Substance Over Celebrity...Always!

Okay, so recently, my Facebook fan page reached the 250 point milestone. I expressed how deeply appreciative I was and how I couldn't have made it to where I am in my journey without the love and support of all those who stand behind me. Needless to say, I got some great feedback from some supporters and they reassured me of something that I started to realize about what I want to represent.

During my little thank you post, I stated that I may not have as many likes on my page as some of my friends have on theirs, but that I am extremely grateful for the likes that I DO have! I was told that it was better to have 250+ likes from people who GENUINELY like my work and what I do, then to have 1000+ likes from people who see other people like something and they just want to feel like a part of the crowd without even knowing what I'm about.

That's what I appreciate about my hustle. I work hard, regardless of the fact that money coming in is consistent or not. I do it because I LOVE IT! Imagine what it would be like if everyone woke up and went to a job doing what they LOVE to do. Don't get me wrong, any source of money coming in from my artwork is not only appreciated but also a bonus. No point in me even trying to express to people how important it is to keep up with bills. We're all adults. THIS IS A GIVEN...BILLS NEED TO BE PAID, FAMILIES PROVIDED FOR...

The thing that I like most about my 250+ supporters... is the fact that I EARNED all of them. They weren't BOUGHT likes, or people who decided to like my page just because I begged them to. I earned all of my supporters by showing my craft, putting myself out there, vulnerable to the world and criticism... Not many people understand how big of a step it is, or how much it takes for someone to put themselves on camera and reveal themselves and their craft to the world. I do it because I love it.

I love art, I love the process of creating, I love all the ways that I can present it. Whether it be through progress photos, speed drawings or paintings, video blogs, or live painting events. I love everything about what I do. The interactions and personal relationships that I've developed are unmatched. The publicity and the overall exposure that I've been getting has taken my artwork and myself to a level that I never thought imaginable before. My artwork was always done for self enjoyment. But now that I see how my work touches others, I'm more and more devoted to making this something that I do for the rest of my life.

So in conclusion, though I am starting to be a more recognizable figure because of what I do, I'd much rather be respected and admired for what I do. I don't need to have thousands of likers, followers, etc. in order to feel like I'm successful. I don't need an INSANE amount of money in my bank account to verify my success as an artist either. All I need is my dream, a clear vision of the road ahead to get to my ultimate goals, and amazing supporters who genuinely like and support those goals and dreams. Substance over Celebrity... Always!


Until next time...

Keep Creating,
<3 Karii J.

Someday.. this WILL become my reality!

A Night On The Town

Allow me to explode my happiness onto this blog!!!

Tonight was the second night for Binghamton's Off The Wall project and it was SO much fun. More live bands playing, even more local artists showed up to make this event stand out. We're starting a MOVEMENT here people!

I did a new live painting. As a request, I did a live painting of Tupac. I didn't sell any artwork tonight, but I did get a LOT of exposure and that is just as good in my opinion. A lot of people measure their success based on how much money they make. I base MY success on how much my artwork touches people who see it. Don't get me wrong... Money is always good for business too, but I think the personal relationships I build and the connections that people have to my artwork is worth so much more.

Tonight was a lot of fun. I met some new artists, new friends, spent more time with my little art family... which isn't quite as little anymore. It seems like we grow bigger and bigger with every event. I love that. So many different styles and creative minds... All with a common love and appreciation for the arts. It's such an honor to be a part of something so big. Networking is on a whole new level for me now. I'm meeting publicists now, fellow bloggers, artists, gallery managers, gallery OWNERS, buyers, art enthusiasts, you name it. 

I DO have to admit this... The absolute best part about tonight, was the fact that my daughter was with me. Not only there lending me support, but she also did a live painting as well. I love that she's so into art and entertainment. You have to encourage the youth and I encourage creativity and imagination on ALL levels when it comes to my kids. Let them dream, let them imagine, let them play... most of all

Keep Creating,

<3 Karii J.

