We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kirstie Kraus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kirstie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I have been able to make it work as a full time recording artist for the last 6 years and have been fortunate enough to make a living supporting myself through touring, merchandise sales, music sales and random jobs where I help other creatives. From day one I prepared by building out a spreadsheet budget and began to look at the numbers of how many shows I needed per month and per week at what price in order to cover my expenses. Some major steps for me was to have 3-4 months ahead booked out solid with shows and additional shows in future months. This way I had a base of and a head start on booking future shows out in advance. A specific major milestone was setting up an online store of my merchandise where anyone from any part of the world could order from my store. In most cases once you have show under your belt and showing you are performing it is easier to obtain more shows. I have learned people are more appt to give someone something that they already have so if shows is what you seek go and book whatever you can.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a Nashville based recording artist, performer, podcast host and songwriter! I perform at various places including festivals, fairs, concerts in the park, theaters, private parties, and various events/venues. I have an online store to purchase merchandise such as music, albums, t-shirts, hats, personal notes, and writing sessions. I make it my mission to encourage people to follow their dreams by being a passionate positive focused artist! My debut album ‘Yes You Can’ with eleven songs on it is now available on all platforms.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the fact that I can put my feelings to paper and formulate a song around my thoughts. I feel like I can express myself in a big way and encourage others to express themselves in what they love to do!
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I feel non-creatives may think that creative are doing things the hard way or wasting time and resources. I would say the way the music industry works is based on sales and dollars but not all the time. Sometimes it is about driving across state to go to an event to meet someone in person that is going to introduce you to another person who is going to introduce you to a festival. You must trust your instinct and stick around people that are positive and seem good and also know where they are going in the direction of their life goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kirstiekraus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstiekraus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstiekrausmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstiekraus
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirstiekraus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KirstieKrausMusic
- Other: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/8101970-kirstie-kraus
Image Credits
upper left and upper right – @sethbuel.photos Seth Buel lower left – Justin Hammond Photography @justinhammondphoto lower right – Arian Stevens Photography @arianstevens
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