We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Bloom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.

Alright, Katie 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?

I have always thought of myself as a creative person. I didn’t always know the right way to channel this creativity, but I did know that art was the field in which I felt the most fulfilled.

I was born in Manhattan and raised in Florida by native New Yorkers, so the rich culture of New York City has played a big role in my outlook on the world. As a kindergartener, I found myself frequently writing stories and sketching out ideas. This eventually evolved into designing dollhouses and crafting miniature accessories — then into embroidery, sewing, figurine sculpting, interior design, and creative writing. By the time I was thirteen, I was well acquainted with the practices of fanart and arts entrepreneurship.

In 2017, I started drawing professionally. I operated a pencil portrait business for a while after that, forming an online presence and selling a number of commissioned works to collectors around the US. Yet, I knew deep down that I was capable of creating more than just direct renditions of photographs.

So, I began immersing myself in the worlds of film, music, and abstractionism — and I was captivated by what I saw. Initially, I felt torn between my existing style and my newfound inspiration. But then it occurred to me that I was drawn to these different art forms for the same reason: their take on the human portrait.

With that, I realized I’d found the driving force behind my creativity. From DIYing outfits that matched my toys’ personalities to sketching a customer’s family, all of my artistic endeavors were linked. They each embodied some aspect of portraiture.

That discovery shifted the trajectory of my career, establishing my purpose and ultimately prompting me to rebrand into the multi-artist I am today. I had been on my creative journey for a long time — but only then did I truly know which path I wanted to pursue.

Katie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Katie Bloom! You might know me as KBloomArt, which is the handle I use for all of my social media accounts. I created my brand in 2017 as a platform to encompass all of my creative projects (hence the name, which stands for Katie Bloom Artwork!)

I first gained a following from making realistic pencil drawings. However, I now identify as a multi-artist who specializes in all forms of portraiture. I create art in whichever way I feel my vision will be best represented — whether that’s through drawing, painting, design, editing, photography, or cinematography. The only requisite is that it aims to express the depth of the human experience.

I recently changed my Instagram bio to “I like to reimagine things,” and I think that just about sums me up. I love the concept of making unique interpretations of familiar occurrences. Everyone has thoughts and feelings, but we each have different perceptions of them — and that mix of relatability and nuance is what I hope to convey through my work.

To see my portfolio and/or connect with me, visit www.kbloomart.com. I’m currently offering commissions in all media — so contact me if you’d like to order a painting, a photoshoot, or anything in between! I also love collaborating and getting to know other creatives, so feel free to reach out at any time.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was still a student when I started sharing my work publicly, so the majority of my followers were people that I knew from school. It was nice to have that support from those around me, but it did also make me a bit of a talking point among my peers.

By my account’s third week of activity, I discovered that my classmates were making unkind remarks about my art behind my back. Since I was so socially and professionally inexperienced at the time, I felt shocked and hurt by this.

However, it served as a turning point that taught me an important lesson: that my art isn’t going to resonate with everyone, and that it’s not my job to make sure it does.

At the end of the day, those people just didn’t connect with my vision. It was disappointing that my audience didn’t react in the way I’d hoped, but their departure ultimately freed up space for those who do appreciate my work.

I’m grateful to have learned this early on in my career, especially given the nature of publicity and social media. People will say what they want to say — you just have to remember that negative comments have no reflection on you or the quality of your work.

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

When I first started creating, I just wanted to make my audience happy. But now, as I’ve gained maturity and life experience, my art has become more of an outlet for my own emotions. It’s evolved into an exploration of my innermost thoughts and feelings — ultimately portraying themes such as personal growth, self esteem, and the complexity of relationships.

However, I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment when my work is able to bring joy into someone else’s life. Since I depict experiences that are unique to me, there’s no guarantee that others will connect with or even understand my work. So when those connections do form, it’s that much more meaningful.

I’m also driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the art community. As an up-and-coming creative, I feel that I have a responsibility to help establish a welcoming and collaborative space. I know how disheartening it can feel to have your support go unreciprocated, so I’ll always make a point to show how much I appreciate every like and comment that I get. It takes so little to be friendly — yet it could very well serve as the sign someone needs to keep at it.

I hope I never lose the connection I’ve built with my audience, even as I diversify my portfolio and form new relationships. Regardless, I’m excited for what this year has in store! This may not be my first rodeo — but somehow, I’m confident that it’s only the beginning for KBloomArt.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kbloomart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbloomart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbloomart/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kbloomart Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kbloomart/

Image Credits
Cover/Main Image: Megan Hinton