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

Kacey, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve been drawing and writing since I could hold a pencil. But when I was 20, I found it as a way to really channel my feelings and be a good distraction. I think the most important skills I learned were through practice. Nothing beats hours put in the sketchbook. I had several mentors as well when I was tattooing who gave me more advice that I still use to this day, but daily practice is still number one.

The only real obstacle I had was time. There’s really no shortcuts to learning drawing. While the internet is full of really helpful hints (color theory, painting techniques, subject inspiration, etc.), I don’t think I would have developed any quicker with or without it. Trust the process, no matter how long it takes.

Kacey, 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?

I am a painter, writer, and psychology graduate. Most of my work is very much fueled by color, positivity, and things that try to give the world a little extra seratonin. Currently, I create paintings, stickers, prints, and (hopefully soon), stationery and accessories.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be a featured artist at North Carolina Comic-Con, South Carolina Comic-Con, and Nashville Comic-Con. Through my work, I’m hoping to not only express myself, but help others express themselves as well.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That artists are born with a gift. There are no free hand-outs in the human brain. Being good at art or any other profession requires a lot of work and learning from failure. There were points where a piece didn’t turn out the way I wanted, and I easily said, “I’m no good at drawing.” Then I realized I didn’t care if I sucked- I just enjoyed the act of drawing. And doing that act was what made me better. Unlearn that you have to be “good” at something to enjoy it. Just do it because it’s fun, and the “getting good” will come eventually.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Number one- we actually do create things people need. While it doesn’t directly benefit our survival, art benefits our mental health and our ability to relate to others. It’s vital to being a good human.

Number two- not everything you do has to be monetized. It doesn’t have to be your career path or your way to earn a living. Do it because you want to, not because it’s a way of making end’s meet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaceynoel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kaceynoel_/