Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikkeya Espy.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I always had an interest in art and drawing, often times reading books to look at the illustration details. All through elementary and middle school I had teachers and mentors always introducing me to new techniques and ideas. Since 2001 I strived to be an illustrator for children’s books. Over time I would practice by drawing in class and painting outside of class, eventually causing my skill set to expand and grow. While I had given thought of selling my art, I did not do so until 2014. I began Keya Kat’s Prints to put a name on my art and have a name to market my work. Now at the age of 23, with a growing family, my time to work as an artist is temporarily dwindling. While I am pulling back on time to work, I always make time to create and progress, taking far and few commissions and putting out designs for purchase.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The art of turning your talent into a business is never an easy road, no matter what that talent may be. Being self-taught and working for myself as a freelance artist is a challenge in itself. Rather than going to classes and having a teacher show you what you need to know, to progress in your skills, it is heavily dependent on practice and creating/finding new techniques. You have to be able to pull yourself out of a funk to progress. Balancing family, self, and work has been another major challenge of mine. Having to separate the three poses a hard task. Coming to the recent conclusion that it is necessary to step back to focus on family wasn’t an easy one, it took months wrestling with the thought of cutting back on the work I love for a family I love more, but family comes first and art will always find its way into my daily life.
Please tell us about Keya Kat’s Prints.
My business started based on my personal love of art and my need to share it with those around me, while trying to make money from it. I originally started with just specializing in painting and then gained enough skill to introduce illustrations. My illustrations are what I feel I’m best known for. Only recently have I been into body art, therefore it hasn’t quite gotten enough buzz. I’m most proud of my progression in my art in general but as a business, being able to expand and reach people through different events.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Concerning my art, my favorite memory as a child would have to be getting to school early and being able to have the art room to myself to practice coloring and drawing without being looked over by other kids, and get one on one time with teachers and teachers aids. This was crucial to encouraging my growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: KeyaKatsPrints.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Suave Productions
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