Artist Appreciation Project Pt.1

Not too long ago, I was given an assignment to work on an artist appreciation project, where I would honor artists who I look up to and gain inspiration from. I was immediately tuned in once my professor started giving us the details and requirements for the assignment. I've always wanted to be able to do something where I could praise OTHER artists in MY style. So this was the perfect opportunity.

Granted that recently, I've had a lot of other things going on around me, I take pride in the fact that I remained determined to stick to this project. For those of you who don't know, I am no longer a student with AIPittsburgh. For too many reasons than I care to get into, let's just say that I wasn't willing to conform MY style to what THEY thought was artistic in order to get a degree. But I digress....

So even though it was no longer REQUIRED of me to complete this assignment, I still wanted to complete it. For personal satisfaction more or less. Like I stated before, as soon as the assignment was brought to my attention, I was hooked! I knew EXACTLY what artists I wanted to honor and how I wanted to go about portraying each one. The first of the artists that I wanted to highlight was Keenan Chapman.

Now I just happened to stumble upon Mr. Chapman through a Facebook post where one of his paintings was featured on a page. I thought his work that was shown was awesome. So curiosity got the better of me and I decided to click on his profile to see more of his work. Trying to find a single word to sum up his style is damn near impossible. Everything from his use of color to his unique brush strokes is enough to keep you wanting to see more. I became even more into his work once I watched a speed painting that he did of Bob Marley... You can see it here:

Another thing that I admire about Keenan is what some people may find funny but I think it's awesome. Have you ever looked at a person and the first word that comes to your mind is art?! THAT'S WHAT IT'S LIKE FOR ME! To be able to look at a person and just see art! That's amazing. I admire the fact that he's such a spiritual and socially conscious person. Which is something that I believe adds so much character and depth to his works of art. You can actually feel something when you look at it. Artwork that invokes emotion shows what a true artist is.


Here is MY interpretation of one of my favorite photos of him along with an artist appreciation video created by yours truly:

To close out this blog entry, I would like to state this:

As an artist there is absolutely nothing more humbling than to know that not only is your work appreciated and admired, but also that YOU as the person behind the art is admired and appreciated as well. So be sure to show a fellow artist your appreciation today. Support the arts and the people who help to bring them to life.

Until next time...

Keep Creating,

<3 Karii J.

The Importance of Networking

One thing that I've learned on this artistic journey of mine, is that professionalism is everything and networking is a MUST. It really is true what people say. Sometimes it's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know.

(Check out this great video on the importance of networking)


Now speaking from personal experience, this is how things went in MY situation. Now granted that I have been drawing and into art since the age of four, I always did it for self enjoyment. I never thought of trying to make a career out of what I did until later on in life. As stated before, I was only doing my artwork for self enjoyment. I knew that going to school would give me a degree, hence making me appear more professional with my art; but I never thought of making it a full time career.
Only recently after interning at a local radio station, did I get the courage to step out and make this my CAREER. The owner of the radio station that I was interning for, came into the office to get his messages and just happened to see my sketchbook and what I was capable of, and the rest goes from there. Through him, I met people who sponsored local art festivals and events of the like who caught wind of me and my talents. Through them, I met even more people in the art community, I got TV interviews, and people started recognizing me when I would be out in public.
After that, I started getting the courage to step out during First Fridays. Completely opened my eyes up to such an exciting and amazing artistic world that I had NO idea even existed. And it was right under my nose the whole time. Going to galleries and meeting artists and gallery managers and networking just gave me that extra boost of confidence. Some good words of advice... NO ONE WILL PROMOTE YOU AND YOUR WORK BETTER THAN YOU CAN!
After meeting with some very humble and awesome people downtown in the art community, I am proud to say that I am now a member of a GREAT artistic family. I am doing more local events where I'm getting out and being active in the community. People are starting to recognize me as well as my work and it's a great feeling. All because I took that leap of faith and put myself out there.

