeks on a piece of art, other times I can paint three in one day.
In essence, art is my lifeline and I’m so grateful to share my colorful world with others.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I had to start with making my page over on Facebook. I painted my heart out and started posting what I had painted. Persistence is key and algorithms are tough cookies to crack. I believe that you should do what you love, just do it. Post that art despite any negative comments you may receive. There are always negative people but find that positive support group, friends, family, an art community! Follow your art heart and you will do great things.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing would have to be the customers or just anyone that has bought my art or that I’ve donated art to. I just really enjoy spreading the magic and the joy. To get a message that’s so excited to receive my art and the photos people have shared with me is just so rewarding. I’d love for everyone to have a bit of colorful magic.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artworkbykatelyn/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063500083485

Image Credits
Brittany Dye