Meet Kelly Stoia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Stoia.

Kelly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For many of us, we grew up with the idea that we needed to follow a linear path for success. Either conform to a system that we had no part in choosing or be condemned a “ failure ”. It took a long and unexpected journey of eight years, feeling lost, confused, depressed, and ultimately leaving my hometown, to realize that I needed to find another system. One that was right for me.

For most of my schooling experience, my family and I were navigating learning disabilities, bullying, mental health, and physical health disorders that took me in and out of both medical care and rehabilitation centers. I was excited about the fresh start that college would offer. After a couple of years of the same academic struggle which kept me from moving past the baseline of requirements, I said enough and dropped out. I left feeling completely insecure about my intelligence and convinced I would never go back. I don’t want my story to sound like a promo for higher education because college is not necessary to finding happiness, success, or any validation of “ intelligence ”. After eight years of running, it ended up being the one thing I needed to do for myself. Not only was I previously a ‘college dropout’ and ‘special ED student’ and can now call myself a college graduate, but I was also awarded Valedictorian of my class. Something I still find a bit hilarious and ironic considering my insecurities.

Just four years ago, these personal accomplishments would be the very last thing I would have ever expected to happen. With all the trauma associated with school and the financial risk of going back, my only goal was to finish, walk across the graduation stage, hold my diploma, and get a job. I had no idea coming back to school would not only help me discover the capabilities of my creative reach but allow me to regain my identity, my courage, and my purpose.

The world feels like a dark place right now, and in many ways, it is exactly that, but for the first time in regards to who I am and where I’ll end up going, I don’t feel scared anymore. Most importantly, I’m not running away from something.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road was definitely a rough one. I believe when we are living a life that’s not ours or that is not authentic to us, the struggles are harder to manage. Yes, I had a lot of personal healing that I needed to do, both in my physical and mental health, but the minute I decided to move in a direction of courage instead of fear and one that truly fulfilled me, everything started to feel better.

Four years while working at a dance studio my partner and I watched breast cancer take our boss, mentor, and friend. Shortly after we left, I had to get an emergency procedure done for some advanced cellular dysplasia. Watching cancer take someone close to me and affecting my own body was a wake-up call.

Please tell us more about your art.
I am currently a freelance Motion Designer and Illustrator. I am also interested in getting into editorial illustration as well. Working in the motion industry allows me to combine all the things I love. I can think sequentially, work with movement, and still perform but I can do it all with my art.

I think the most common feedback I have received about my work is it feels emotional. I strive to be vulnerable when I design, whether it’s sad, silly, serious, or fun, I want the work to invite people to feel something. Another comment that I receive often is how much my work changes. Being a performer for most of my life, I love embodying different perspectives and stretching my voice as a designer. I enjoy stepping into different personalities a concept might require. I am also very passionate about projects that involve stories of real people, or projects that contribute to social and environmental impact.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
Something I wish I had started sooner was my journey of honest and compassionate self-work. This work towards healing led me to feel more grounded and trusting in myself. To see the complex and unique picture that is me. Starting this journey allowed me to make honest decisions in confidence, even when I was met with concern and criticism, sometimes from people closest to me. If we don’t know exactly what we want, the currents of our internal struggle, society, or people in our life will push us in a direction that may not be the best for us. We need to make damn sure we are steering the boat and do our best to understand ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kellystoia.com/
• Phone: 9517759704
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @kelly.stoia
• Twitter: @StoiaKelly

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