We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Klean. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Klean below.

Klean, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Majority of my skills have been self-taught. Whenever I gain interest in a new method of creation, I first supply myself with the tools. Plenty of paintbrushes, carving tools, graphic software & sewing equipment has been purchased over the years for me to try my hand. The learning curve starts with understanding the tools. My most essential skill has been graphic design. Within this digital age, the ability to create visuals and connect with others through technology is bar none. Understanding graphic design tools and standard design principles has allowed me to create illustrations, social media content and websites that garner personal exposure and provide a profitable service to various clientele.
However, It still wasn’t until I actually accepted myself as an artist that I wanted to hone my skills. I realized my lack of confidence in my artistry came from a lack of practice and polishing. While focusing on school then work it wasn’t often that I created any art for my personal enjoyment. Plus, I would jump from project to project when I felt my skills didn’t equate to my vision. I feel as if I were focused on the development of a skill instead of just attempting it, I would have progressed much faster. Not seeing the value of sharpening the skill through practice even if there was no goal attached to it definitely set me back in my journey. Due to this disconnect, I’ve since gone back to school to study fine art and fashion design. The allocated time and accountability drives my need to take action and see a project to completion. But as an artist it’s always important to witness art. Go to fashion shows, art museums, exhibitions. Witnessing the vastness of realized work furthers the possibilities of the mind and the strengthens the confidence of the heart.

Klean, 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’ve been creating art all my life. In every medium possible. I have indulged in creation. Clay, paint, pencil, even tissue paper. However, it wasn’t until after I earned a degree in Computer Science that I’d pursue art as a profession. With just a laptop and little free time, I taught myself graphic design to make extra money in college. I translated those skills into flyers, T-shirt designs and even illustrations. But I continued to pursue a career in tech because I didn’t feel inspired by any of the work I had created. After graduating, moving to New York, and truly getting in touch with the person I’d become, I realized my purpose was much different than my profession. I wanted to inspire people to overcome their obstacles, mind, body and spirit, just as I had. Coming from the impoverished city of St. Louis & living within my accomplishments finally dawned on me. I’d always been an advocate for personal development & self-help. The mental battles of building self-esteem, finding my voice and taking action had been heroically won and that inspired me more than ever.
My will to create was born from my need to spread this message. I couldn’t stop the development of ideas that centered heritage, our experiences and the unveiling of self to further personal development. The need for self-expression & connection to our higher selves would drive my endeavors from then on.
It wasn’t long before I saw a path for myself in fashion and creative direction. I started brainstorming for my first clothing line, Protected Denim, in 2019. With every intent to bring it to fruition. As I carved out my story and marketing strategy, I realized I had a knack for not only creating a compelling brand, but also inspiring others to bring forth their own vision. As 2020 came around, the pandemic delayed my project, but it gave me a different perspective. Thus, I started my online business Kleanstar.
Kleanstar is a creative studio that aids entrepreneurs in storytelling, creative direction, product development and content creation. Since then I’ve worked with many upcoming influencers, businesses and magazine publications in my hometown St.Louis, MO and the DMV area. I’ve been honored to work with hometown favorites such as St.Louis Black Fashion Week and PinkMuse Magazine. I love the feeling of actualizing a mere idea. While also providing my clients with the excitement of seeing their vision executed to its highest potential. I have thrived in the fashion space thus far; directing photoshoots, fashion shows, styling and creating influencer content. I’m most confident when I’m on set tending to each detail, bringing life to a vision. I strive to look outside the box and create visuals that highlight the alternative lifestyles of our modern society. Many of us aspire to truly be all we can be, which can come with an uncharted path. My mission is to continue to highlight the journey toward personal destiny through my artistry and all my upcoming endeavors. This year I hope to grow within the fashion industry, as well as, release my first collections of paintings encapsulating my never-ending journey of discovery.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn as an artist is that my voice doesn’t matter. Through environmental trauma and family dynamics I taught myself to be stoic. An emotional rock forged for resilience. This way of life didn’t leave much leeway for self-expression or processing of emotions. And subsequently during these times I felt the least creative. I didn’t feel like I had anything to say, any reason to create. I only knew to value what furthered my survival. It wasn’t until I opened up to myself, revealed my grievances, identified what made me feel sad, what me made excited, that I realized each step in my journey made me, me. And that journey wrote a story only I could tell.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is time well spent. There’s nothing more freeing and peaceful than the act of creating. Whether I’m painting alone or on set with 20 people, I feel at ease. I’m my most comfortable and confident when I’m in my creative zone.

Contact Info:

• Website: kleanstarstudios.com
• Instagram: @kleansta777 / @kleanstar
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kleanstar/
• Other: TikTok: @kleansta777

Image Credits
RobShotMe, Kuro Black, RealTayler