We recently connected with Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kimberlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
My first paid editorial commission was with Culture Trip back in 2017, a moment that marked the beginning of my professional journey as a creative. I had recently moved into a cozy apartment in Bozeman, Montana, from Pasadena, California, where I graduated from Art Center College of Design. It felt surreal and deeply emotional to be recognized by an art director after months of reaching out to a long list of them, a task that can be daunting. The pressure I put on myself was immense, and I was incredibly nervous to submit my work. However, I soon realized that the skills I had honed in art school had prepared me well for this challenge. I’ll forever be grateful to Culture Trip for helping me build my portfolio and gain more confidence. Now, seven years later, I still feel a touch of shyness when sharing my work with clients. Nevertheless, I am confident that through open communication, my clients and I can collaborate to create illustrations we are both proud of.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi there! My name is Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong, I’m a freelance illustrator, designer, ceramicist, and proud mother of two wonderful children. Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working independently and collaborating with incredible art directors and companies. My work is whimsical and colorful- my goal has always been to make others smile, but as I’ve progressed through my career I’ve had the opportunity to convey other messages such as the weight of Covid, or the power of female animals in the animal kingdom, or convey a time long forgotten, or share an imagined world. From smaller ventures to larger corporations, some of my notable clients include the Washington Post, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, GM, World Vision, Keikikaukua, and Bravery Magazine. Each project provides a unique opportunity to solve a problem- how to tell a story and convey a certain feeling. This could be an editorial piece, a board game, branding, children’s books, etc.
In 2017, my partner and I embarked on another adventure by founding Two Hold Studios, a small ceramics studio. Together, we craft one-of-a-kind, cozy, and functional pottery pieces. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our creations resonate with others. This studio is not just a business venture but a passion project that allows us to collaborate, to express ourselves artistically and connect with our community.
One of the most significant milestones in my career was joining the Inkling Agency in 2020. This experience opened the door to the literary world, allowing me to fulfill a lifelong dream of illustrating children’s books. I’ve had the pleasure of working on five published books, including “Lessons From Our Ancestors,” “The MET Art Sparks,” “Queens of the Jungle,” “Aloha Albatross,” and “Journey Across the World.” “Lessons From Our Ancestors,” particularly holds a special place in my heart as my debut novel, and I’m thrilled that it won the 2024 British Book Awards Discover Book of the Year. Currently, I’m immersed in illustrating another exciting book centered around popular foods.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society often clings to the outdated stereotype of the “starving artist,” which can be damaging. Hearing things like “you won’t make it” or “you’ll be poor” can stunt an artist’s creativity. Unfortunately, we might even start believing and repeating these negative narratives ourselves. To truly support artists, society should take an active interest in their work and support their businesses. Sometimes, all it takes for an artist to get more work is for someone to notice their art. When artists feel supported and encouraged, they’re more likely to share their work and believe in themselves.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Several years ago, I was juggling a lot of projects when I got a wonderful opportunity to illustrate a book. We started with a contract to protect everyone involved, but the client gave more feedback than I was used to and I got the feeling that they wanted me to work in a different style. Each round of revisions made me feel smaller, and my confidence took a hit. Eventually, I had to reach out to my agents for help. In the end, the book was published and turned out beautifully, even though it was different from my usual work. This experience taught me valuable lessons. I learned new skills, how to handle tough situations that it is OK to ask for help. Despite the challenges, I can be proud of my work and separate my self-worth from criticism. There’s always room to grow and improve, and I know I can get through tough times.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.kimberliewong.com
- Instagram: @kimiewng