We were lucky to catch up with Karla Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karla , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

I have been a working artist since high school with the majority of my commissions being pet portraits. I have also freelanced as a bartender and have been a wedding vendor for almost as long as I have painted. Several years ago I started seeing TikTok videos of artist painting live at weddings and other events. It was a no-brainer! I put it out on social media that I was getting started and I was able to book 3 weddings off my first post. I am now 4 years in and am loving how artists are becoming a major part of this industry. The Bride and Groom not only get to have a beautiful painting to display of their wedding day but it adds an element of entertainment for the guest to enjoy. There is an up tick of artist promoting their skills as wedding painters but instead of being scare of the market being oversaturated I see this as growth opportunities for my fellow artists. The variation in styles, budgets, mediums, and markets ensures there’s enough work for everyone. Wedding guest portraits have further broaden an artist’s offering and are quickly becoming a new staple. I’m excited to see what other creative ideas artist come up with to stay relevant in a technological world.

Karla , 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 an artist and I also teach high school visual arts. I spend most of my school breaks in my studio creating originals or working on commission pieces. During the wedding season I paint live at the venues for guest to watch and enjoy. As a long time wedding vendor (bartender) I’m very much familiar with day of activities and vendor best practices. When I work a wedding I try to be the least of the bride’s worry and go out of my way to contribute to their day. I focus more on quality over quantity and only paint 10 or so weddings a year. My preference are for local venues so I can make it back to my own home at night but am willing to travel if necessary. I love working with repeat families and getting to know my clients.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’ve been fortunate to be from a small community of people who have shown me incredible support. Some of my biggest supporters are women who have known me since childhood or early adult years. Every post I make they comment, like and share. I’m not sure I would be where I am had it not been for them. They go out of their way to find me work or will buy my originals and prints just to make sure I’ve made a sale at a show. I’m asked to come speak at their garden clubs or retirement organizations and they forever recommend me to their friends, daughters, granddaughters, and nieces who are getting married. They donate supplies to my high school class and support the projects I do with them. I am not from a big family or a big community but I have found big love from the women who had pivotal roles in my life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives think creativity is ingrain in a person and so there is less effort by creative people. I wish they could see the amount of time I have in proactively bettering my art and the vast amount of research I put into new mediums and techniques. I remind my students all the time that practice in art is very similar to practice in sports. If you throw a baseball over and over again for years to better your skills then you will get better. If you practice visual arts the same way with the same consistency and effort you will improve. Creative thinking techniques are also a skill most people can learn or improve if they have a desire to do so.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karlanoblelewis.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlanoblelewis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlanoblelewis

Image Credits

Mary Sullivan Photography