We recently connected with Keadra Jeter and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Keadra, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

There are a lot of times where someone has done something kind for me that I can’t even count on two hands. I’ll explain two of the most kind things that have happened. Someone I went to college with came back into my life in 2017. We were great friends then & still are. We hadn’t spoke since maybe 2011 and reconnecting again after all that time really felt great. I told him that I was starting to launch into my art career since I had graduated from UT Arlington at that time and will be having my first solo show (2/9/18). He bought a ticket and while at the show, he was the only one to buy an art piece. After the show, we then discussed how I want to take my art career. That conversation was probably one of the most important ones in my career because from that moment on, he has became one of my biggest supporters in my career. He has also been a major part in my decision-making in my art career as well. I am more than thankful for having such an amazing person in my corner!!

Another kind thing someone has done for me is recently when I was having conversations with different art curators to decide what shows that I want to participate in for 2025. I brought this up to another great friend of mine, who also happens to be a classmate of mine from high school. His brother & he have been major supporters as well – his brother being an amazing chef & him becoming a business owner & investor. I told him what my recent plan is to show my art in London, Tokyo, and Basel and he decided on his own to gift funds to pay for these opportunities. I was overly surprised and also thankful because no one had done that before.

These two people are the reason I keep pushing forward in mt art career, along with the strength of my mom’s spirit behind me.

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?

Howdy to all! Had to bring out the Texan in me here : ) My name is Keadra, and as an artist, I go by Keadra Kreates. I’ve been an artist my entire life (self-taught) but professionally since 2017. I show my art internationally & also available to do commissions.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I care more about the art than the money. It makes me proud to know that my art makes people smile. The thing I am also proud of is that my career is going in a direction I did not expect to go in, but it’s a positive direction!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that it was a dream/plan since I was a kid. I knew that I wanted to create & travel but I didn’t ever expect them to end up happening together. I am enjoying traveling the world to show my art & connect with different cultures. I wouldn’t trade this career for anything!!

Another rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to share my skills & knowledge of art with middle school students. I teach middle school students in Oak Cliff and enjoy seeing their growth. I have students that I had in 6th grade & later in 8th and I get to witness the growth in them. I also have students that actually want to be artists in the future and ask for tips on how to show their work & how to grow. This makes me enjoy what I do more!!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

This question is extremely important because there are a lot of times where non-creatives do not understand what a creative goes through. Creatives literally put their heart on a sleeve in their art and it let us communicate what our words cannot. We leave ourselves in a place where we become vulnerable and fear that we may be judged or criticized based on our work.

Another struggle is the discipline, practice & problem-solving that comes along with creating. We are always working on our skills and improving daily and there isn’t a certain thing that we wait for to spark our inspiration. It can come from anywhere at anytime – during a shower, on a date, during our sleep, even during an event. It requires consistent effort, but also can cause frustration.

The last thing, which happens a lot, is balancing life & passion. For example. we may need 10 new containers of paint but do we need to sacrifice a new pair of socks for it? What about gas in the car? We still have real life situations, like bills, rent & necessities so by not having a certain item to create our art will delay the art’s finishing time. We are still human and don’t automatically spend everything we own on supplies. We also love when someone says “hey I know you are a creative so here’s some money to buy what you need.” This is the ultimate win !! Basically, just ask us if we need anything and we will let you know. If nothing else. support will go a long way if you aren’t able to do anything else : ).

Contact Info:

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