We recently connected with Kira Marie Britt and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kira Marie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I’ve always been drawn to art-illustration, theatre, film—each form opened new creative doors for me. I studied oil painting at Art and Design High School, joined the theatre program, and took filmmaking classes at DCTV. I loved it all and didn’t want to choose just one path.

In college at SUNY New Paltz, we had a course on branding. While my classmates easily identified as stage managers or lighting designers, I struggled—I did it all, but didn’t fit in a box, never have. A classmate joked, “You’re like a Swiss Army knife,” and that’s when it clicked: I’m the Swiss Army Artist.

That name became more than a title—it was a business idea. I realized I could offer a range of creative services, from scenic design to filmmaking, mural designs, and community workshops. People started hiring me because I could wear many hats and bring a unique, holistic perspective to every project. It wasn’t just about versatility—it was about connecting with people and solving creative problems with care and intention. That’s when I knew this could work.

Kira Marie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Kira Marie Britt, also known as the Swiss Army Artist. I’m a multidisciplinary creative based in Ridgewood, NY, and a native New Yorker through and through. My path into the arts has been anything but linear—instead, it’s been full of exploration, adaptability, and passion. I began my journey as an illustrator, working with the Joan Mitchell Foundation, which led to my work being exhibited at Cue Art Gallery in Manhattan. From there, I expanded into filmmaking through the Downtown Community Television Center (DCTV), where I created Evolution, an award-winning film that was later featured in the Emmy-nominated PBS series Our Camera, Our Stories.

I continued my education at SUNY New Paltz, earning a BA in Theatre Design & Technology with a minor in Film & Video Production. That’s where the name “Swiss Army Artist” was born—because I realized I wasn’t just one thing. I could work across illustration, theatre, and film, and bring those disciplines together in unique ways. Since then, I’ve worked as a scenic artist and charged on major off-Broadway productions, taught and mentored young filmmakers, led community workshops on mental health and creativity, and collaborated on film sets in everything from Art Direction to Special Effects artistry.

As the Swiss Army Artist, I provide creative services that span illustrated images for children’s books, Mural work for businesses, scenic design, video production, art direction, educational programming, and branding support for community-centered projects. What sets me apart is not just the range of services I offer, but how I approach each project with a personalized, collaborative spirit. I’m not here to fit people into my vision—I’m here to help bring their vision to life with care, creativity, and technical skill.

I’m most proud of how I’ve built a career that reflects who I truly am: someone who leads with heart, remains open to learning, and is deeply invested in artistic integrity and community care. I want people to know that when they work with me, they’re not just hiring an artist—they’re partnering with someone who’s all-in on making something meaningful, intentional, and beautifully executed.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

During the pandemic, we were all struggling in our own ways. For me, art became my way of reconnecting with the world, and connecting with other artists online was a lifeline. A friend told me about the City Artist Corps grant, which aimed to bring communities together through creative expression. I applied, was awarded the grant, and created the Urban Bruja Artist Showcase.

I opened artist registration and got to collaborate with some incredible creatives from Ridgewood and across the city. I also partnered with a local neighborhood coffee shop to host the event. The grant gave me the resources to curate a community-centered art experience, and in the process, I learned a lot about myself, not just as an artist, but as someone deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can come together through art.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a deep commitment to continuous growth—both as an artist and as a person. Art is always evolving, and I believe I should be, too. I’m constantly learning new skills, exploring new mediums, and staying open to where creativity leads me next. My mission is not only to evolve with the times, but to help shape spaces where others, especially women of color, feel seen, empowered, and inspired to do the same. I want my work to be a reflection of resilience, curiosity, and care. Whether I’m creating on my own or collaborating with others, I strive to build community and tell stories that uplift, challenge, and connect us. My goal is to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep making space for others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swissarmyartist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swissarmyartist/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swissarmyartist/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@swissarmyartist
• Other: Gothic Botany | Swiss Army Artist Merch and Accessories

  https://www.redbubble.com/people/GothicBotany/shop?asc=u

  https://tee-zr.com/store/gothic-botany/

Image Credits

I took all of these images.