We had the good fortune of connecting with CK Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CK, what role has risk played in your life or career?
It’s been important for me to try new things which can FEEL risky at times. I continue to make adjustments and learn from what worked out and what did not. If I didn’t take risks, I might still be stuck behind a desk at a corporate design job feeling dead inside and not being able to fathom the possibilities of my own potential.

Nothing great comes from playing it safe.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has been described as “boldly colorful and elegantly erotic”. I look to plants for inspiration, and my background in textile design gives my work it’s rhythm.

Right now, I’m most excited about my painted lampshades. They are super fun to create, and people are loving them!
I’m also working on bringing new life to my 1930’s Spanish revival home with custom wall and ceiling murals painted by me.

The road to where I am professionally has been challenging and I certainly have struggled along the way. It has made my skin thicker and my design sense sharper.

People hire me for my distinct style, and it’s fun to collaborate with new clients on how to convey their message through art and design.

I want people to know that I am VERY into localism.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My neighborhood of Los Feliz is the best, so we would likely spend most of the time in my backyard and garage studio. When we felt like going out, we would stroll down Vermont and Hillhurst going to local restaurants. Little Dom’s and Casita Del Campo are two of my favorites.

For a beach day, we would get huge deli sandwiches from Wax Paper in Frogtown, or Malibu Kitchen and spend the day at the beach at a small local spot I like in Malibu.

I love driving out to the desert, so we would probably spend a few nights out there at the 29 Palms Inn – one of my favorite spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lola is a cat that belongs to my neighbor across the street.

I consider it a good omen every time she appears in my backyard. She encourages me to keep on keepin’ on.

Website: ckreed.com, www.ckreed.com, https://ckshade.com/

Instagram: c.k_reed

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