Meet Robert Kley: Artist

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

Hi Robert, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I don’t think about end goals too much anymore. There have been many times I have had goals set up for myself and when I achieved them they weren’t what I thought they were going to be. The same goes for others that didn’t work out and I was happy that they didn’t. I’ve found the process of working towards them much more memorable than the actual goal itself. I don’t put pressure on myself about them. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t. It’s ok either way.

I can’t really see and end to my career but more an evolution. I will always be involved in photography, music, and art in some form or another. In the end as long as I am still happy creating that’s all that really matters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
They say that if you choose a job you love you will never have to work a day in your life. I’m not sure who said that, but nothing could be further from the truth. Having your own business is a full-time commitment. You’re the one who determines your worth and who will be responsible for all of your success and inevitable failures. It can all feel very overwhelming at times, but at the end of the day nothing will be more rewarding. Persistence will set you apart from others. A lot of people will get into a creative field with one thing in mind and soon realize how much time and sacrifice it really takes and will stop. A friend told me once that all of the best ideas, inventions, art, music, etc. are buried with people who didn’t believe in themselves and gave up. That always stuck with me. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Don’t lose sight of your dream. Take risks. What you’re working towards could be right around the corner.

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?
There have been so many people that have supported and encouraged me throughout my life and career that it’s impossible to pick one person or thing. It could be something wonderful as a heartfelt conversation, or something as simple as hearing a song on the radio. I’m simply just thankful for all of the people who I trust and admire for the moments we have together and that we continue to uplift and inspire each other.

Website: www.robertjohnkley.com

Instagram: @robertjohnkley