We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karyn Denten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Karyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From a young age, I was always drawing, painting, or making something. I knew I loved the process, but it wasn’t until college that I realized there were different career paths in the art world. That led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications, which eventually opened doors to a career as a graphic designer.
After years designing for marketing agencies, I found myself burned out and craving a more personal connection with my art, I started painting in my free time—early mornings, weekends, any spare moment I could find. There came a point when I realized that if I was going to fulfill my dream as a a full-time artist, I needed to take the leap sooner rather than later. That realization was a true turning point for me, and I haven’t looked back.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My artistic style today is deeply influenced by my early career in Southern California. Working at a boutique agency in Newport Beach, I was immersed in the creative scene, collaborating with restaurateurs, clubs, and coffee shops to design logos and visual identities. One of my most memorable experiences was designing invitation packages for the Big Sister’s of Los Angels charity event, which I attended along with movie stars I would never have imagined meeting.
Every day started with a walk to the local coffee roaster behind the studio, where we’d bring our own mugs and soak in the coastal air. The agency was right on the harbor with a short walk to the beach. Being by the water and looking out at the endless horizon left a lasting impression on me.
After returning to Chicago, I felt that same pull of the horizon during my daily Metra commute, inspiring my Pink Horizons series. For me, the horizon represents my belief that even amid the everyday grit and grind, it’s always worth pursuing a dream.
When I had my first art show, I was thrilled to sell 12 paintings. Seeing people’s faces light up when they saw my work was an unforgettable experience. It was incredibly rewarding to watch as my art connected with them on a personal level, sparking conversations and emotions I hadn’t anticipated. Knowing that my work resonated with others, and would find a place in their lives, gave me a profound sense of fulfillment and encouragement.
With my art, I want to inspire others to go after what they are passionate about, just as I did in becoming a full-time artist.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. Connecting with peers, joining artist groups, and attending local art events provide invaluable support and inspiration. It was something I didn’t prioritize when I first started painting. After participating in art shows, galleries and interior designers started reaching out to me to collaborate.
Posting on Instagram has also been a powerful tool leading to sales, exhibitions, and new relationships. It’s a way to share my work with a broader audience — a space where I can give them a behind-the-scenes look into my studio life, share my process and show my latest work.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
After leaving the structure of a 9-to-5 schedule, I committed to treating my art practice as a full-time job. I knew I had to stay disciplined and hold myself accountable—no one else would be there to ensure I showed up.
One book, in particular, had an impact on my creative practice. Atomic Habits by James Clear is about small, incremental changes that build powerful habits over time. This book helped me establish a daily routine that gets me into the studio every day to paint.
Another influential book was The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, which encourages you to examine and break through self-imposed limits, take risks, and expand your vision of what’s possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karyndenten.com
- Instagram: @karyndenten
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karyndenten
Image Credits
Annie Denten