Meet Rose Kochanek of Owlieart in The Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Kochanek.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a creative person. When I was young, I used to enjoy any art projects that I was given because I loved to learn and problem solve them to “wow” my teacher or peers. As I grew older, that never changed but I felt lost in the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” When you’re younger, you have no idea what this question means. For me, it meant to be a vet. I loved animals and it seemed like a good-paying job.

Because that’s what I felt society wanted of me. I worked hard to get into a school that specializes in animal science. But, as I entered high school, I always felt a disconnect between my dream and questioned what I wanted to do. In my senior year I still felt lost, I realized the reality of becoming a vet would be too burdensome and competitive, and ultimately unfulfilling. By chance, I ended up taking a video editing class, and through this class I learned about animation. This reignited my passion for art and gave me a new path to undertake. So I worked hard and got into a college under a scholars program.

As an art major, many new avenues have opened up for me and I have enjoyed every second of learning different arts and styles. As my love for art grew, I realized I had a taste for creating imagery on the darker side. Art is about expressing your feelings. It gives me great joy, helps me through hard times and even dealing with depression. When I first opened up my store on Etsy, I was hesitant because the kind of art I did was not “pretty” or “cute” and I knew it wouldn’t sell immediately. Although it was difficult, I enjoyed sharing little pieces of myself to anyone who would stop and take notice. I feel like my journey has just begun. My story is still being written and I have so many projects in gear for the future. From oil painting to foam fabrication in cosplay, the possibilities are endless.

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?
Of course, I feel going anywhere in life is never easy. Obstacles will always be in your way, but overcoming them will only strengthen yourself to be a better and more confident person. My struggle is trying to feel confident in the art I produce versus what many consider mainstream. I have to reckon with the fact that most of my art is dark and finding an audience is difficult and niche. Feedback can be a little disheartening when they say “Good drawing but I wouldn’t want to associate myself with it” or “That’s weird, I would never hang it on my wall.” Although I enjoy drawing creepy and dark things, many of my commissions that sell tend to be cute anime art or pretty watercolor landscapes. I am happy about the sale but anxious for the day my “dark” art gets accepted.

Please tell us more about your art.
My business, Owlieart, mainly sells creepy stickers. I have a sticker line of animals made out of skulls, as well as a line of phobia art which I am very proud of. I am also proud of how everything I produce is made from home and is not outsourced. It’s been a long road, but I am proud that I was able to create products people enjoy. I thrive on all portions of the process from creation, to business, to distribution. What sets me apart from other artists…? It’s the different mediums I can work with. From digital to watercolor, to stop motion, I am very versatile in how to bring my own nightmares to life.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think that everyone has a path they are meant for. It’s not a means of good luck or bad luck pushing you there, but rather how you overcome and look at the opportunities around you. When one door closes, two doors open. When my original dream door closed (becoming a vet), I saw two doors open for different art dreams.

Pricing:

• Stickers 4-7$

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owlieart/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4f6u-k3Ufcq1rRjdz1TJ1A

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