Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlen Boe.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t feel the need to create. I grew up doodling on the sides of my homework, daydreaming about Narnia, princesses, and horses. Classic! Since then, I’ve lost interest in horse ownership and have become slightly cynical. But I still love children’s stories, have always had an interest in art, and never lost my need to create. I honestly forgot most of high school, but during my senior year, my art teacher did say that I should become a tattoo artist. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of needles, so I attended college. I did so because I thought that that was just the thing to do after high school, but as it turned out, I absolutely loved every part of that whole experience. I was too stubborn to study something a bit more “practical,” so I studied art, both digital and traditional. As I was exposed to more artwork and completed a variety of school projects, I saw how these different art forms overlapped and the career possibilities that are available now. Having recently completed college, I have been gaining experience in working with clients and collaborating with other artists. It’s hard! But also kind of worth it (until I have kids someday and need to feed them…I’m sort of kidding).
Please tell us about your art.
I have been drawing and painting my whole life but also became interested in graphic design later in my college career. While my current main focus is illustration and design, I’ve also tried out photography, video, and mixed media art. In other words, I just want to make cool stuff and love doing so. I often use watercolor, ink, and acrylic for my traditional work but enjoy exploring any art medium. I am often inspired by nature, other artists, friends and family, existential themes (hashtag fakedeep), and the crazy fun kids whom I babysit. I try to take inspiration from everything around me, and it’s funny seeing what in my life ends up being incorporated into my work whether I meant it or not. Most of my art comes off as whimsical and sometimes with a dark, humorous edge. Storytelling is a huge part of art in general, and I personally love being able to create narratives about people and experiences through visual means. In the end, I hope that my work enhances viewers’ lives in a positive way.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
From what I’ve seen in others and in myself, the biggest challenge facing artists today can be the artists themselves. If interested in making money as an artist, it can be challenging to put oneself out there and make connections. Someone can have all the talent, skills, and ideas in the world. But if they do not put themselves out there or have the work ethic that is required, nobody else may even know this talent exists.
If producing art for one’s own personal enjoyment, one of the biggest challenges is still self-doubt especially in the event of a creative rut. Creative ruts are discouraging, but they do pass and happen again. Perseverance through these phases only leads to growth as a human being and artist. (As I type this, I am telling myself these things as I am currently going through my own creative rut). Other challenges exist with each situation, but broadly speaking, artists have more freedom than ever to express and market themselves. The internet and social media is right there and available for an artist to put out content and market their services. While there is still a stigma attached to artists, there are more creative jobs available and needs for art and design in most areas of society. If you’re reading this and struggling with putting yourself out there, this is the part where I encourage you to make a social media account for your art if you haven’t already. Start posting your work and just keep making cool things. Art and design is hard! But also incredibly fun, cathartic, and rewarding.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work at my website which is kaitlenboe.com. People can support me by following along my Instagram @k8lenzegr8len and sharing my work with their friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: kaitlenboe.com
- Instagram: @k8lenzegr8len
Image Credit:
Kaitlen Boe
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