Kelly Rae Roberts: An Accidental Artist

Kelly Rae Roberts talks about being a possibilitarian, an accidental artist and how she lives her passion everyday while inspiring other to do the same through her art.

All images are courtesy of Kelly Rae Roberts.

You define yourself as a “possibilitarian”. Can you explain what that means?

Sure! I ran across a quote many years ago by Dr. Norman Peale: “Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities—always see them, for they’re always there.” I’ve been hooked on its meaning ever since. For me, it means seeing the bright light of my life’s horizon (even on the average days). It means cultivating joy and warmth, even if I’m struggling. It means following the whispers toward all that is possible for my life.

How did your art career start? Was there a “Eureka” moment?

I spent my early career as a clinical medical social worker — counseling and helping others through the fights of their lives. It was powerful, important work — but my heart began to grow restless.

Until . . . I started playing with paint, at age 30. And everything shifted and changed and opened up. A new way of experiencing, translating, sharing & being in the world was born.

I painted & crafted & shredded & stenciled & smudged & smeared like my heart depended on it. I started to chronicle my small baby steps, and my big opportunities. My portfolio bloomed. I launched my shop. I got a book deal. I wrote the book. Magazines came knocking. My art found new eyes. Big deals came a’calling. Contracts were signed. My art became licensed — landing in home decor stores & gift shops all over the world (dream. come. true.) I filled my blog with incredibly (true) stories of art and love and friendship, unexpected hearts, photos of my pregnant belly, and labor-of-absolute-love home renovations. I   launched an e-course — then ebooks. Through it all, I wanted to share what I’d learned by crafting a creative life — how full my heart had become. People listened. The kindness kept building.

I realised something extraordinary – all my training as a social worker? It wasn’t for nothing. I was still listening, sharing, healing, navigating messy emotions, making an impact — except using a paintbrush in a studio, instead of a clipboard in a hospital. Same message. New medium. Full circle.

And so, I kept making – and selling – and licensing – my art. My work has gone on to find its way into thousands and thousand of boutiques (and generating millions of dollars in wholesale) since I began licensing in 2009.

What was the biggest challenge you had to face as an artist and how did you overcome it?

There are so many challenges to face: fear, insecurity, isolation, overwhelm, and the general feeling that you have no idea what you’re doing! For me, my fastest way to overcome any challenge has been to reach out to my community of creative friends. These folks understand the specific highs and lows of the creative journey. They also have a wealth of wisdom of what’s worked for them, what hasn’t.

Also, checking in with my intentions every step of the way. Often, challenges are clues and opportunities to adjust something that might not be in alignment with our true purpose and mission.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?

I have been given so much advice along the way. I think the best would have to be to choose courage over comfort. This is huge and helpful to me!

You will be speaking at the Make Art That Sells: Global Art Gathering in the UK in June. What will be the subject of your speech?

I will be speaking about the importance of making work that connects with who we are, what we’re about, and what we want to communicate with the world.

There are a lot of online courses and online communities for artists. Do you think that real life gatherings still have a purpose today?

Absolutely! Although online connecting serves a vital purpose, it doesn’t compare to the electric energy that is created with real life gatherings. Connections spark and go deeper. Inspiration is ignited. And it all just feels, I dunno, more real, in real life.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up that you’d like to share with us?

Yes! Registration for my painting e-course, Hello Soul Hello Mixed Media Mantras, is currently open. Creating this class changed my life and it’s been such a meaningful experience for so many! Also, new products, new art, and new workshops are always happening. I love what I do!

About Kelly Rae Roberts

Kelly Rae has decided to change routes when she already had a career to follow her “true North”. She is now a hugely successful artist with her art on thousands of products. Kelly Rae is also a writer and inspires artists through her online courses.
If there’s anyone who is living proof that it’s not too late or too hard to get started in your creative career, it’s Kelly Rae!

Oh! And she loves cowgirl boots.

Website: kellyraeroberts.com
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Join Kelly Rae on June 12 in Brighton, UK for Make Art That Sells: The Global Art Gathering, our very first LIVE event and hear her speak amongst other artists and industry experts about creating a successful creative career.