Who Am I Becoming?

It's a very deep question. Not just one that I'm asking myself, but one that I'm encouraging everyone of you to ask as well. Yes YOU! If you're reading this blog entry today, I want this message to be specifically for YOU. Doesn't matter where you are, what time of day or night it is, I want you to read this as if I'm talking to you. What are you becoming?

Last night was very eye opening for me. After I posted my Tiger Lily blog, the response that I got from it was enormous in comparison to my other blogs. Likes, actual feedback, shares, people reaching out to me, you name it. I was so thankful and humbled that what I wrote, was being taken seriously. It even made a few of my supporters laugh. I loved that. It is, after all, the GREATEST medicine known to man. So after writing the blog, I began the drawing process of my depiction of Tiger Lily. Have you ever worked on something and ended up shocking yourself?! That's sort of what happened to me last night.

Don't get me wrong, I've always known that I had it in me to create something really good. What I didn't know, was how organic and freeing working on something just for me would feel like. I hadn't done it in quite some time. There was no time restriction, no consultation needed to make changes here or there, didn't need to change the design because it was exactly how I saw it in my head. It felt great. So I posted progress photos of what I was doing. The feedback and response that I got was amazing. For so long now, I've been saying, I just want some feedback. ANY kind. I just want to know how people are receiving this image. Then I started to get wrapped up and consumed by that. I was starting to become an artist that only worried about how others viewed my work and not necessarily how I saw it myself.

So last night, I asked myself, "What am I becoming?"....

Then it hit me. Like a lightening bolt....It stung a little, but it woke me up. I realized, that I'm becoming the kind of artist that I always dreamed I would grow up to be. I created something that made ME happy. I was able to reach others in the process. Humbled and extremely thankful, I'm becoming... me! A better version of myself. This drawing was just the thing to get me started. I still have a long way to go. I'm growing up in art. Last night was like my rebirth of self. I cant wait to see what's next for me, and what's next for you. Don't be afraid to dream and don't be afraid to discover who you are.


Keep Creating,
<3 Karii J.

Finally...Something For Me!!

      I've been one busy person lately. Working with incredible local artists, meeting other artists from out of my area, traveling to NYC for art showcases etc., etc. With all of that being said, I feel like I'm kinda starting to make a name for myself. With the First Friday events, I'm actually starting to get people who are coming out with the sole purpose of seeing my work. Which is always an amazing feeling. Thank you to each and every supporter, motivator, and person who sends me words of encouragement. 

     Okay so now that I have that out of the way, I'm so excited to make this announcement. For quite some time now, I've been creating artwork for the purpose of trying to sell it, or for someone else. It's been a while since I created a piece that was just for my own enjoyment. I think that now is the perfect time for me to do that. Anyone who truly knows me... knows just how much I'm a fan-girl over Disney Princesses. Especially when they're recreated by other artists and they look more....edgy, i.e. the "Disney Punk/Hipster Princesses"! If you're still not following me, I mean THIS version of Disney:

    Pretty badass right?! Well I've always wanted to tackle this one particular character. I don't feel as though she gets the credit she needs even though in the Disney film, she is CLEARLY labeled as a princess. I like to think of her as the "forgotten" princess. Who am I talking about? This lovely little flower here:

THAT'S RIGHT!!!

TIGER LILY UP IN THIS BIOTCH!!!

    Of course, I will be doing my own depiction of her. How could I not?! She is one of my favorites because she didn't get a lot of time to shine, but when she DID... OMG did she show out! Captain Hook wanna tie me up? Toss me overboard?! I ain't stressin'... I'm Tiger Lily. Better ask about me son!

    Growing up, I always imagined that's what was running through her head. I mean... look at her pic. She's calm, cool, and collected! My kinda princess. So I'm very excited to start on this project. Knowing myself the way that I do, I'm seeing a slightly older version, tattoos, face paint, definite attitude, maybe a peace pipe or two lol and a sexy edge about her. Planning on recording my process as well so you can all enjoy this project with me. Stay tuned. It's about to get NATIVE up in here!

Keep Creating,

<3 Karii J.

Making Big Moves

So much has been happening since the last time I blogged. Numerous live shows and appearances, countless contacts and new business leads. It's just been an incredible journey.

Most importantly, I was given the position as the new lead of the Quarter Yellow Studios branch in Binghamton!!!! I'm very excited about it and I can't wait to really make my mark in this city.

I'm planning events, showcasing other local artists as well as myself and trying to get my art family more involved within our community. It's going to be an amazing year. I just would like to thank everyone who has helped me and encouraged me along on this journey. I'm doing the best that I can to make big things happen not only for myself, but also for many other deserving local artists. And keep a lookout for me because I'm coming to a local art event near you!

Traveling artist movement is about to take place!

Until next time my loves,

Keep creating
<3 Karii J.

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.