We were lucky to catch up with Kelli Folsom recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kelli thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I can happily say that I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my art for the last 13 years!
I am a studio artist and independent art instructor now. When I first decided to sign up for art college I had no idea what being a full-time artist even meant. I thought that after I got my B.F.A. that I would go out and get some sort of job that was art related. I was totally ignorant of the possibilities or obstacles when it come to getting an art degree, but midway through art school I fell in love with oil painting. I knew at that point that I wanted to paint for a living full time. I knew more about what I DIDN’T want to do and sometimes that’s the trail of breadcrumbs you must follow. A bit of desire + dissatisfaction = finding your true path.
I’d ruled out commissions as I’d only done a couple and hated them. I knew I didn’t want to do private tutoring for kids either as I’d tried that too. Some people say “Beggars can’t be choosers” and that may be good advice if you’re a beggar, but if you’re just a broke ass artist trying to get started then I say try things out and as soon as you know you hate it then quit and go a different direction. The first couple of years were a struggle for me out of art school, but I was just happy that I made it two years without having to wait tables!
I almost chickened out right before I graduated and applied for a part-time job at a local art museum, but when they called to say I’d gotten the job my gut reaction was, “Oh. I’m sorry I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want the job after all!” All I could think about was my boyfriend who always urged me, “Whatever you do, don’t get a job. You won’t have time to paint.”
For the first 5-7 years, I followed the only model of being a studio artist I had been shown which was to get into art galleries. I got into over a dozen art galleries in that period. I was coast to coast represented by some pretty top-notch and mid-tier galleries for my style of art. I was teaching in person classes in my own studio and through art centers to bring in additional income. I also added in a few prestigious art shows to see if I could build a collector base that way too.
There came a day about 7 years in when I realized that the only thing that seemed to bring in steady income was my own teaching that I set up myself. The galleries never sold regularly for me and many of them were starting to close their businesses. This was around 2015-2017. As I found myself with fewer and fewer galleries I started to question this system I was participating in. I began thinking about my future. Could I go on depending on these other business owners for MY livelihood? I also didn’t like the distrust and power and status struggle that I always felt with the galleries. It felt like a fight to get hung on the walls, get a show, and get equal advertisement with them. On top of that you never really knew who your collectors were and that always bothered me. I found myself wondering, “Where is my art and who owns it?”
I suppose the biggest milestone for me was this moment of reckoning. I realized that I was playing full out in this system doing everything I could and working my ass off and I had hit a ceiling of income just under $60,000 annual gross. Which in the beginning thrilled me, but after taxes and business expenses this means I was only netting about 30k a year! And that was a struggle. So I decided I had to go a different direction.
My first breakthrough came when I set myself on a 100 day challenge to earn 25k between art sales and teaching (which was double what I was used to bringing in). I started to sell my own work both in person and using social media. And I came just shy of that by a few hundred dollars! I saw for the first time the power of setting and tracking a goal every day for that quarter. I also saw that when I took matters into my own hands I felt more responsible and more empowered to sell my own work and run my business. I realized that no one was going to care about my paycheck more than me. I decided to keep on this track moving forward even if it meant I had to walk away from the prestigious gallery system. While I appreciated the recognition it brought me, I hated the low bank account and waiting around for a check based on someone else’s motivation more.
My next major step was to find a business coach! And that filled in the gaps of my understanding when it came to selling artwork online. The first year representing my own work and changing my business model yielded my first six figure year in 2018! My goal for the year was $85,000 and I had grossed $150,000+! I was over the moon. I paid off 50k worth of my student loans, got my first nice car, and started my retirement account.
I don’t know that you can speed things up necessarily, but if I could’ve gotten dissatisfied sooner that would’ve helped. If I had cared less about doing it the way everyone else said to do it sooner, maybe that would’ve helped. I think the lie I kept telling myself was that: “I was lucky to be earning what I was, so be grateful! After all, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. We all know artists aren’t good with money and don’t make much money.” You know, it’s those kinds of limiting beliefs that keep us stuck at the same level. So challenging your beliefs and your need to fit in and be liked is where I would start. What’s fitting in costing you? And are they going to save your bacon when you’re in trouble?
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?
I am the founder of the Art Life School. I’ve supported thousands of artists online to grow their skills, embrace their creative spirit, and sell their work. I create content, courses, and books that serve to uplift, inspire, and empower fellow artists. This is what I most love and what I’m most proud of.
www.artlifewithkelli.com
BIO:
Kelli Folsom is a passionate artist, educator, and advocate for creativity. With a vibrant spirit and boundless imagination, she has dedicated her life to inspiring others to embrace their artistic potential. Through her website, www.artlifewithkelli.com, and various instructional platforms, Kelli shares her expertise, encouraging individuals to explore the depths of their creativity and discover the joy of self-expression through art.
