Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Mitchell
Hi Kelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been an artist all my life. As early as I can remember I’ve collected markers, crayons and colorful pens. Art was my refuge growing up as an only child. It helped me deal with bullying from family members and my peers. I started out painting as young as 3 years old. My mom would encourage my art by taking me to The High Museum of Art often as a child. As well as many other cultural events such as the Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Arts Festival and many more. Since the age of 10 I knew I wanted to go to The Art Institute of Atlanta. I took a Collage Tour before I even got into High School. I graduated The Art Institute of Atlanta in 2003 with my BFA in Graphic Design. From there I worked in corporate graphic design for a while. Once I noticed how I wasn’t feeling very creative in those roles, I started my own Freelance Graphic Design firm, Kelly Mitchell Designs LLC. I started this business out of necessity from the first 2008 recession. I have worked with many clients across the US in New York, LA, Portland, OR and Atlanta, GA. Most recently I have pivoted my business into Commissioned Art. Painting has always been a part of who I am and in these times, we are in I thought it’s time to use my art in a way to bring some beauty into these crazy times.
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?
If there is a smooth road, can you give me the directions? LOL. Growing up wasn’t the worst, but it also wasn’t the easiest. Growing up in Atlanta in the 90’s was fun. But at the same time, it wasn’t easy having to make sure I have on a fly outfit, fly shoes all on a single mother’s income. Coming up in a single parent household, we had to make due. I’d say dealing with bullies was a really hard part of my life. Simply because I do not fit into a box. And just growing up around that kind of negative influence can do a number on a kid’s mental health. But with life experiences, travel and making real friends, I found the confidence in myself to know that I am worthy, I am beautiful and I’m a great artist!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started out corporate in Graphic Design. I have worked for Trader Publishing Co., Whole Foods Market and Rent Path professionally. Those were great roles, but I did not feel satisfied as an artist in these roles. Currently I own and operate Kelly Mitchell Designs LLC. Here I help several small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve success in branding, logo design, web design and photography. I also provide Commissioned Painting to several private clients. I am most proud of the moment my mom got to see me walk across the stage at The Woodruff Arts Center to receive my BFA in Graphic Design. As well as the day I decided to open my Design Firm. What sets me apart from others is that I am always researching how to keep my business fresh and exciting. Most recently I have decided to take my paintings and start a Home Decor Line I plan on launching in early 2021.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t know if it is luck or chance. I took a chance on me instead of listening to the negative thoughts of others. I took a chance at starting a business in the hopes it would grow and it did. I had a chance at corporate graphic design and I quickly realized that was not a life for me. I am lucky in the since that I have this God given talent that I will never let go of. I will ALWAYS use it so I don’t lose it, old saying but true! I am lucky to have grown up in Atlanta, GA surrounded by several Black entrepreneurs who have laid a foundation for me and future entrepreneurs of color. I am lucky that I have people invested and interested in the work I’m doing and that just makes me want to keep going hard in the paint!
Pricing:
- Websites: Starting at $250
- Logos: Starting at $100
- Photography: Starting at $150
- Paintings: Prices May Vary
Contact Info:
- Email: kellymitchelldesigns@gmail.com
- Website: www.kellymitchelldesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellymitchelldesigns/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrQDI26533wcaolbJqhYrLA
Image Credits
Photographer: Natasha Edwards (@natasha_lifestyles) Dress: Fashion Nova (@fashionnova) Shoes: Christian Siriano (@csirino)
