We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaitlyn Kelm a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kaitlyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
Back in college at Western Washington University I was in my final quarter before graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art and I had no clue what I was going to do after finishing school. At the time I was in a required upper level course that focused on teaching us how to make a living as an artist. The course covered lots of topics like how to get an agent, pay taxes, how to pack and ship a painting, etc. Practical advice for someone looking to make a name in the world of fine art. I knew deep down that although I had studied oil painting, drawing, even sculpture – I wasn’t going down the path of gallery shows and fancy parties. Ultimately, though, the class did show me another way to get my art out into the world. One of the final assignments of the course was to submit work to a juried competition. We were not graded on the outcome of the competition – the goal was to simply apply. I suppose this process helped us learn not only the process of applying to a call for art, but to help break the ice, so to speak. At the time, the City of Bellingham, WA (where I lived and where WWU is located) was asking people to submit art to be displayed on several traffic boxes around downtown. They asked that the design be representative of the area. I chose to create a piece dedicated to native flowers of the Pacific Northwest. I researched, sketched, planned, painted, desperately tried to find a scanner large enough, and finally submitted my final work to the City for review. Then I sat around twiddling my thumbs waiting to hear back for several months all the while graduating and finding yet another job in retail. Eventually I got the news that my design was one of six chosen! After several more months of waiting I received that beautiful check in the mail that said “yes, your art is worth something”. It’s taken years since then to continue to build my skill and confidence level to the point of attempting to sell my art for a living.
Kaitlyn, 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 am a digital artist and am currently working towards building up my online store. The path to being a digital artist has been long and winding. As a child my mom wanted me to learn an instrument and I was put into piano classes. This turned out horribly and after begging her to let me quit for who knows how long she finally relented. Turns out music is not my strong suit. I did, however, love doing arts and crafts. During my time in public school I took every art class available to me and even took some classes outside of school at a local art store. I attended community college right after high school and eventually made my way to studying at Western Washington University where I graduated with a degree in Studio Art with a focus in mixed media. At this point in my life I was focused on traditional forms of art and hadn’t had much experience with digital. After college I wasn’t really sure what to do. I continued to create although not nearly as much as I had during school. I painted a mural at a local business and one at a friend’s house. Eventually I purchased an iPad and started drawing digitally. I made and sold my first ever stickers and my mom pestered me to open an Etsy store while I came up with excuses as to why I couldn’t yet. Eventually I had the opportunity to sell my stuff in person at a small event of about 5 vendors. I had roughly 3 days to get everything together in which I made homemade business cards, product tags, signs, etc. I sold enough tote bags and stickers to make it worth it and decided I had to do it again. I found another, larger art fair and signed up. This time I had time to properly accumulate inventory and make professional business cards. I made more tote bags, ordered more stickers to be printed, and borrowed a canopy and table from my dad. Since then I have opened my Etsy store, sold at three more art fairs, and have applied to sell at several more this year.
On my Etsy store you will find my stickers for sale as well as custom pet portraits. I am hoping to add art prints and greeting cards this year as well. When I’m not working either of my two day jobs, I am not only creating but trying to navigate the world of social media and figuring out how to get my shop to more people. Speaking of which, on my Instagram I share not only my digital art but projects I’m working on at my job as a Display Coordinator for Anthropologie.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Seeing someone with one of my stickers on their water bottle or using one of my tote bags. Having someone come back to my booth to buy a sticker because they just couldn’t go home without it. Little compliments from strangers. I just simply love to make something that someone else can enjoy.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to create art for the public. Art that you can see walking down the street or driving to work. Art that can be enjoyed by anyone young or old. As an artist I have a deep love for all kinds of art, but I can understand some people struggle to find the deeper meaning beyond the paint and I want to put something easily digestible into the world. It may sound naïve or silly, but I think it is worth it for everyone to have the opportunity to just enjoy some art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaitlynKelmArt
- Instagram: KaitlynKelmArt
- Other: https://society6.com/kaitlynkelmart
Image Credits
Kaitlyn Kelm