We recently connected with Keri Miki-lani Schroeder and have shared our conversation below.
Keri Miki-Lani, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Working for myself has always been a goal since first entering the book art field professionally around ten years ago. My work combines fine art with high craftmanship, so my education and training leaned heavily into traditional and contemporary bookbinding and letterpress printing. After receiving my MFA in Book Art & Creative Writing, I worked as a studio assistant for a book artist and then as a bookbinder for an independent limited-edition bindery. My experiences over those last six years were integral to my practice now, as they allowed me to both earn a living working in my field while learning how to operate an independent business. Luckily, the book arts community has been extremely generous about sharing information and supporting each other.
I founded my own artists’ book imprint named Coyote Bones Press in 2015 where I created books as a side gig. In 2020, this shifted to become my full-time job. I now publish limited-edition books, teach book art workshops, and perform lectures as my creative work as Coyote Bones Press.
I value the freedom that being self-employed offers, though it is stressful. Working project to project makes income irregular; there are great months and not-so-great months. I work more than I ever have, as I am now my own boss and employee, manager, studio technician, marketer, and janitor. I think the most important thing is to stay organized and prioritize, as it is super easy for things to go awry or pile up.
Keri Miki-Lani, 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?
I use the term “book artist” as a catch-all term for my creative work as a visual artist, writer, and bookbinder. I publish limited-edition artists’ books under my imprint named Coyote Bones Press. My work uses traditional and contemporary bookbinding and printmaking techniques to present my own creative writing and design in the book form.
When I first started out, I often accepted commission bookbinding jobs. I worked with clients to help them bind their own content or artwork. As my reputation and collectors grew, I finally began to make enough sales of my own books to stop taking on commissions. I filled in financial gaps by teaching workshops, and learned that I loved teaching much more than commission work.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Having autonomy is the most rewarding aspect of being an independent artist. Though the downside not having someone tell you what to do is that you don’t have someone telling you what to do. You are fully responsible for your own decisions and to stay self-motivated.
Most creative work ebbs and flows. Sometimes I feverishly work around the clock when the mood strikes me, and then I need time to recuperate. Having the freedom of flexible schedule is part of what makes my work possible.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Think of other artists as your colleagues rather than your competition. Support artists you like. Even if you are unable to support financially, even just sharing or attending events/portfolios can help out an artist tremendously.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kerischroeder.com/
- Instagram: @coyotebonespress
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoyoteBonesPress/
