Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Ann.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since day one, I’ve always been a creative person. Whether it was drawings, paintings, dances, or jewelry, I was always making art. I fondly remember carting my creations around my neighborhood, going door-to-door and selling my goods to whoever was home. Looking back, I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I actively strive to embody that energy nowadays in my art and design business.
When it came time to decide what I wanted to study in college, pursuing a fine arts degree felt like the most natural path for me. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Photography.
After graduating, I started working in the commercial photography industry as a photo stylist and stylist assistant. Having a freelance job allowed me to focus and fund my budding arts practice. I started selling art prints of my illustrations, but I didn’t have much luck at local markets. I was feeling a little disheartened when one day I stumbled upon a surface pattern design course online. I knew that my drawings and illustrations would be a perfect fit for creating repeat patterns. It dawned on me that I could make art for textiles, clothing, home goods, stationery, and accessories. Since then, I’ve been licensing my art to companies worldwide and designing my own line of fabrics and accessories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Certainly not! Being a creative person comes with lots of challenges. For me, it took many years to figure out how to channel my creativity into something that could bring joy to others while also supporting myself financially. Lots of failed projects and learning from my mistakes ultimately brought me to the right place. I’m thankful for the struggles, as they have helped shape who I am today as a human and as an artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist and designer known for my playful surface pattern designs, bold drawing style, and endless love of plants and flowers. I blend elements from the natural world and vintage-inspired motifs to create patterns, illustrations, and one-of-a-kind murals. My signature style combines sketches with pops of color and organic shapes, creating moments of joy that bring awareness to our innate connection with nature.
I recently launched a line of silk scarves featuring my surface pattern designs that I’m really excited about! They are the perfect accessory to add a pop of color to your wardrobe this spring and summer. I’m also planning on creating a line of cotton bandanas, t-shirts, and tote bags that inspire joy in the wearer, so be on the lookout for those later this year.
In addition to my design practice, I’m a teaching artist in the Minneapolis handcraft community. I teach nordic handcrafts, focusing on fiber arts such as felting and embroidery, as well as block printing, glass art, and kolrosing (etching in wood).
I’m most proud of my ability to harmoniously thread my creative endeavors together. As a creative person, I have lots of interests and mediums I like to work with. It can be difficult to find a commonality, but I’m happy that it has all woven together in such a beautiful way, with one experience shaping the next.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Believe in yourself! I know it’s so cliche, but mindset is everything. Especially as a creative, it can be hard to have confidence and imposter syndrome is real. Just know that you can truly do anything you set your mind to. It took me years to realize that my mindset was holding me back.
Also, It’s okay to make mistakes, try things that don’t work out, and take a long time to find where you fit in. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else! You are exactly where you need to be.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.kaylaanncreative.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylaanncreative
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaylaanncreative
- Other: www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kayla_ann
