We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathleen Mapson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The most life changing risk I have taken was quitting my full-time – good benefits and excellent pay – job in higher education to have more time to grow my art business. 

I began working as an instructional designer and learning technologist nearly 17 years ago. When I started working in this field, it was great, but as the years progressed, I grew more unhappy. I was uninspired by the projects I was assigned (even the ones I created for myself), and often felt overworked and under-valued. Although I enjoyed working with some of my colleagues, I was detached from the work and longed for the days to do work I was passionate about. 

For many years, I toiled over the decision to leave and discussed resigning with my husband regularly. I was at a crossroads. Do I stay at a job I am unhappy with or take a leap of faith? I was mentally burned out from the work overload, emotionally drained from showing up each and every day when I would rather be in my studio painting, and physically tired from the constant commute from the suburbs to the city. I yearned for change and had to decide.

I think what often plagues us with resigning from ‘good jobs’ is the security of the steady paycheck, reliable insurance, and a retirement plan. However, in February I took a leap of faith and submitted my resignation. Making the decision to walk away from that, was not an easy decision for me. This was a major step toward betting on myself and believing that my gift would make room for me. 

Since leaving my full-time job, I am happier, have more clarity in my thoughts, and more creative than I have been in a very long time. I also feel more aligned with myself and my purpose. I have been immersed in art since I was 8 years old. I never thought I could have a career as an artist, but I ended up on a journey that led me back to where I always wanted to be. Although my business is to sell my art, creating art is so much deeper than just getting a sale. Painting feeds my soul, and while painting I spiritually feel the closeness of God. I know that I am using the gift I was given to ultimately bring joy to someone else. And there is no greater feeling. 

A few other exciting things have happened since this transition. I worked with an international photographer which inspired a styling mat product line. I have created more commissioned pieces than before and have experienced organic growth on social media around my art. I am also honored to have been asked and I am looking forward to leading a Master Class at a HBCU in the Fall. This prestigious event allows me the chance to share my passion, knowledge, and experiences with the next generation of artist. I am extremely excited about this opportunity to give back to a HBCU.

I choose to follow my heart, trust in my gift, and work in my purpose. Although there are days that are challenging, taking this risk with all the unknowns was the right decision for me. My new life is more freeing, focused, and peaceful which has made me a better person for myself and my family. And I believe that if I can do it, you can too.

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?

I am Kathleen Mapson, the owner and the artist at my Atlanta based fine art studio – Kathleen Mapson | Fine Art. I specialize in colorful abstract art and handmade styling mats for photographers.

I think what sets me apart, isn’t just the way I create my art or styling mats, but the client’s experience when working with me. Creating art brings me joy and I take it personally. But I also want my clients to be on the journey with me. So throughout the process I share videos and images of their art coming to life. I love sharing process videos with them to excite and educate them on how their art is made. They love this part of the process just as much as the finished work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I always say that having the ability to create something that does not exist is the most amazing thing to be able to do. As an artist I envision something in my mind or have an idea in the midst of creating and decide to paint it. To know that my hands are intimately connected to my mind so much so that what I see, I can manifest is mind blowing. It is truly something I (and all creatives) have been gifted to do.

For me, it is something that I just knew how to do since childhood. I have worked at my craft, getting better, faster, and more focused on the vision I have for myself and my business. At the end of the day, this natural ability to do something that I was not initially trained to do is and has been the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. And the cherry on top is when others enjoy the creation just as much as I do, but they also don’t have to just as long as I do. =)

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

First, it is okay to reinvent yourself if what you are doing no longer serves you. Having said that, when I launched my business in 2015 it was a fine art + interior design business. I loved interior design, but it felt like a circle trying to fit into a square. It could fit, I could fit, but it wasn’t a perfect fit. With art, I always felt like we were made for each other.

The shift – In June of 2019 I was working on my largest interior design project to date, a beautiful three-story townhome. I was also working on a large painting. While painting I was praying for direction. And in the midst of painting I heard God (I’m a believer) say, ‘I have given you everything you need.’ On that day I closed the interior design side of my business and have focused on art every since. It was the best decision I could have made for my business.

After that moment, while in the middle of that interior design project, I informed the owner that I could not complete all the rooms of her home. Thankfully the project was being completed in phases. We were just in phase one and I was only contractually obligated for that phase. I was honest with her and shared my experience while painting. She was not happy, but as a believer herself, she understood that interior design was not my assignment. Funny enough, she has tried since then to get me back over to her place to do interior design work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kathleenmapson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmapson/

Image Credits
Tekisha Mapson