We recently connected with Kayin Mujahid and have shared our conversation below.

Kayin, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I haven’t made a full-time living from my creative work… yet! Building a sustainable career in art isn’t something that comes naturally for everyone. It requires more effort for some, and that’s okay. At least I’m learning to handle the process with grace.

I wanted to be a full-time artist, making a living off my artwork. I knew I had potential and was just starting to understand how to build my clientele. Back in 2021, I was preparing to apply for graduate school in South Carolina. After COVID, living off-campus 30 minutes away from school, working two part-time jobs, and dedicating 65 hours to studio work each week was challenging. While I managed to create and sell some work, I wasn’t organized enough to achieve what I needed. It set me back significantly and plunged me into a dark space. I even struggled with artist’s block for two years, feeling stuck in a cycle I thought I’d never escape.

If I knew then what I know now, I’m confident I’d be making a living from my art. One of the most valuable assets when starting a creative business is emotional intelligence—being in tune with yourself, open to failure, and receptive to constructive criticism. Just as essential is learning how to market your work effectively and build a loyal audience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! My name is Kayin Mujahid, and I am a visual artist and art instructor. I’ve been drawing ever since I was a young girl, naturally gifted at creating cartoons and animations. Although I didn’t take my art seriously until college, it has since become a defining part of who I am. My strongest medium is mixed media, where I combine various materials within a single piece of artwork. I also work with soft pastels and acrylic paint, relishing the process of blending vibrant colors to achieve a rich mixture of dark and light hues.

My services expanded significantly after I began collaborating with Orble. As a watercolor instructor, I teach beginner to skilled artists foundational watercolor techniques, including mastering basic skills, exploring different techniques, and understanding the color wheel for effective color blending. I also offer private group sessions and one-on-one lessons for those who want to hone their craft or need assistance with specific projects. My goal is to create a welcoming, safe space for students to express themselves and cultivate their creativity, whether we’re outdoors in a park or inside a cozy coffee shop.

What sets me apart is my genuine passion for teaching and supporting others on their artistic journey. Unlike many artists who focus solely on selling their work, I prioritize my students’ growth and development. This emphasis on teaching creates a unique, nurturing environment where students feel encouraged and inspired. My commitment to their progress builds trust and fosters a meaningful learning experience.

As a visual artist and instructor, I am most proud of the connections my art and teaching foster. Whether it’s a custom commission that captures a client’s vision or a watercolor class where a student discovers their artistic potential, my greatest joy is seeing my work inspire and bring people together.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a visual artist and art instructor, my creative journey is fueled by the mission to be a guiding light for my students. My goal is not only to create art that inspires but also to cultivate an environment where students feel encouraged, empowered, and free to express themselves. I strive to teach more than techniques—I aim to ignite their passion for art, nurture their confidence, and show them that their unique vision matters. By sharing my love for creativity and storytelling, I hope to illuminate their path, helping them discover their potential and build a lasting connection with the transformative power of art.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Non-creatives may not always understand that the journey of a creative, especially as an art instructor, involves more than just talent and teaching. It’s about continuous self-growth, vulnerability, and a profound emotional connection to one’s work. For those of us guiding others in their artistic development, there’s also the constant balance between nurturing our own creativity and inspiring it in our students.

One thing that non-creatives might struggle to grasp is how deeply personal and demanding this path can be. Every piece of art, every class I teach, carries a bit of myself – my experiences, my learning curve, my mistakes. Sharing art means exposing a part of who I am, and teaching it means being attuned not only to my own process but also to how to make it resonate with others.

There’s also a certain pressure that comes with instructing art: the need to remain innovative, foster motivation, and keep the flame of passion alive in students who might doubt themselves. Sometimes, non-creatives may not realize that teaching art isn’t just about techniques or instruction; it’s about connecting deeply with each person and helping them unlock their potential, while I continue growing and navigating my own creative path.

Contact Info:

• Website: coming soon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyepepperstudios/