We recently connected with Kellie Delaney and have shared our conversation below.

Kellie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am extremely happy as an artist. It still blows my mind that I get to do this for a living. I make my own schedule, and choose what projects I want to take on. Since I had many regular jobs, I don’t really have to wonder about it. I absolutely do miss certain aspects of having a typical job. The guaranteed pay and hours are great, as well as the camaraderie of working on a team. I was extremely burnt out though. Now, when I’ve had a very exhausting, busy week, I’m just so excited that I’m busy for the reason of people wanting my artwork

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

My name is Kellie Delaney and I’m a painter. Acrylic is my preferred medium and I dabble in digital art. I really enjoy painting faces, whether it be human or creature. I do a lot of movie and book characters as well as pet portraits. Fitting, as I love fictional characters and animals above most real humans. I hope to someday be able to illustrate book covers. Anything fantasy, spooky or literary related is my absolute favorite! I’ve always enjoyed painting portraits and did it as a hobby for many years. I slowly got my name out through word of mouth via various jobs and people who commissioned pieces from me. I also started selling prints of my work, and meeting people at the local markets. This was a huge help. I’ve recently done some murals which I’m very excited about and have a big project coming up as well.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I went to culinary school and worked various pastry jobs for ten years. I did plated desserts, wedding cakes and mass production baking. Painting was always what I did for fun and just on the side. I’d take commissions here and there, mainly for friends or family, but never thought it would be my full time gig. Then 2020 happened and I was pregnant with my daughter. The world shut down and I lost my job. At that time I just basically reevaluated my career. I was able to return to my baking position but decided maybe this was the push I needed to pursue my dream job. It was a very scary leap and it definitely wasn’t sunshine and rainbows to start, but I’m so happy I did it. I have so many incredibly supportive people in my life.

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

The reactions, for sure. I love that I do something that can bring people joy. When I’m at markets it’s so fun to see people light up over their favorite characters I painted. It’s lovely having conversations with people who share my interests as well. The pet portraits are always the best reactions though. People love their pets, myself included, and I love that I can create something for them to keep forever. Especially since a lot of the time they are memorial portraits.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kelliedelaneyart.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/kelliedelaneyart