Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation; we are sharing it below.

Karen, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I do make a living from my creative work, and it was a decision that I made back in 2012 when I felt that I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose here on planet Earth. I just wasn’t happy with a 9-5pm job, benefits etc. I had this gift that I was born with to create art with music, poetry and performing arts. I had always wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment world but was discouraged at an early age because it was such a risk. I always expressed an interest in music and theatre but wasn’t encouraged by my family. I needed to get a “real job”, that’s what I heard so much during my early years, despite my interest. I tried so many years to make it happen while working a full-time job, but my creative journey became a very loud calling before the end of 2012. So, I dropped everything else and stepped hard on FAITH for guidance. I don’t think or feel there is any truth to speeding up any process other than to stay true to your belief in yourself and your purpose for living.

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.

I didn’t really see my craft being external for others to appreciate it. I wanted to perform, write and make music because I am good at interpreting moods and ingesting feelings from others. That shift came much later in my creative journey. I worked in the mental health/addiction field for more than twelve years, which exposed me to a population that held on to trauma. This experience shifted my direction with my craft. By utilizing music, art, poetry and movement, I saw some major changes in my clientele’s behavior and their outlook. I feel that all genres of the arts heal and allows space for self-expression. I have led and been a part of many workshops and conferences where the music (drumming especially) has been the opening and closing for centering. My genre (drumming) is hands-on. It allows one to experience their five senses and tap into what is needed for grounding. When getting through whatever is going on in one’s life, the sounds can adjust most situations while adding physical movement assists with reflecting, reviewing and releasing any boundaries one has been dealing with.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

There is a lot of talk around bullying and guns and all the while searching for solutions to shifting this anger. I have developed a project with other artists and artistic organizations to take our gifts to the streets where gun activity seems to be high. Setting up stations for those who are unaware or may need an extra push to deal with life challenges and can benefit from a non-judgmental moment which includes, drumming, light refreshments, resources, movement and encouragement where needed. “Drums not Guns” is a mobile project which meets the community where they are on their own journey, and we are able to work together. Giving the entire community a hug, and not just the child is the ultimate goal.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on my social media platform by sharing some parts of my life; my career as a performer, the various places that it takes me, the simpler moments of life such as taking walks, maintaining balance, check-ups, making healthy choices, positive affirmations and showing my vulnerability as well as some of my personal struggles. Checking in and saying hello can make someone’s day a little brighter. It also comes back to me as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karensmithdrums
• Instagram: @karensmithdrums
• Facebook: Karen Smith
• Youtube: @klsmith 1931

Image Credits

Rick Cothran, Donna Dorman