I've Come A Long Way

I feel like I should take time out to give thanks and show recognition. Understand that I've come a long way. I've been drawing since I was 4... Went through a traumatic life event... STOPPED COMPLETELY... Was forced to get back into it again for therapeutic reasons... And then fell in love with it all over again.

Once I got back into it, my artwork was something that I was doing just as a hobby. I never thought to make a career out of it. It was just for self enjoyment. Once I moved to New York and I saw how much people were into this "art scene" and were able to make a living from their talents, I thought to myself, "If they can do it, why can't I?" "What's stopping me from being the next big thing in the art world?"

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!! So I went for it....

And I continue to go for it every day. I want to be featured in artshows, and magazines, tv interviews... I want to speak to art classes in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, you name it!!! I want to be able to motivate people to go after their dreams. I've had so many POSITIVE people walk into my life and I feel like it's only right that I give them the thanks that they deserve.

To Miss Imogene Brown, my third grade teacher who recognized my talents since elementary school and STILL supports me to this very day... Thank you so much.

To my mentor, and close friend, Hector Ortega... for inspiring me and motivating me to go hard with my art. You were and continue to be an inspiration to me without even knowing it. I can't thank you enough.

To my art partner in crime, Torrey Jackson... Where do I even BEGIN... The drawing sessions, the words of encouragement, the shout outs, the support, the love of the craft, that focus... We defintitely goin places... Thanks for not giving up on your talents and thank you for the love and support.

To Malcolm Coley... YOOOO...Malcolm, you are the epitome of positivity. You always have such great words of wisdom and when I get to my lowest point, I know that those words are only a phone call or a message away. Your drive and your passion for success are so contagious. Please continue to uplift the spirits of people the way that you do. Endless thanks to you.

I CANNOT leave out this beautiful soul here... To my big sis... +Britney Eggleston ... You are such a strong, beautiful, talented and funny woman. Thank you for your support and for just being so dope lol... Love you to death. You are DEFINITELY going places. And you will always have my support.

 

 

TO MY AIMA CREW!!!

 

 

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! We gonna make it and we gonna change this art game. It's our time to shine and as long as we continue to support each other... There's nothing that we CAN'T do. To everyone else that has been showing love and support to me, I thank you so much. I am so thankful and blessed to have you guys show so much love to me and my artwork. I love you all...

Keep Creating...
<3 Karii

Frustration = Motivation

Hello my beautiful ones... Long time no speak.. My fault entirely and I apologize. Been really busy lately and haven't really had enough time to just sit down and write out what I'm feeling...

SORRY ABOUT THAT...

OK so time for some updates... Since the last time I've blogged, I've finished another sin as part of the Se7en Deadly Sinz Collection. I've also started two other collections: The Black History Collection as well as The Tattoo Beauties Collection. So you can see why I've been so busy.

With February finally here, I've started working on Valentines Day commissions. I'm currently working on one for a friend from high school and I'm so excited about it.


OK so now with the "frustration" aspect of this blog....

I am all for positive living and seeing people do things that's helping them to succeed and excel in life. Where my frustration comes in, is when I'm actively supporting these same people and their movements or dreams, goals etc... WITHOUT QUESTION mind you. But when I need to be promoted or if I want to draw attention to my work or my struggle and my career, what I want to do.... I have to actually ask someone to do it and hope that they will.

Like if I see that they are about something positive and trying to do something to make them more successful, then I will promote them. They don't even have to ask me. I would expect that in return but sadly, it's a very rare occurrence. And I absolutely LOVE to see my art friends succeed.... Because it gives me a very strong sense of hope.

I'm blessed to be in the company of such amazing and talented friends. I take so much pride in seeing their success. But at the end of the day, I'm human. I want to have some of that success. I want to have people CONSTANTLY talking about my work or sharing my images... asking me to do work for them.. promoting me and what I'm about without me having to ask them.


I have absolutely no problem with promoting myself. I do it all the time. And I appreciate every and ANYONE who is supporting me in any way shape or form. I'm incredibly humbled by the people who reach out to me and tell me how much they love what I do. Because at the end of the day, I just want people to realize that my art isn't something that's just done in a matter of minutes... Each piece that I create takes time, and thought, effort, dedication and love to complete. I pour my all into what I do.

I get frustrated when I see people who do the same thing that I do, get more recognition. Let me be 100% CLEAR SO THERE IS NO ROOM FOR CONFUSION:

I am not hating on these people, I'm not jealous of their success, i actually LOVE it... It's my motivation. So to my fellow artists, continue to shine and do what you do best. I am so incredibly proud of all of you. You guys are my inspiration and my motivation. Keep a look out for me... I can only remain under the radar for so long... I'm ready to get MY moment in the spotlight... I love you all tremendously... Keep Creating

<3 Karii