If there's nothing else that you take away from this blog, please just understand this:
Knowing the right people, being in the right places at the right times will help you build a strong foundation. Think of how many people will want to do business with you, if you come highly recommended by respected people in your field. No one will go as hard for you as you will go for yourself. Part of starting a solo art career, requires you to sell not only your artwork, but also yourself. Remember, you are a BRAND. You are a packaged deal. Let your talent speak for itself. Just remember that on the business end of things, NETWORKING WILL TAKE YOU FAR!

Until next time...
Keep Creating,
<3 Karii J.

Where Do I Even Begin?

It's been quite some time since I've blogged. So much has happened since my last post in here.

SO WHERE DO I BEGIN?!

Well, I've been VERY active in my local art community since the last time I blogged. I've done events such as JULYFEST 2013 which was nothing short of amazing. I've been donating my artwork.. Most recently decided to donate some art to my local Boys and Girls Club. I've been linking up and networking with other local artists and building up an amazing team. Most currently, I've been a part of the "Off The Wall" project... Allow me to explain...But in order of course... THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN....



JULYFEST 2013:

Okay, so JulyFest 2013 is what I feel is the event that changed everything for me. For the better. I was out in the public eye. My work was on display. I was creating artwork live and in your face, giving people the opportunity to see my creative process from beginning to end. Not only that, but I was NETWORKING. I met so many amazing local artists. I created lifelong friendships and became a part of a beautiful little artistic family. I met people who would see me on a daily basis and never knew that I possessed such a talent. My clientele took a huge spike upwards. My facebook fanpage.... growing more and more by the day. I'm so incredibly thankful for that event. It really was life changing for me. Check out some of the footage below. Oh yeah... want to see which piece I created? well here she is:


"Cecelia the Voodoo Priestess"
14 x 18" acrylic on canvas

STILL AVAILABLE

$115 w/ frame

I'd also like to share some of the video footage from the event with you all.. Check it out. 

So yeah, THAT was a lot of fun. As you can see from the turnout, I had a LOT of exposure from this event.

And now for the Off The Wall Project:

I'll just leave you with some of the excerpts from a friend and fellow artist, the beautiful Kady Perry (awesome name right?!) 

"CITY ANNOUNCES NEW OFF THE WALL CONCERT & ARTS SERIES

Free Series to Feature Local Talent at Peace Maker Stage off Wall Street

BINGHAMTON, NY—The City of Binghamton announces a new fall Friday evening event, the “Off the Wall Concert Series”, at the Peacemakers Stage on the river trail adjacent to the Court Street Bridge. “We want to encourage use of this great city amenity and showcase local and BU talent,” said Mayor Matt Ryan. Along with eight musical groups during the four weeks, local artists from Quarter Yellow Creative Cooperative and Club Bling will be originating pop-up art. Several food trucks also will be on hand to offer a variety of tasty treats."

"Picking up on the “Celebration of Creativity” along the river trail during July Fest, the city reached out to Kady Perry and the Quarter Yellow Creative Cooperative to invite their participation to provide impromptu arts activities during the concerts. Perry indicated that about half dozen artists are committed to the event. Emily Jablon, operator of Club Bling in association with Susan Jablon Mosaics will be there with her mosaic creations which are rapidly becoming a signature in the city."

So yeah... we're talking something pretty epic. Last Friday was the first event.. be sure to come out THIS Friday for the second one. We're making BIG statements here folks. Come out and show your support. Check out some of the amazing footage from last week. Video courtesy of the awesomely talented Mark Urban (another addition of the lovely little art family I've been adopted into =] )

Hope this was a nice little update for you readers. I will be blogging a lot more now. Stay tuned for the next blog, MY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT... 


Keep Creating
<3 Karii J. 

