We recently connected with Kayleigh Moreland and have shared our conversation below.
Kayleigh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Oh, the eternal quest for happiness and the pondering of “regular jobs” versus the wild world of creativity! So, here I am, contemplating life like a deep philosopher, or maybe just someone with too much free time on their hands. You see, once upon a time, my dream job was to be a social media manager, the mastermind behind the hashtags and memes. Fast forward to today, and I’m the proud social media manager of three local business accounts in the Texarkana, TX social media scene. So, technically, I’m living the dream! As an artist, I’m like a tumbleweed in a creative desert – I just can’t stay still! The thought of a “regular job” sends shivers down my free-spirited spine. I’m convinced I’m meant for more than a 9-to-5 grind; I’m destined for the untamed wilderness of creation. But hey, different strokes for different folks, right? Some people thrive in the rhythm of a 9-to-5, while recently I’m over here chasing inspiration like it’s a butterfly with a hundred wings. Life is a funny journey, full of twists and turns that somehow lead us to where we are now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Well, hello there, I’m Kayleigh Moreland (www.kaysue.com), your friendly neighborhood multitasker extraordinaire. If you haven’t heard I’m from Texarkana, TX, a city that straddles the line between Texas and Arkansas – It’s like living in a real-life game of border-hopping Twister! By day, I’m a multi-hat-wearing professional, juggling my artistic aspirations with the finesse of a circus performer. You see, I’m the go-to social media manager for not one, not two, but three local businesses – I could probably hashtag that as #TripleTrouble. But wait, there’s more! I moonlight as an executive assistant for a local entrepreneur, because, hey, why not add some extra spice to the daily juggling act? If my schedule were any more flexible, it might just do a limbo dance. My love for the unpredictable twists and turns in my schedule might just rival my love for art. Speaking of art, I owe my creative roots back to high school thanks to a mentor extraordinaire named Clint Smith, where I fell head over heels for photography. Without him, I’d probably be trying to figure out what a nine-to-five cubicle even looks like. Thanks to his and my parents nudges, I ended up graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in commercial photography and a minor in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design in May 2021. SCAD, the place where I fell head over heels for the world of painting, where brushstrokes and the human touch reign supreme in contrast to my pristine digital photography work. And now, I’ve found my niche in painting pet portraits, immortalizing furry friends with every stroke of the brush. As a creator with a knack for words, I also whip up captions that are so captivating, they practically write love letters to boost those local businesses. So, in a nutshell, I’m just a flexible-schedule-loving, pet portrait-painting, social media sorcerer who’s bringing some artistic magic to Texarkana, one post at a time! Breathing life into creative concepts from mood boards and collaborating with fellow artists like myself is an absolute joy. There’s something magical about taking a spark of inspiration and watching it ignite into a blazing fire of imagination. But the real magic lies in the incredible local art community that surrounds me – they’re the wind beneath our creative wings. It’s a beautiful ecosystem of support, encouragement, and shared passion for all things artistic. I’m endlessly thankful for the camaraderie and inspiration that flows through my local community in Texarkana.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Absolutely, it might be a bit of a head-scratcher for non-creatives to understand the perpetual state of creativity that we find ourselves in. I believe that one thing non-creatives might find challenging to grasp about the creative journey is that we’re always at work, even when it seems like we’re not. Unlike a traditional desk job with set hours, creativity doesn’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule; it’s not something you can schedule on a calendar or set an alarm for. . We’re not just clocking in and out; our minds are like eternal brainstorming sessions, and inspiration is our ever-elusive jackpot. It’s a bit like trying to catch a flash sale – if you’re not ready to pounce when creativity strikes, you might miss out on that golden idea. Or, more like having a constantly spinning mental hamster wheel. Inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments, and it’s as fleeting as a discount store sale – you’ve got to seize it when it’s there, or it may disappear forever. What’s fascinating is that a significant part of the creative process isn’t actually the physical act of painting or creating; it’s the mental dance that happens when I’m staring at my canvas, lost in thought. I often tell people that I need to be “in the right mood” to work on my projects, but it’s a bit like trying to describe the taste of your favorite food – you just know it when you feel it. So, in a nutshell, being a creative is like living in a constant state of anticipation, ready to catch the lightning when it strikes. For me, part of the work isn’t just about the act of creating; it’s a state of perpetual readiness, like a painter with their canvas always at arm’s length. It might sound a bit whimsical, but it’s the truth of the creative journey.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
From where I stand, I think the best way society can truly support artists and creatives goes beyond just financial investments (although those are greatly appreciated too). It’s about recognizing and combating the imposter syndrome that often plagues so many talented individuals in the creative world. Imposter syndrome is something many of us struggle with, and it can be a silent creativity killer. When someone buys a piece of art from a local creative, it’s not just a transaction, you’re doing more than just purchasing an object; it’s a statement that their work matters, that they have value, even to just one person. Even something as seemingly small as leaving a heartfelt comment on a creative’s social media post can have a profound impact. You’re saying, “You matter. Your work matters.” It’s a powerful message that can help silence that nagging self-doubt. It’s these gestures that let artists know they’re seen and appreciated.
I’m fortunate to live in a community that places a strong emphasis on nurturing our art scene, but my heart goes out to those who may not have that kind of support. It’s the little things, like even grabbing a business card and spreading the word about a talented creator, that can change someone’s day or even their entire life. I always tell my friends, it only takes one moment, one person, or one situation to transform your life. You never know who might be watching, and your support, no matter how small, can be that catalyst for change. I believe investing in creatives, both financially and emotionally, because together, we can create a thriving and vibrant creative ecosystem that benefits us all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kaysue.com
- Instagram: @kaysueclicks and @kaysuepaints
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaysueart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleighmoreland/
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaysueart Personal Photo/Headshot photo by Sara Vaughn
Image Credits
Personal Photo Headshot: Photo by Sara Vaughn