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

Kristi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us 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?

Absolutely! I have always felt the need to create, the act of painting gives me the ability to express myself without using words. Art is an amazing universal language that can transcend borders and be understood across the world. If I worked a job that did not involve art or design it would be soul-sucking. I remind myself often of how fortunate I am to be able to do what I love. It has been many years, but while in high school and college I worked several different jobs that were just to survive. So, I am not saying quit your day job, but if you know in your soul that this is what you are meant to be doing then you will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Being an artist leads to judgment and criticism, and that is an essential part of living a creative life. I am 100% confident in my choice and would choose it over and over again given the chance.

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?

At Studio Smithson ART & Designs I work with clients selecting furniture, finishes, and accessories that give their space that one-of-a-kind feel. I am a hard-working business owner, and Fine Art Painter with a background in Architecture and Interior Design. I have my own studio space where I create original large-scale resin paintings. And, a showroom space that my clients are able to visit to select fine art, custom-designed tables, and accessories for their spaces. My focus is on the details and designing creative solutions for spaces such as loft beds and custom cabinets. I am open to requests for commissioned original works of art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I have met some individuals that may have an idea or impression that being an artist is easy, or that it does not involve thinking. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be more of a misconception. If you are an artist then you are also a business owner, where you must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and responsible. If you are working on commissioned-based paintings, then you have to be good at working with your clients to create the vision that they are looking to achieve. You need to be able to understand and interpret what the client is asking for and then translate that into a physical work of art. The beauty of being an artist is that it is not a typical 8-5 career path, but you will only get out of it what you put in. So, in some cases, you may be working more than 40 hours a week to get the project complete. It is a socially conscious career that provides a significant source of fulfillment.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The most amazing gift you can give an artist is to purchase their work! Being an artist is an occupation that depends on social interaction and involvement in the community. If you appreciate the artists’ work, then follow their pages on Facebook and Instagram, and by all means, like, comment, and share their posts. Go to their art shows and share their work with your colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Showing support does not take a lot of effort, but it is so very meaningful to the artist. If an artist feels like their self-expression is going unnoticed then what will drive them to continue to create? Romero Britto says it best, “Art is too important not to share.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristismithson.com/atelier.html
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/KristiSmithson/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristiSmithson