Meet Kinsey Salyers: Artist

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

Hi Kinsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Taking the leap between making art for myself and making art for others was very intimidating. It was like putting a piece of my heart on display for others to judge. But I had to try or I would always think about “what if”. And the idea that I could loose out on the opportunity to make my passion into a career continued to drive me forward. I started small with only 3 prints and a couple originals, but I knew with each new painting I made, it was potential for more prints and with each new painting that sold, it was potential for new customers. The more product I accumulated the more customers i got.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Acrylic paint is what I use most often, painting slightly macabre pieces with bright bold colors, and then completely switching it up with something happy and the total opposite of macabre. I used to be too afraid to actually sell my work, because I didn’t think it was good enough. But after a few friends and family members started commissioning work I started to gain more confidence in my craft. My first actual art show was a small local event at a bar and I was terrified of actually getting my work out there and the stress almost made me back out. But I am so happy that I didn’t, because after a few years and many many art shows later, I look forward to every single show and get so excited to see old friends and meet new ones. I wouldn’t say it was an easy or difficult journey to get to where I am, it was just a slow and steady one. The more art events I did, the more people I met and the more people I could reach out to and do more events with. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and who I am as an artist these past few years. I’m not sure if I will ever be “famous” but I think it would be awesome if even just one more person knew my story through this article. I just feel honored getting to share a little bit of who I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m currently living in San Diego, so let’s talk about some places in, and around the city that give me inspiration and clarity. If you want a great getaway trip to the forest, I recommend Idyllwild. It’s about a 2 hour drive, and it’s definitely worth it. Sometimes a break from the city really helps clear my mind of any stress I have. As someone who grew up in California, the beach is always a must visit, and Sunset Cliffs is the place to go, at sunset of course. If I want a nice park day for a picnic I love to go to balboa park, or Liberty Station to draw or paint. I also love day trips to Julian for apple pie. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my life. I always had art supplies around the house growing up, and she was always supportive of me expressing myself however I wanted. And now, as an adult she’s always there to answer when I call to talk, complain, cry, or whatever feelings I have to let out. I also have to shoutout the art communities in San Diego and Los Angeles . The people I do art shows and events with are some of the most talented and most caring people I have ever met. I have never felt more welcome and more at home than I do when I’m vending at an art event. These artists and creators have so much strength and creativity as well as being the hardest working people I’ve ever known. I have to thank them for welcoming me in with open arms and making every art event something to look forward to.

Website: www.titleunknownart.etsy.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/titleunknownart