Awakening a Fiery Spirit

I am so far beyond excited and I just have to share this excitement with the masses. Okay so last night, I found one of my favorite movies from 2000. Arabian Nights starring Mili Avital, Dougray Scott, James Frain, John Leguizamo, and Jason Scott Lee... among many others... Seriously one of the best movies ever made in my opinion. The movie is so cool because it's like 7 stories in one.. May be a bit of an exaggeration, but you HAVE to see it.. For those of you who haven't seen it and are interested... here it is right here.. Sit back... watch...enjoy...thank me later ;)

Okay so in continuing with this blog, let me give you my history with this movie. During my high school years, I discovered this movie while I was living with my grandparents in New Jersey. I remember I would watch this movie all the time. We're talking an every day type of issue. Seriously. I would have it playing in the mornings when I was getting ready for school, I'd play it after school while I was doing my homework and then I'd watch it before I would go to bed every night. I was so hypnotized by Scheherazade (played by Mili Avital) and her way of telling the stories. She did amazingly in this film. Dougray Scott, who played the part of the sultan in this film was just THE best. For someone to portray a mad man... he went above and beyond. It's so crazy to watch him in this film and you feel so sorry for him and develop a soft spot and just fall for him... and then you watch Mission Impossible 2 and it's like... "Get him Tom Cruise!!!" lol

Okay okay... seriously... I'm getting off topic. The reason why this film has me so excited is because for some reason, it has brought out a really creative side of me. I watched the film and sat down to sketch at the same time. Within that time, I realized that I had drawn my interpretation of Scheherazade and it turned out beautiful. Totally not being biased with that last statement. But seriously, she's one of the most beautiful characters I have drawn in a very long time. Here is the sketch I did of her here:

I'm so inspired by this piece that I decided to take her a step further than I normally would. Not only will I be putting in a lot of work with the sketch version (because I would really love to frame this), But I will also be painting this and adding 3D elements to it. I've seen this done before and I just love the way that it looks. So I want to give it a try myself and see her take on a life of her own. In my creating of the Arabian Nights Collection, I will also be doing my interpretations of Ali Baba and Mohgiana, Aladdin, The Sultan, and The Genie.

I'm going to be taking my time with this project because I want them all to turn out really well. Check out some of the reference images that I'm getting my inspiration from and stay alert for more posts as I progress along with this :) I'm planning on having so much fun with it. Please feel free to leave your comments below and don't forget to check out the movie posted above. It's a must see and VERY entertaining. Until next time folks...

Keep Creating,

<3 Karii

Sultan

Scheherazade

Ali Baba & Moghiana

Aladdin

The Genie

Maturity...Eventually

Hello my beautiful ones. Long time no speak... Anywho!! Updates Updates Rants and some more UPDATE!


Okay so yeah... it's been quite some time since I've blogged. I figured with me only having 3 active followers (all of which are on my fb anyways), I didn't see the harm in letting my "readers" down. Everything that I post is either on my facebook fan page or regular facebook. So no harm done. With that being said, I'll be posting some of my most recent images on here as my updates and some places where you can purchase prints as well as other items featuring my work.

I titled this post "Maturity...Eventually" for a specific reason. For any of you who may know me personally, you know that I am a big kid at heart. I still watch cartoons (more than my kids do), cereal is the greatest thing ever created (IMO), there's no such thing as staying in the lines (because I'm a crayon rebel), and you can never laugh TOO much. All things and ideas that I live by on a daily basis.

However; I know that eventually, maturity will have to set in. When I speak of maturity, I mean it strictly in an artistic sense. Example; a few months ago, had I been writing this blog, I would be complaining about how people aren't noticing my work, or buying any of my products, or showing active support and blah blah blippity blah... But NOW, I'm coming into a stage where I realize, people will only buy into and invest money into things that they want to. They are not OBLIGATED to buying my products just to show that they like my work. And I'm actually okay with that. If I happen to make a sale here or there then I'm happy. If not, at least I still had fun and enjoyed MYSELF in the process of creating that piece of art. 

It's all just a matter of sitting back and looking at the bigger picture. What's more important to me... the "fame" or the respect?! Guess which one I'm after...


Check out my updates... I'll post links where you can see some of my work and buy some items if interested and until we meet again...

Keep Creating
<3 Karii

Society6 Shop:
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Become a fan:
http://www.facebook.com/kareemah.johnson.art

9 Muses of Karii J.

GUESS WHO'S BACK?!... That would be I!!! 

