Check Out Mckenzie O’Connor’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mckenzie O’Connor.

Hi Mckenzie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was 18 and just finished my first semester at Grand Rapids Community College back in Michigan. A week after setting up my semester two classes, a friend invited me to visit LA over break. I was there one week and I fell in love. The people I met were incredibly influential and all pursuing a dream in the arts. I had always had a love for the arts, specifically painting, but from where I was from, not many people shared that passion. I had always known a career in the arts was possible, but it wasn’t until I was immersed into this new environment of creatives that it truly sank in. Once it had, I was on my way. I got back from break, cancelled my classes, packed my things, and moved across the country in less that two months. I met a plethora of independent artists and started getting into cover art as well as improving in my artistry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In terms of getting commissions, it’s been pretty steady. My main struggle has been being able to find other visual artists to collaborate with. This is the city of dreams, people tend to be busy. Also, balancing a job and a dream can be hard. It’s easy to lose motivation and not want to do anything after work. It’s something I’ve definitely had to get used to.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a visual artist. I’d say I am most known for my cover arts. (There is a playlist on my Spotify of the covers I’ve done this year called “cover art by kenz” username: mckenzieoc03). I love to do acrylic paint followed with paint pens for the finer details. One of the pieces I’m most proud of is a map I drew for the beginning of author Jillian Laurens new book. It’s a map of Samuel Little’s USA, and it excited me because I’ve always wanted to do one of those maps. What may set my apart is my ability to take the emotions I feel or hear in a song and capture that feeling in my piece. When I paint, everything has a deeper meaning.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t know that I believe in luck. You make your own luck. It’s about having a positive mindset and following your intuition.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kenziesscloud
• Other: TikTok: @kenziesscloud