Born and raised in a small town, Kelli’s love for art blossomed at a young age. She found solace and freedom in the act of creation, using her imagination to bring her innermost thoughts and emotions to life on canvas. As she honed her skills and expanded her artistic horizons, Kelli recognized the transformative power of art and the profound impact it can have on individuals’ lives.
Driven by her passion for both art and teaching, Kelli pursued a career in art education, earning degrees in Fine Arts and Art Education from prestigious institutions. Armed with knowledge, experience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft, she embarked on a mission to empower others through art. Whether in the classroom or through her online platforms, Kelli’s approachable demeanor and infectious enthusiasm make learning a joyous and fulfilling experience.
As the founder of Art Life with Kelli, she has curated a treasure trove of resources, from step-by-step tutorials to insightful articles, designed to nurture creativity and inspire artistic growth. Through her engaging workshops and seminars, Kelli creates a supportive community where aspiring artists can connect, learn, and flourish together.
Kelli’s artistic style is as eclectic as it is expressive, drawing inspiration from nature, emotion, and the human experience. From vibrant abstracts to serene landscapes, her work reflects a deep reverence for beauty and a profound appreciation for the wonders of the world around us. Through her art, Kelli invites viewers to pause, reflect, and see the world through a new lens.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Kelli is a dedicated advocate for the arts, believing firmly in its power to enrich lives, foster empathy, and drive positive change in the world. Whether through charitable initiatives or community outreach programs, she is committed to making art accessible to all and creating a brighter, more colorful world for future generations.
In her instructional art book, Kelli distills years of experience and wisdom into a comprehensive guide designed to unlock the creative potential within each reader. With practical tips, inspiring anecdotes, and hands-on exercises, she invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through art.
With boundless creativity, unwavering dedication, and a heartfelt desire to make the world a more beautiful place, Kelli Folsom continues to inspire and uplift all who have the privilege of crossing paths with her. Through her art, her teachings, and her advocacy, she leaves an indelible mark on the world, reminding us all of the magic that lies within the stroke of a brush and the depths of the human soul.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
In the beginning, I was just randomly posting to social media. I had no strategy. I just felt super isolated as an artist and wanted other people to see my work beyond the shows and gallery. I longed to share my work to a broader audience. I kind of copied what other artists where doing which was pretty bland, but I started to build a following.
So my first piece of advice is: You don’t have to do it “right” – just share your work from the heart.
My next piece of advice is: Don’t obsess over numbers and results. Share from a genuine place of sharing your work and connecting.
I started in 2014 on Facebook and expanded to Instagram in 2016. I had no specific goal or strategy. I was pretty ignorant, but I was CONSISTENTLY sharing. So that’s my third piece of advice: be consistent.
The worst thing you can do is post something, not get any traction, hope for a viral reaction, throw a pity party, and then don’t post for 3 months.
I had no idea how pivotal social media would become to my business. I started at zero and grew to over 150k followers between channels. Now I’m more strategic…sort of. Mostly I try to promote my offerings and speak to my audience’s needs more.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think a lot of gate-keeping has intimidated potential collectors which in the end hurts artists. You don’t have to be an elite or in the top 1% to buy original artwork. You don’t need a gallery director to tell you what good art is or what to buy. And if you’re intimidated to buy art from a gallery, don’t do it. They keep 50% anyway. There’s so many great artists carving their own path and selling on their own that need your support. Sometimes not for much more than what you would pay at a big box store and original art is so much better!
You can think for yourself. What do you like? What do you respond to? What moves you? What are you going to enjoy seeing hanging in your home or office day after day?
It’s a time right now for artists to be authentic and courageous and the same is true for collectors. Art is an investment, but not always in terms of an ROI at auction twenty years from now. It’s an investment in the quality of your life, your well being, your personal expression as an art collector, and in the artists themselves.
Buying artists work, sharing our social media posts with your friends, and referring us to your network is what you can do to support us. Every bit of support small or big really does matter to most artists I know out there trying to make a living. The arts have always been a symbol of a thriving society and here in the U.S.A. we still have a long way to go when it comes to supporting artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artlifewithkelli.com and www.kellifolsom.com
- Instagram: @kellifolsomart
- Facebook: @kellifolsomartlifeschool
- Youtube: Kelli Folsom Oil Paintings
- Other: kelli@kellifolsom.com