We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kendra Kallevig. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kendra below.

Kendra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I think the margins of my class notes knew well before I did. I was a doodler. The gravity of blank space pulled my pen until the page was submerged in inky illustrations of covalent bonds, comic strips, clouds. I was utterly unaware that this could ever coalesce into something more. I played it safe on the sidelines. Assumed I would get a random office job, because that’s the adult thing to do. The first leap of faith I took as an artist? Claiming to be one in the first place. And my “claim” didn’t come until partway into my first semester of college when I shifted my courseload from generals to an AFA in Theater Production and Design. You can’t go anywhere in life if you passively hope for the best and then wait around for something to happen. Change requires courage. So, if you’re hanging back, looking for a billboard to tell you the 10-step plan for success before you dare move…don’t hold your breath. No one knows everything, no one has it all figured out. We learn as we grow. So go for it!

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.

At the core of it all? I’m a storyteller—in colors, images, and every stroke of my brush. I launched into a career as a scenic painter right out of college and have worked in a varied span of art fields over the past 10+ years. Over this time, I’ve painted vibrant community murals that brought neighborhoods together, taught creative techniques to budding artists in workshops and schools, and designed intricate sets that transport audiences into vivid story worlds. Each experience has deepened my passion for storytelling through image and space. I think of myself as a translator in a language that is universally understood but not universally spoken. You know good design when you see it. It just works. A client starts with: “Can this space feel wild?” or “Can we evoke mystery and adventure in this design?” These are the questions I live to answer! I love the challenge and it’s exciting to discover the voice of a space or design together.

My work is defined by vibrant colors, playful imagery, and a sense of wonder that invites viewers to dream and explore. I specialize in whimsical and wonder-filled designs that transport you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I heard this quote early in life: “You’re only as good as your last performance.” Performance, design, photo, painting—you get the point. For years, I unknowingly lived by it—letting it shape how I viewed my work and, in some ways, myself.

But upon closer inspection, I realized the inherent lie: my value isn’t tied to my artwork’s success, the public’s response, or the accolades I receive. Even if every project I create falls flat, my worth remains unchanged—because my art and my value are not the same thing. Any chronic people-pleasers out there that are trying to break away from this toxic cycle?

Faith is what set me free from that mindset. When I create something, I fall back on the steady truth that my value is Christ. I can claim every good and perfect gift He gives me knowing that what I do is an expression and extension of my walk of faith.

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29) My gift in the realm of art and design is just that—a gift. To be enjoyed, shared, and handed back to the Lord for His delight. When I embrace this truth, I create with freedom—not bound by the need for approval, but anchored in purpose.

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

Isn’t that what life is all about? PIVOT! Beyond the highlight reel of social media lies the real world—filled with hard knocks and course corrections.

I rolled into college confused. No plan. Jumped into theater and painting. Fell in love with storytelling. Needed income stability, so I started teaching and then managing at a kid’s art studio. Realized I love teaching. Realized (too late) that delegation is a superpower—a lesson learned the hard way, but it transformed how I approach projects. Burnt out. Restarted, and then began working as a muralist and project manager for a local mural studio. Saw how deeply gratifying community-driven art is. Began taking on set design jobs and landed where I am today—a full-time freelance painter and scenic designer.

The thing is, a 5-year plan is cool. But being adaptable? Being willing to try new things that challenge you and scare you a little bit? I never felt completely “ready” for the new jobs I took on, but I knew the Lord had placed me there for a reason. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Soak up everything that the season you’re in has to offer. Then implement that wisdom in the next. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to evolve and create with renewed purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kendrakallevig.com/
• Instagram: kendra.kallevig
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-kallevig

Image Credits

Noelani Marie Photography