Meet Kayleigh Eilenberger | Graphic Designer, Illustrator & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Kayleigh, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk plays a huge role in my life and career. When I was 22 years old I decided to take a leap of faith and move from a small town in Pennsylvania to San Diego, California. This was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made, while scary it has made me who I am today.

I have now been in Southern California for over 10 years. My move across the country gave me the confidence to take a chance on myself and start a small business. Starting a small business in today’s economy is a major risk, but I think it’s important to take “risks” on things that bring you joy. If there is anything I’ve learned throughout my journey, it’s that nothing is for certain, everything comes with a risk, but if it will bring you joy, you should always take a chance on it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had a love for color and a quirky personality and I’d say my work is a reflection of that, I create a lot of quirky illustrations in bright colors that usually have some sort of food related pun. I enjoy using bright colors and humor because I think they give off good energy and we can all use some of that.

My work is an authentic representation of things that genuinely bring me joy and happiness, created in my unique style. The subject matter is relatable for many but my quirky, colorful artwork is what set’s me apart from other artists.

Like many artists I suffer from perfectionism & imposter syndrome, I am inspired by soooo many talented artists out there and used to get upset that I couldn’t create work like them, but as I’ve continued to pursue being a creative I’ve learned to love that my style is unique and different. I can appreciate and be inspired by other’s work, I don’t have to create things like them for my work to be considered “good”.

Leaning into my uniqueness as an artist has been a very important and hard lesson to learn, it takes time and patience and is something I continue to work on everyday.

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?
Wow what a question, there are so many wonderful places in L.A. to show someone! I would definitely want to show them outdoor areas such as Griffith Park for a hike and the view from the observatory, Venice Beach, the boardwalk there is so iconic and most people have seen it in movies, so it’s fun for them to see in person and maybe Barnsdall Park to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House and a sunset.

If they liked art like I do, I’d take them to one of the many fabulous art museums the city has to offer, like The Getty, L.A.C.M.A., the M.O.C.A or the Broad. Or one of the many temporary art installations that come to the city depending on what’s happening when they’re visiting.

Dinner spot’s we would hit up that week would definitely include Jone’s, Piccalilli, Dudley’s Market, Dan Sung Sa, and Hippo. We’d for sure grab a breakfast burrito from Cerveteca one morning, and maybe one day hit up Chip’s Diner. For cocktails off the top of my head I’d love to bring them to Bar Next Door, The Roger Room, The Normandie Club, Bar Chloe, and Bar Flores.

There are so many fantastic Bars and Restaurant’s in this city, as well as beautiful sites the possibilities are really endless, Los Angeles has something for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Books! Over the past few years since starting my business journey I have read many books that have encouraged me to keep going. The first book I’d like to shoutout is ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron, this book helped me to get out of a creative rut and I plan on reading it again very soon in the near future. The second book I’d like to shoutout is ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear, this book helped me see the significance of taking small steps to reach a bigger goal.

There are many other books that I’ve read that have played a role in inspiring me to keep pursuing my life goals and how to have a positive outlook on things, which I think is very important in today’s times. Books are also great because they teach you things or entertain you and keep you from doom scrolling on your phone, which let’s face it a lot of us are guilty of when we have free time.

Website: https://www.bananapressdesign.co/

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