We were lucky to catch up with Karen Sako recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t know that I would be an artist. As a two-time pre-school dropout, I admit that all I wanted to do was stay home and draw. My first job at age 15 was teaching drawing classes at a pre-school and I have been teaching drawing and painting classes ever since. My family supported and encouraged me to pursue art as a career giving me approval for my more bohemian way of life. While teaching, working at a gallery and showing my work I realized how difficult being an artist was going to be which lead me to my decision to go back to school and get my BFA in visual communications. I joined the corporate jungle as a package designer and was constantly conflicted between being a graphic designer or a painter. Eventually, I found harmony between the two disciplines and fused those skills together to make me a better designer and a better fine artist. After 5 years I quit my full time design job and started to freelance while teaching and working other odd jobs. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I quit my teaching job and opened my own studio where I could concentrate on painting. I currently work as a full time painter, a freelance designer and still teach workshops in oil and cold wax.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My inspiration comes from my imagination being sparked by emotional responses to my own life situations, adventures, observing nature, being around other creative people, powerful music, and a symbolic allegory.

I am most proud of taking a huge risk during the pandemic to reinvent myself by opening my own art studio in September, 2020. All of my time and energy are now focused on painting and gaining gallery representation. It was extremely difficult to walk away from my full time teaching position for something so uncertain but I knew it was the right time to make a big move. I have gained so much self-confidence and strength from a balance of success and from making some huge mistakes.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was once told I would never be able to leave the hospital or drive a car again. The shattering diagnosis of a brain tumor that grew off my optic nerve left me with a devastating possibility that I would lose my sight. Being 21 years old and facing a surgery that I may not even survive left me absolutely paralyzed with fear. The surgery was a success and I was only left with double vision and no feeling on the right side of my face. Overcoming this situation has made me appreciate every opportunity and to not accept limitations in my life. This experience drives my decisions and has allowed me to take risks.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Owning and operating my own business as a creative would not have been possible without all the of the experience I gained by working a variety of odd jobs. I am fortunate to have worked at an accounting firm, an engineering firm, as a teacher, a florist, a dog walker, breeder, groomer and a handler. All of these things gave me skills that I needed to be able to run my business. I have learned how to be competitive, humble and to take rejection. There are so many roles that an artist must juggle to be successful that goes way beyond talent and technique. I am a salesman, the marketing department, the promoter, the creative, the teacher, the student, the accountant, a social media guru, videographer, photographer and now a writer. Being a jack of all trades has build my knowledge and through experiences I have armed myself to tackle running my creative business. More than anything though, it’s having a strong support system along with a community of other creatives that keeps me driven and striving for success.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.sakostdios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakostudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SakoStudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensako
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarenSako
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karensako6333
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/sakostudios