We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kristen Pileri. Check out our conversation below.
Kristen, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been drawing tiny animals just for fun, using Copic markers and black pens. I’m keeping it simple, just a few colors, and strangely, having those limitations makes it even more enjoyable. There’s something really satisfying about creating within a small set of rules and still making something I’m proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
You could say I’m a multi-talented, high-achieving, fun-loving kind of woman. By day, I’m a professional storyboard artist in animation. On the side, I create jaw-dropping, show-stopping cakes, and I also teach kids how to draw anime and cartoons. Stepping out of my comfort zone is where I feel most at home.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’m all about trying new things—I genuinely love it. To keep growing, I’ve always approached life like a sponge, soaking up knowledge with humility and keeping an open mind. That openness has shaped who I am. But as I get older, I’ve realized I want to be taken more seriously for what I do know. Part of that means showing up with a bit more… let’s say, presence or refinement. It’s a challenge, because I’m naturally playful and warm-hearted, and I never want to lose that. I’ll always lead with kindness—but now, I’m learning how to balance that with a stronger sense of authority.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To me, mistakes and suffering are a crucial part of success. I don’t really trust success that came without them. Struggle shapes you. It helps you grow, connect with others, learn how to be better and appreciate the good moments when they come.
I’ve had so many cake disasters—and I used to get incredibly emotional every time. But eventually I started to learn that this type of thing is bound to happen. Those failures taught me patience, respect for the process, and how to manage my energy more wisely. They’ve helped me become a more grounded person—someone who values their time and understands that it’s apart of the journey. I learned, I appreciated, and now I’m better. It’s that simple.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Sometimes I get this feeling about the universe—that we’re all deeply connected. Every now and then, I find myself making these little ‘deals’ with it. They’re not even planned; they just pop into my head. I don’t do it often, but whenever I do, they somehow come true. Things like, ‘If I can keep my car, I’ll stick it out at this job for another year,’ or, ‘If I drop this cake, I’ll win a free trip to the UK.’ I don’t know why it happens, but I can’t shake the sense that I’m tuned in.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What pain do you resist facing directly?
I’ve been struggling to face the possibility that the career I’ve spent my whole life training for—storyboarding—might not have the future I hoped for. I love animation. I miss being part of it. But with AI, outsourcing, and studios slashing budgets or canceling projects left and right, it feels like the industry is slipping away.
It’s heartbreaking to watch the one thing I’ve poured everything into be devalued, automated, or plagiarized. I just want my job back. I want that sense of purpose again—the reason I’ve worked so hard all these years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://krittenart.blogspot.com/p/storyboard-portfolio.html?m=1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_magnificake?igsh=bmE5cWtiN3RmaHZj&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav
- Other: Personal Instagram: @kpileri
Image Credits
– Kristen Pileri
