Today we’d like to introduce you to Reed Knauth.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Reed. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I definitely owe my creative pursuits to my parents – my mom was a painter and my dad a writer/poet. I was constantly creating at a very young age, whether it was paintings, jewelry or ceramics, etc. One of my favorite memories was when I was nine, I decided I wanted to have my own greeting card company. I even named it and made a logo and everything. I always look back on that day and smile, you can tell so much about your future aspirations by looking back your younger self.
My journey since then has always led me back to my art and design instincts. I have a degree in Graphic Design + Studio Art from UNCA Asheville and I moved to Atlanta post-college to attend The Creative Circus to further my career in Graphic Design. It was a windy road for a minute, I had my own jewelry company for a little while, tried out the advertising world, and ultimately through some of these trial and errors, I figured out my truth, my passion. I learned there was such a thing as a “textile designer.” The light bulb went on and I really began branching out into pattern design and learning about all these ways I could use and sell my original art – from greeting cards to home decor, even clothing.
I’m super thankful for my graphic design path because not only is it financially supporting my second dream to be a working artist but it also makes it possible to design my own pattern content from scratch, brand my business and create my own photography.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say it has been a smooth road only in the sense that I always knew my strengths were rooted in the art and design realm. I never had to question that was where my heart was. If you stay on that path of what you love, it’s true what they say, things really do work out. But none of it was easy, lots of hard work, determination and just believing in yourself, your work and not being scared to put yourself out there. Another battle has been between pursuing the 9-5 path or the working artist path. It’s something I still struggle with today so instead of choosing, I’m trying to find balance by fusing the two together.
What else should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I consider myself equal parts designer and textile artist, using gouache and India ink as my primary mediums.
I create patterns or marks on paper that I paint by hand then scan into the computer to edit and manipulate into a finished piece. I freelance with local and global companies to then create things like wedding suite graphics, package designs, or just regular commissioned home decor prints. I also work with a lot of different surface design companies that sell my work on beautiful things like pillows, tapestries, clocks, etc. I have so much fun with all the different variety!
I’m best known to my peers for my vivid, and unusual pairings of colors. I tend to rely heavily on florals, botanicals, animals, anything stemming from nature. