We were lucky to catch up with Kathleen Steegmans recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I don’t have a lot of childhood memories, but my parents opened a photo gallery when I was six, and I think that’s where the seed was first planted. When I look at pictures from that time, I can see why I’d be fascinated since there was always a very cool, artistic vibe that felt different from other occasions or events.

From age sixteen, I went to art school, followed by a master’s education in visual arts. However, when I graduated, I no longer believed I could become an artist. My low self-esteem, combined with a different time when artists were very dependent on galleries (1998), made me give up on ‘the dream’ for the following years.

Four years after graduating, I re-schooled myself to become a prepress operator and graphic designer because I felt like this was the closest I could get to being creative and making a living.

After losing my parents and learning about personal development and how we can create the life we want, in combination with the coming of social media, I finally decided to do what I’ve always wanted. I gradually stopped working for the clients of the creative agency I started with my partner in 2011, and from 2019, I see myself as a full-time artist.

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?

After living a life where I just went with whatever came my way, I decided it was time to take things into my own hands. When I came in contact with personal development and learned how we create our world by our thoughts, I shifted from a reactive life to a proactive one. My goal is now to live the best life I can and inspire others to do the same. The main reason is that I crave positivity, balance, and peace. I believe the world will become an (even) better place for all of us when we can do what makes us happy.

I create vibrant artwork with a vintage, glamorous touch that inspires and motivates my clients when they see it. It’s my goal to add beauty, depth, and character to my client’s homes while encouraging them to live the empowered, joyful life they are meant to live.

My work often portrays women who want to seduce the viewer into getting to know them and their stories. Through the frequent use of gold and blue, two intense colors with which spiritual and worldly qualities are associated, ‘my girls’ ask to be seen. The bigger-than-life characters result in artwork that feels familiar and strange at once.

For the same reason, I recently started an online course for artists in which I’ll teach them what I’ve learned on my path to becoming a full-time artist.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! :) My goal in life is to be as free as I can be and inspire others to find their goals and pursue them. Life is too short not to!

One of my favorite quotes: “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” by Napoleon Hill

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had invested earlier in coaching and community because it helps a lot to be surrounded by people who understand your fears, difficulties, and desires.

I used to ask for advice from friends, but I now understand that people in other industries often give advice that would work for them, and every industry is different.

Choosing a life as an artist is very rewarding, but it can be challenging since you are showing and selling a part of yourself. Also, you are going to be alone often, you’ll have to be able to communicate your thoughts and feelings, and it feels vulnerable to share your work.

When surrounded by like-minded people who understand and support you, things get easier. And also: we rise by lifting each other.

Peace & love! <3

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleensteegmans.be
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleensteegmans/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleensteegmans.be/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleensteegmans/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KathleenSteegmans
• Other: https://www.dekunstacademie.com – My online course for ambitious artists ( in Dutch)