Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylie Long.
Hi Kylie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew I communicated through art. It was the first thing I was proud of. I began my love for art with photography. I’d take hundreds of photos of friends and adventures we’d go on. I wanted to give everyone an image to take home. I loved capturing people in their element when they weren’t paying attention to themselves. In college, I accidentally stumbled upon a silkscreen class. Instantly got lost in it. I’d spend 5 hrs plus in the studio completely absorbed in flow state. When the guard came to close up, I’d come to unaware of how much time had passed.
A friend recommended I apply for a set painting gig at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios. The creative director and I had similar art styles and he loved my portfolio so I was hired instantly. I had no idea what I was doing but I loved it. I am beyond thankful for my art director John at that time. He took me under his wing and gave me an incredible base for the set artist I am today.
About a year ago, I decided to teach myself digital illustration with freedom as my motivation. I needed an option to work off the grid. As that took off the freedom, I gained allowed me to play in the art space. I was able to dive into the art community here in LA and put on events, meeting incredible artists and being involved in projects that expanded the possibilities of what could be done in the art space.
Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. There really isn’t a blazed trail when looking for work as an artist. It’s a lot of failing forward. In order to become more, you have to be willing to take risks. There were many starving artist moments but ultimately, those sacrifices always contributed to me succeeding beyond my expectations later on
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With my artwork, I create based off of these visual urges. For some reason, I have to paint lizards and they have to be on a guy’s head. That just feels good. It’s like a type of symbolism I have to communicate. People who connect with my work somehow decide that code. They just get it and we’re on the same page. It’s incredible to connect with a client like that.
I’d have to say I’m most proud of the events I put on with other artists. I’m a twin so it’s in my comfort zone to share experiences and thrive off of that. If you want to blow people’s minds as well as your own collaborate. It’s incredible what you can accomplish or come up with when you have multiple perspectives.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to chat collaboration via instagram or come up to me at an event I put on. @ky.grrr.lily. That way I can get a feel for them and the art or talent they bring forward. See if we can create something beautiful. I love people and I’m always curious about how someone else works. If you connect with my art, you can support me by collaborating with me in showcasing and spreading the word.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kyodi.art/
- Instagram: Ky.grrr.lily
Image Credits
Photos from events by Haf Media
