Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kit Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kit, thanks for joining us 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?

Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work?
Yes, but it’s been a journey with a lot of learning along the way. Now, I have the space and time to invest in myself and my art. Moving back home to Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, which straddles the border, has given me the perfect location to branch out into Canada as well. Making a living as an artist wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took time, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.

Can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I originally went to Pratt Institute for graphic design, but later on leaned into painting. It started as an outlet for my mental health concerns, but I was also motivated by my newfound interest in Jean-Michel Basquiat. Art became my way of processing and expressing myself, and I started putting my work up on Etsy while figuring out how to sell online. That was the beginning of my career.
Over time, I built my brand, Kit Thomas Art, and expanded into commissions, paintings, merchandise, prints, murals, and social activism. That year, I also began reaching out to local businesses to hang my work on their walls thus, the beginning of the hustle.
I spent time in LA immersing myself in the art scene, gaining experience, and making connections. In 2022, I moved back home to Akwesasne, where I continued doing graphic design at my own pace while further developing my painting style. My work has since been used in movements like #MMIW, Two-Spirit organizations, DEI initiatives, and Water Is Life, which has helped bring more visibility to my art. The intersectionality of being Indigenous and queer also led me to other opportunities like modeling, film, and speaking engagements.

Was it like that from day one?
Not at all. In the beginning, I was balancing art with other “day jobs” just to stay afloat. I didn’t want to be a “starving artist”. Selling art online was a learning process, and I had to figure out pricing, marketing, and how to connect with buyers.

What were some of the major steps and milestones?
A big shift was when I started treating my art like a business. Learning how to market myself, understanding the value of my work, and building an online presence made a huge difference. Moving to NYC, Roanoke, Charlotte, and LA gave me experience, and returning home to Akwesasne allowed me to refine my focus and deepen my connection to my community and activism.

Do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Probably! If I had understood social media and digital marketing earlier, I could have built an audience faster. Also, knowing how to price my work properly from the start would have helped. But every step, even the struggles, taught me something valuable.

Final Thoughts
Making a living as an artist isn’t just about talent. It’s about putting yourself out there, learning as you go, and staying connected to your community. My advice? Stay true to your authentic self and your voice, be patient, and don’t be afraid to take risks with your work because the faster you fail, the faster you can sculpt your craft. You never know who it’s going to resonate with.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself?
She:kon, Sewakwekon! (Greetings! Kanienkeha-Mohawk Language) My name is Kit Thomas (she/they/he). I am a Two-Spirit LGBTQ Mohawk artist and drag king from Akwesasne, Haudenosaunee territory that straddles the U.S.-Canada border. My travels and working with diverse LGBTQ2SQIA+ groups have deeply influenced both my artistic career and personal journey. I received my formal art training from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn but have always identified as an artist.

How did you get into your industry/business/discipline/craft?
My journey into art started with a passion for creativity that evolved into a necessity for survival. I originally studied graphic design but shifted to painting as a form of healing. Selling my acrylic paintings on Etsy was my first step into the art world, and from there, my career expanded to include paintings, merchandise, murals, and residences. Also, led me to other opportunities like modeling, film, and speaking engagements. Over time, I also incorporated mindfulness practices into my painting classes, merging art and healing.

What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?
I create mixed-media paintings, teach classes & workshops, digital artwork, murals, and am involved with art market table events. I showcase my work in galleries and online storefronts. My work is tied to social activism, focusing on Indigenous issues, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness. I also offer art instruction, public speaking engagements, and collaborations with other artists and organizations.

What problems do you solve for your clients, and what sets you apart from others?
My work provides a voice for underrepresented communities, sparking conversations about identity, resilience, and healing. As a Two-Spirit Mohawk artist, I bring a unique perspective that blends cultural tradition with contemporary expression. My ability to integrate activism with artistic storytelling sets me apart from others in my field.

What are you most proud of, and what do you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you and your work?
I am most proud of my ability to use art as a tool for change. Whether through murals, paintings, or public speaking, my work is meant to uplift, inspire, and educate. My recent solo exhibition at the Akwesasne Cultural Center and Museum and artist in-residence at Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake were recent milestones, allowing me to highlight my talent and intersectionality of being Indigenous and queer.
I feel deeply blessed to have collaborated with so many people from diverse backgrounds. My success is a result of these relationships, and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided.
I am also very proud of being a visible queer artist in the community. I want to be a voice for the youth, letting them know that although navigating life can be difficult, there is hope and support. Representation matters, and I strive to ensure that young people feel seen and heard through my art.
A significant element of my work involves incorporating local radio bingo cards into my mixed-media pieces. This practice serves as a bridge between tradition and contemporary storytelling, connecting my community’s past with the present.
For anyone discovering my work, I want them to know that my art is more than just images on a canvas it’s a reflection of history, identity, and activism. I want to create spaces for healing and empowerment through my creative practice.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Can you tell us the story of how you built your audience on social media?
I built my audience by staying authentic and sharing both successes and struggles. Being vulnerable helped me connect with people who truly related to my journey. Over time, the right followers found me because they resonated with my message.

Any advice for those just starting to build a social media presence?
Be authentic and share both wins and challenges. Have fun with it play around with visuals and keep your brand the main star. Focus on the platforms that suit your style and stick to a rhythm. Learn from trends, but adjust and pivot as needed while staying true to yourself. Real followers will connect with you for who you are, not for what’s viral at the moment.

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

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative?

The most rewarding part is being my own boss and having the freedom to create on my terms. Opportunities to grow and challenge myself. I also love collaborating with others and knowing my work can have a positive impact on my communities. It’s fulfilling to see how my art can bring people together and make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.KitThomasArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitthomasart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitthomasart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitthomasart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kitthomas1763
• Other: https://linktr.ee/KitThomasArt