We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawn Kolodny. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawn below.
Alright, Shawn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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 am far happier as an artist and creative than I could ever be in a regular job. Regular jobs, in my view, are often overrated—bound by routines and not as fulfilling for someone driven by creativity like myself.
However, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Before my recent successes, I faced a series of setbacks that almost pushed me back into the hospitality industry, where I started my career. I was seriously considering a job offer from a friend who runs a hotel company. It was a tough time; my projects weren’t going well, and financially, things were dire to the point where I had to sell my house. I remember thinking about returning to hospitality not because I wanted to, but because I felt I had to—just to make ends meet.
But as I stood on the brink of making that shift, I realized that it would feel like surrendering. Instead, I decided to give my art one last shot. This decision was a turning point, leading to a successful series that not only gained professional acclaim but also exploded on social media. My art practice blossomed, paving the way for amazing projects and the opportunity to establish two growing businesses: BIG Shiny Balls, a large-scale inflatable company, and Kolossal Arts, a bespoke inflatable studio.
Reflecting on Jim Rohn’s words—about having a job, a career, or a calling—I see clear distinctions. A job, where you might flip burgers, is simply a means to an end. A career offers domain expertise and can be loved or hated. But a calling? A calling is something so profoundly fulfilling that you would do it even if you had to pay for the privilege. That’s what art is for me. It’s not just what I do; it’s a crucial part of who I am. So, despite the challenges, the answer is clear: I am much happier pursuing this calling than I could ever be in a regular job.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m truly living my dream as a contemporary artist and entrepreneur, with my creative focus on the sphere—a basic yet versatile shape that I’ve brought to life using materials such as steel, plastic, and stone. My portfolio spans from enduring sculptures to grand, temporary installations crafted from giant metallic inflatable spheres.
The impact of these installations has not only redefined spaces but also catapulted me into social media stardom. This newfound fame inspired the creation of my business, BIG Shiny Balls, which offers a variety of giant inflatables designed for creative projects.
Leveraging this success, I launched Kolossal Arts, a design studio committed to enlarging the scope of artists’ work and aiding experimental marketers. We excel in crafting high-quality, custom inflatables that turn creative visions into reality. At Kolossal Arts, we thrive on extending the limits of what inflatables can achieve in the realms of art and marketing.
Looking ahead, we are eager to broaden our horizons and engage in new partnerships that stretch our creative and technical prowess. Keep an eye out for our future events and product launches that will highlight the pioneering spirit driving our initiatives.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the perpetual journey of exploration and learning. I thrive on constantly playing with new ideas and concepts, diving into different techniques, and mastering new skills. Every day offers a fresh and different experience—no two days are ever the same. This dynamic environment keeps my work vibrant and exciting, fueling my creativity and passion for what I do. It’s the variety and the constant evolution in my practice that truly energize me and make every day rewarding.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media has been a journey of discovery and persistence. Here are the two most important lessons I’ve learned:
Consistency is key. My breakthrough on social media only came after I committed to posting every day, no matter what. This disciplined approach forced me to learn and refine skills like simple editing and visual storytelling. It allowed me to experiment with different content and see what resonated with my audience. Consistency not only helped in building a routine but also in understanding the dynamics of social engagement.
Expect the unexpected. One surprising lesson was that it’s often not the art itself that captures the widest audience, but something related yet unexpected. For instance, while I hoped my art installations would attract attention, what really went viral were the videos of me inflating the large-scale installations. These videos, which fell into categories like oddly satisfying ASMR or educational content, showcased the process rather than just the final product.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to embrace these principles. Post regularly to stay relevant and learn from each post. And be open to discovering which aspects of your work capture the audience’s interest—it might not be what you first expect. Dive deep into the process or behind-the-scenes content, as these can provide unique storytelling angles that draw people in and give them a reason to follow your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kolodny.art
- Instagram: @kolodnyart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolodnyart/
- Twitter: kolodnyart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kolodny_art
