We recently had the chance to connect with Krystal Dyer and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Krystal, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Art Up Your Life, my new art gallery and art studio. I have been quietly building this brand for years without realizing that me putting “Art Up Your Life” on my t-shirts and rubber bracelets would one day become this. I have had a vision of opening my own art studio since I was a child but it was not until this past year that it even seemed remotely possible. I have been public with my goals and some friends have shown up to help me, but no one really saw my face when I sat alone in a room full of art supplies and wondered if I am in over my head. No one really saw me when I looked at my bank account and then looked at the room and mad a list of what needs to be done in order to open properly and wondered how on earth am I going to make it happen. I don’t have a poker face, but I can put on a smile to get through the day if I need to. This has been one of the scariest things I have ever done in my life, and although it did not happen exactly as I wanted, it happened and I did it. Two steps forward and one step back is still progress. For that, I am proud. (and thanks to my friend Sue of Sun Drenched Vibes and Rhythm Ranch, for telling me that).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Briefly? Haha, I’ll try but I am an over communicator so… let’s see how brief I can make this. Hello, my name is Krystal Dyer. I am known for being a live painter and a character designer. I have been painting live on stages around the US, but mainly in Southern California for 16 years. Originally from South Jersey, I graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia with a Bachelors degree in Media Arts and Animation. I worked for well respected companies such as Nickelodeon, Lockheed Martin, Think Up / GeeWiz Toy Design Co, and Costello Prep Academy. My diverse art knowledge and skill has lead me to where I am today, in Ocean Beach, San Diego California, where I just opened my very own art gallery and art studio.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents. Easily. My Mom always said I could hold a pencil, and doodle, before properly holding a fork. My parents told me that I had an artistic ability and strong interest in art since they can remember. My Mom and Dad never pushed me to be an artist, they saw my interest and encouraged me to keep at it, because it is what made me happy. I do not believe you need to have your parents support or approval to do what you love, but looking back, it helped. I just wish they were both still here to see my biggest journey yet.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
You’ll never appreciate the highs, until you experience the lows. Just like an ocean, you have to go with the flow. You have to let the waves carry you, when the light can not. You have to show up for yourself, when it feels like no one else will.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Art Up Your Life. The opportunity to open my own art gallery and art studio fell into my lap when I was at a very low point in my life and I jumped into this adventure, not being sure how I was going to make it happen. It’s taking a while for the e full vision to take shape, but I am committed. There is no back up plan. This is the goal.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That every single person on this planet has some form of artistic ability. Even if the person says they don’t. Art is all around us. Whether its drawing, painting, sculpting, cutting paper and making a collage, dancing, singing, playing guitar or saxophone, taking wood and cutting it to make a chair, building a house, writing, taking photos, making a perfect braid in someone’s hair, cooking, plating the most breathtaking dessert, art is everywhere! Every single person on this planet has some form of artistic ability, you just have to let your guard down and try new things to find it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ArtUpYourLifeSD.com
- Instagram: ArtUpYourLifeSD / Krystal_Dyer_The_Artist
- Facebook: Art Up Your Life SD / Krystal Dyer The Artist