What's up my beautiful ones?! I'm so sorry for stepping away for so long. You know how it is, school, kids, side projects, and all that jazz!

ANYWAYS.... I'm back with good news... Naturally. Working on another project and it's one that is personally a big deal to me. So as the title clearly states, I'm working on the 9 muses. Now, rather than going with the traditional muses of Greek mythology, I wanted to modernize them and make them more relate-able to ME. So what better way to do this than to create my muses based off of some women that I know and associate with who have also been a part of my growing success as an artist? They are all so classically beautiful and each of them hold a very special place in my heart. So without further ado, here are my lovelies:


Lisa... The muse of encouragement

+Britney Eggleston ... The muse of music

Tamara... The muse of culture

April... The muse of fun

Ashlee... The muse of support

Dominique... The muse of inspiration

+Leilani Joy ... The muse of motivation

Tristen ... The muse of strength

and ...

Olivia Rose ... The muse of individuality

Like I said, BEAUTIES!!! I am honoring these ladies for being such a positive impact on me and my artwork. Whether they are aware of it or not, I want to show my thanks and deep appreciation for them all. Please stay tuned for speed paintings as well as other blogs and updates. To get more info, head over to my facebook art page, hit the like button and keep up with their progress as I work on their creations. Follow me step by step from creation to print to the art show! SEE YOU THERE

Keep Creating

<3 Karii

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

Se7en Deadly Sinz Lola Lust

Hello my beautiful ones!!! I am BACK.... yes once again here to bless your beautiful eyes and souls with some artwork done by yours truly. I have been absent for a while and you all have my sincerest apologies... But I'm back and now it's time to get back into the swing of things.


My last couple of blogs and facebook statuses/posts have been about this art show that I have been trying to put on. It's going to be my first solo art show and I'm really hoping that I can pull this off. So In this post, I'm gonna share ALL of the videos that I've been posting about for the show and my plans and goals for it.


I'm hoping to have my supporters and followers get the word out and help me to get this off to a great start. Okay so enough of the typing... here are the videos :)..... Enjoy my beautiful ones. And keep creating
<3 Karii

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-sXCcsUoAc

You're No Saint

Hey my beautiful ones! Thanks for coming back to check out my latest blog. For those of you who got a chance to see the recent video I uploaded about Binghamton's First Friday, what did you think? Did any of you go to check it out? What did you think?

Anyways, this blog is about something completely different. There are a bunch of art galleries and little side shops downtown that use their spaces as venues for artists to showcase their work during First Fridays. So I took it upon myself to do some research about local venues here in the Binghamton area and I was shocked to see that The Bundy Museum has also been used as a venue on numerous occasions.

I was shocked for one of two reasons. First reason being that I had NO clue that The Bundy Museum was actually a History AND Art museum. Second reason being that I always thought it was just used for "museum-like" purposes anyways. So yeah... good to know!

Now to get back on the subject,, with my new found information and knowledge about this place, I wanted to know if I could possibly use The Bundy Museum to host my very first solo art show. But I know not to approach anything without being prepared and having something to back me up. So I've been brainstorming and focusing on a cohesive theme to go with for a show. Then it hit me...

   THE....SEVEN....DEADLY...SINS (hence the title, "You're No Saint" ...((see what I did there?!)


So I'm in the process of working out the sketches for my ladies who will represent each sin and my next blog will be the big reveal of those sketches before I transfer them to the canvas and start painting.

Until next time... Continue to show your love and support.

Keep Creating
<3 Karii

2013... The Breakout Year

Hey there all you beautiful people! Happy New Year. I hope you all had an amazing holiday season this year. With the start of the new year and throughout the entirety of it... I have self proclaimed this to by my BREAKOUT year.

No more being shy (ok that's gonna take some time so work with me on this.), no more hiding my artwork, time to be more outgoing. So I'm calling on all of it happen for me. Word of Mouth works WONDERS!!!

So tell a friend to tell a friend to tell 3 more friends. :)

Check out the video and Keep Creating
<3 Karii