We recently connected with Kendra Nicole and have shared our conversation below.

Kendra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Most of what I know, I have learned in school or it has been self taught. I enjoy learning in my free time and doing research. Art class is always a good time because there’s so many projects to get started on. I studied various topics such as ceramics and sculpture, drawing faces, shading with colored pencils, coloring evenly in between the lines, blending water colors, ect… There are just so many topics and so much to learn. Most of that information I’ve gotten from talented teachers and helpful youtubers. Libraries also have plenty of art books to read. Free art books I should mention. If you’re a visual learner like myself, YouTube videos really are great for learning at a quick pace. I suggest watching videos on topics you would like to get better at. Some skills I find so important to study are: learning how to master visualizing shapes, thinking creatively and when it comes to drawing realistically, be patient, practice and pay close attention to details. If you grid out a picture with a ruler and focus on one section at a time, I find that technique helps tremendously. Patience is key! You have to do it again and again and again. Practice makes perfect. Some obstacles that can stand in the way of learning would include finding time to make art while juggling a busy schedule. It’s a must to stay motivated. Do what you love and do that everyday – or every other day. If you can’t find time, make time. Just keep going and never stop learning.

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

I am Kendra. I’d like to share a little bit about me: I love creating art. I think it’s important to be kind to others. I love animals. I want to make a difference in the world. I have many years experience creating art. I play piano and make piano covers. I design clothing and merch. I love to travel and when you combine that with raving and music and art, I’m totally all in! On my Instagram page, you can view graphic art, drawings, paintings and a whole bunch of creative stuff. I like to share fundraisers on my social media accounts to help those in need. I share petitions and I can ramble on all day about my views on topics such as prison reform, homelessness, the economy and addiction. I have a big heart and you never know what people are going through. Nobody deserves to suffer. We all deserve peace and happiness. I may only be one person, but me, you and a few can all create a chain reaction. I am most proud of my business that I started a couple years ago – Blessed & Chosen Co. You can find all sorts of clothing and everything is made with love. There is a large selection of unique items to choose from and every few weeks new items are listed. You can also find and share encouraging words, scripture posts and uplifting artwork as well. 24/7 prayer requests are available for anyone at anytime. Colorful prayer journals and totes are available to purchase. There are also pouches on sale – perfect for storing bible study supplies. I published my first ever coloring book: ‘KENDRAHEARTSART Coloring Book: Volume 1’ within the last year. It can be purchased online and in stores at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon. – makes a great gift and affordable stocking stuffer. Have I also mentioned, I know a thing or two about business and marketing?

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

I really like this question. I always hear people say, “I can’t draw” or “I’m bad at drawing”. But you know what I am horrible at? Math. I can study math for months and still be ‘bad at math’. There are people out there who are mathematicians and memorize formulas and it blows my mind. I think we all have our talents and just have to go with it. Figure out what you like and stick with it. Art is something that makes me wake up and not feel miserable. Non-creatives think differently. There is nothing wrong with that. Non-creatives are just at needed and talented as creatives. Everyone has their own journey. Mine has been up, down and all around. I choose to focus more of my time on art because I really find a lot of joy making creative things. I really love making something out of nothing. I’m more of an emotional/ in my head type of person. I’m into music and art and that’s just how I was made. Deep inside I really have this drive… a strong passion to just share and create art until the day I die. But to sum it up, we all are here for a reason and have to find our purpose. Non-creatives and creatives – together we all are special and have our own unique talents!

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

In my opinion, the best way to support artists is to buy their artwork, share/promote their work and attend shows, exhibitions and local events!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kendraheartsart
• Youtube: @kendraheartsart
• Other: Shop merch by Kendra Nicole on Instagram @kendraheartsart – Link in bio.