Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Hopkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am incredibly happy as an artist and creative. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been simple or easy in any way. The journey has been challenging at times, but every up and down has been well worth it-and I’m grateful for it. My entire life, I’ve wanted to be a professional artist, nothing else since I was a child. To be able to use my artistic and creative skills in my practice and in business is a (cheesy as it sounds) dream come true for me.

Kelly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey friends! My name is Kelly (my friends call me Kell) and I’m an artist native to San Diego. At my core, I’m a mixed media artist and designer, working in a variety of industries, including marketing, exhibiting art, and tattoos. In my work, I explore the relationships we have with stigmas and aim to dismantle them. Through the use of unexpected materials and art forms, I seek to question the validity of the societal stigmas that have oppressed, mislabeled, and misjudged so many. I create art to start vulnerable conversations surrounding topics such as mental health, life/death, and suicide awareness. My “canvases” become a personal story where intuition and heart-felt intention collide, giving rise to compositions that invite viewers to engage in a personal dialogue with the artwork and design.
I’ll be exhibiting my latest collection of artwork during the month of August at Goblin Emporium in Oceanside, California. The show will consist of a series of resin works-in which every detail has a story, but the most important being what inspired the collection. More details about the collection and the show will be released in the coming months on Instagram and kellydawnoel.com

My interests have also led me outside of the arts and into content creation, social media marketing, and creative direction. I have been the marketing manager (and creative director) for the Unified Esports League since its founding in 2022. UESL is a county-wide gaming and technology esports program, providing community, connection, and education for people from all walks of life. I’m truly proud, not only of the brand development and community growth we’ve achieved, but also for the incredible work that is done and that I have the opportunity to support and be a part of.

My newest venture has been in the world of tattooing. I’ve now been a tattoo apprentice for about a year. My practice has led me on a wild journey so far! I’m so incredibly grateful for it and excited for what’s to come. I’m currently working on building my own flash collection and mastering my tools; as well as finding a home shop in San Diego to align myself with, for further study and development of my career.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We need more people to engage, participate, and support local artists and creatives. So often people get overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of supporting artists and it doesn’t need to be that way. If every community could look within themselves for the talented, inspired, and passionate creators and find any way (small or large) to engage, participate, and support them – we would see a rise in the beautiful culture and human connection that creativity and the arts bring.

This may look like something different for each person. This could simply be searching for local creators and following, liking, and sharing what they create online. It could be a positive review left for your favorite local businesses. It could be inviting a group of friends out to a local musical show, arts performance, or gallery opening. It could be hiring a local design firm to build your new website. Most importantly, there needs to be opportunities for artists and creatives to do what they do best and be seen and appreciated for it and if every person within a community could do that locally, we would quickly see massive effects across the whole creative ecosystem.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have multiple goals for my creative career, but I’ve found that there is one mission that has been driving me forward for a few years now. Back in 2022, after surviving what had been the hardest two years of my life, I was facing a mental health crisis and experiencing suicidal ideations. Things got so far that I had made a plan to take my own life, which was thankfully prevented by a dear friend.

That dear friend reminded me of everything I had overcome. They helped me realize how much potential there was in this world and the life I was given. They opened my eyes to the uniqueness of each of us and how invaluable that uniqueness is…a true treasure of life.

After that, I knew that I had to use every skill/talent I had developed to connect with others. I knew what it felt like to be so lost and how simple it is to make the connection that could make a world of difference. So I continue to be on a mission to share my creations and my story, in order to provide new perspectives and open conversations around the shared human experience, mental health, and the support we all so desperately need from one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kellydawnnoel.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellydawnnoel
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kellydnhopkins/
• Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/kellydawnnoel/

Image Credits
Portraits: Jill Denny Photo + Graffick (Blaine Counter) Art: Kelly Dawn Noel Hopkins