Meet Karen Deer | Artist

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

Hi Karen, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
As an artist and designer my industry has changed considerably since I started out. Innovations like AI generated artwork, drag-n-drop web templates and crowdsourced design like 99designs means that the business model for being a self supporting artist has been diluted. Wages and rates for graphic designers have not kept pace with inflation and there are many free/low cost options for those seeking design for their companies and brands. So what is a designer to do? The world of print-on-demand and design licensing has given artists new avenues for revenue that can scale well beyond the traditional work-for-hire model.

For those not familiar with design licensing, it involves artist-created original works, where the artist retains the copyright to their piece and license that work to manufacturers and direct-to-consumer websites like Redbubble. The artist earns royalties on sales of products, vs. being paid a one-time fee for their work. Getting started in design licensing means putting in the upfront leg work of developing an authentic, commercially viable portfolio, fostering a web presence through social media, and shopping the portfolio around to manufacturers, as well as posting design work to print-on-demand sites. While there is more risk in the beginning of this process the rewards are great including a scalable business model, flexible work/life balance and creative autonomy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have launched lufuluv design studio as a platform for positivity. After enduring an incredibly challenging time, along with the rest of the globe, during the pandemic, I wanted to put something out into the world to counteract the negativity I was encountering online. Through hand-drawn art paired with photography and positive affirmations, my work centers the beauty of nature, the invigoration of adventure, as well as an appreciation for the little things that punctuate our most memorable experiences.

A recent series features the California Super Bloom. After years of drought, we were finally deluged with more rain than we could handle, and nature responded with an epic, magnificent super bloom of wildflowers. Emblematic of our own life trials, where sometimes we toil away at our goals with little traction or even loose our way, if we keep the faith and keep pushing forward, we will get our own super bloom to happen in our life.

Challenges are inevitable. I have faced many uphill battles along the way, not least of which is the ongoing struggle to be the best mom I can, while also nurturing my own light and creativity. Always motherhood takes priority, as I have a precious life to guide to adulthood, but being a good example to my daughter of how to manage a career that I love is part of that mission!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Southern California is a fantastic place to show a friend around. Much of my art is inspired by scenes and experiences within a 3 hour drive of my home in South Pasadena.

I would first show my dear friend my local neighborhood, where we have a very quaint and walkable town filled with local boutiques, restaurants and cafes. A favorite is the South Pasadena Farmer’s market held every Thursday evening that features local farms, food trucks and music!

The great thing about this locale, is the wide range of micro-climates we can visit – from mountains, to desert to beach – I would hit all 3!

Our next stop would by Idyllwild, an adorable artsy town in the mountains. Just a 2 hour drive from Pasadena it is a world away. The drive up the hill features dramatic vistas and a winding mountain road that is fun or terrifying depending on how you look at it. Take a hike, shop the local boutiques and grab brunch at one of the eateries!

Then we head to Joshua Tree National Park where we can take in an entirely different landscape. This one is how I imagine Mars will look with giant boulders and alien-like cholla and Joshua Trees. Stop by Pioneertown for a Wild West experience of an actual old movie set that is also a working town!

Finally back in the LA area we head to Malibu. Grab lunch at the local fish market with ocean views, take a stroll on the beach and soak in that fresh ocean breeze.

Southern California truly is a fantastic place to visit and showing it off to a friend makes it even more fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to all the amazing, inspiring women in my life, especially my mom who showed me that being an independent, self-supporting woman is not only doable but desirable. She is an artist herself of amazing quality but also created the life of her dreams through hard work over the years. She has always been a keen supporter of my own ambitions. Through her unwavering belief in my abilities, I have come to believe that anything is possible if I set my mind, intentions and hard work towards my goals.

In addition Monique Good has been on of my primary career boosters and mentors during my time working in tech. She is a tireless leader, always re-inventing to keep up with the latest technology. She is truly a fantastic ally and friend along the way. She has always kept me in mind for roles and collaborations.

Finally, last but not least, is Inge Halliday. She was my riding coach years ago and we have kept in touch and become great friends. She is one of those truly bright spirits whose quest for good goes beyond just being perceived as such. Her hard work, creativity and tireless pursuit of what’s right and true inspires me to be and do better.

Website: https://lufuluv.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lufuluv/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenldeer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090239179970