We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brendan Kelly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brendan below.
Brendan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I should start by saying “Thank you COVID-19.” I’m sure the use of thank you in that sentence is rare, but COVID-19 gave me time, something we often wish for more of. I was laid off due to the pandemic and needed something new to do. Otherwise, I am pretty sure I would have driven my wife and daughter insane. Browsing over various social media platforms, I started looking at leather crafter’s work and said “I can do that. Plus I love the smell of leather.” I sold all my photography equipment and bought a bunch of leather, tools, and heavy-duty sewing machine. I watched a few “how to” videos, read some blogs, but mostly I looked at pictures and had ideas in my head.
Since I had plenty of time on my hands, much like the rest of the world, I had no need to speed up my learning process. I took my time with each trial creation. If it didn’t turn out like I wanted, I would undo it all and reuse the material in a new creation, simply trial and error.
Being an artist was the most essential skill I had. Creating was and is burned into my being. Being a recovering perfectionist, kept me in check too, I knew how I wanted a bag or wallet to turn out in my head. If it didn’t meet my standard, I would undo it all and start over. I guess you could say I was one of my own obstacles, plus not knowing anyone who was in the leather crafting business, and unable to go out into the world to find someone to speak to and learn from.
Brendan, 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?
I’m a retired Army Veteran, former high school teacher, and worked in hospitality. Married going on thirty-three years and I have three amazing daughters. I credit my artistic talents to my family, they are my muse. When I’m not creating original leather goods, I might be found looking for the overlooked, forgotten, and the stories that need told. Writing is my other hobby.
As a kid, much of my time was spent between Northern California and the Panhandle of Texas. These two different places helped to make me who I am. When people ask me where I’m from I like to kid around and say I-40, it seemed as a kid I spent a lot of time on that road. Along with twenty plus years of military service, I’ve had some awesome experiences. Most of all, having those opportunities to see the USA and other countries has helped me to learn how to enjoy life. After all the years of moving around with the army and as a kid, my lovely wife and I chose to settle down in Roseville, CA.
I have always been involved in the arts. My grandmother and father were both portrait painters, so it was something I was immersed in. Leather work has captivated me. Working with my hands, as my ideas guide them, creates beautiful storyteller piece of functional art. COVID-19 allowed me the time to learn and find my style and way in the leather crafter world. I do some repairs for people, and a lot of custom work, provided I have creative freedom. In 2022 I decided to create my leather business “5K Designs.” The 5K stands for five Kelly’s, my wife and I, plus our three daughters. They inspire me, so I had to connect the name and them.
Since then, I have had the luxury of fixing and creating some amazing piece of leather work for people all over the U.S. and one person in France. Seeing their face when I get to give them their finished work is priceless, cheesy to say, but so very true. One of my most memorable works was making a new watchband for a lady. The watch was a beautiful piece of art, most importantly, it was a gift from her deceased son. She had been to a few watch repair shops and they all told her no, “It’s unrepairable” “Just get a regular band.” To her credit she kept searching and found me. I was honored to help her out and when I gave her the finished piece, she lit up and cried. I should say we cried. It was a special moment.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
First and foremost, it is important to be true to yourself. As an artist you know your style and honestly as an artist I can be picky about what projects I take on. I took on a job for a client who wanted a custom sheath for knife he had. He shared his ideas and I shared my creative philosophy, we agreed an I went to creating. When I gave him his custom sheath he was very happy with the work and artistry, however he wanted it to set a certain way on his belt. A way that would have had the knife cutting into the leather each time he pulled it out. I explained this to him, but he was set on having it that way. I politely told him I won’t do that, it’ll destroy a piece of work with my name on it and that’s not what I want. I refunded him his deposit, we shook hands, and parted ways.
Be true to your art and when you create quality piece people will share our story and show off your work.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I could create a hundred bags and other leather items, seeing a finished piece and it matches the vision in my head is very rewarding. Then, seeing someone appreciate it as much as you do and decide to purchase it, is simply awesome. I create one of a kind piece, I do not repeat designs. Each bag or journal is going to unique and original, just like my clients. Being able to create fulfills a need inside me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://5k-designs.square.site/
- Instagram: 5_kdesigns
