We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimmy Burns a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kimmy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’d have to say I am extremely happy with being an artist, and taking the path that I have chosen for myself. I’ve worked in the corporate world and experienced all there is in that industry, and I just have to say it was never for me. When you are a creative, it’s really important to explore that aspect of your life and your mind because I believe that you have so much to offer the world that you wouldn’t be able to perform in a setting as the ones that I have been in, in the past. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had, the experiences that I’ve had, and the mistakes that have helped me to grow into the best possible artist I know I can be. I’m always learning, and I’m always hungry to find out just how far I can go with the tools that I have been blessed with. Now and then I think about how nice a steady paycheck would be with a regular job. But the quality of life I would have outweighs any money I could ever receive, so I truly believe this is my calling, and this is what I meant to do.

Kimmy, 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?

So, I became an artist; (I guess an “official” artist about six years ago) when I started this new technique that I discovered while creating a DIY project with melting crayons. While I explored just doing little things, and giving my pieces away as gifts, I learned a new technique that really allowed me to make something as simple as a DIY project into fine art and modern art that no one had ever seen before. I can’t tell you how many people see my work, and can’t believe that I’m only using crayons. Of course, there are a few other mediums, such as acrylic paint, stenciling, graphic art, and foiling; but absolutely the biggest part of my projects contain your every day Crayola Crayons. I’ve been creative in many different ways ever since I can remember. My uncle was an artist, and traveled all over the world creating scenes from the life experiences that he had. I remember when I was five years old, helping him to prime and prep his canvases, watching him do such amazing and enthralling work. I thought to myself, that’s what I want to do and that’s what I want to be, but growing up I just never knew which avenue to take to execute that kind of lifestyle. He actually had a mural in downtown Los Angeles, that he painted under the overpass of the freeway and it was just beautiful. Unfortunately, due to the graffiti in the area, it has slowly been covered up by the repainting of the city. Just a few years after teaching me how to prep his canvases, he passed away from AIDS. It just goes to show how many things can be lost during this journey, and I really hope that by being an artist myself, I’m helping to keep his spirit alive. The highlight of my career is when I actually sold my first piece. I couldn’t believe that something I actually loved and was passionate about could make me enough money to live. A lot of my works are custom requests, but I do make a lot of art on my own accord, concentrating on famous figures that have made an immense impact in the world such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr, Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Kobe Bryant — People that have really inspired me to do things outside of the box, and that have taught me what passion and worth ethic really are. There are so many more that I can name. Of course, I enjoy the classic artists, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Salvador Dali, etc. I could go on forever; there is no short list of artists and peers who have taught me how to excel in the work that I do. I truly hope that my story can help aspiring creatives to continue their own paths, whatever that may be. There will be battles along the way, and obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, but I promise, if you just keep going, you can surpass things you’ve never imagined. It makes you who you are as an individual and an artist, and creates characteristics that can aid you for a lifetime. Nothing in life worth having comes easy, but it’s those moments that to define the grit you have to make it happen.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom you have to literally create something out of thin air. Something that has your unique flare, style, influence, and charm. I don’t know of many jobs that allow you to be exactly who you are, and exactly who you want to be. There is no conforming to what society thinks you should be, because artists come in all different sizes, ages, and backgrounds. It is a timeless industry with no expiration date, and that is the best part of all.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Using social media has definitely been a great way to advertise and share my work. There are so many different people looking for so many different things and you just never know when you’re creativity will be noticed and recognized by big and small corporations, organizations, and people. I also believe creating your own website is critical, it lets fans and individuals who are interested in what you do go directly to your portfolio and see the pieces that you’ve done in the past and what you’re capable of. Using hashtags, making videos/reels, showing your process and doing things like that, can really expose you to opportunities that can give you even more even exposure and help reach millions of people across the world not just your local communities. Another thing you can do to showcase your work is looking up a local flea markets, art walks, creative festivals, etc. to put yourself out there and show off. The way to do that? Again is to advertise on social media like crazy. Even if it feels like you’re doing the same thing every day, consistency is the key. Continue to show people your work and share your journey along the way, and I promise people will start to recognize you and the special things that you do. The only limits there are are the ones that you put on yourself. If you’re really truly serious about sharing your work, there are so many different ways to do it. I chose social media, portfolios, and community outreach groups, and activities to help people discover my work, and the process in which I do it. The Internet is a great way to reach out to those who wouldn’t normally see your work and Instagram has been one of the most helpful tools that I’ve used in my journey for sure.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kimmyburns.com
• Instagram: @kimburz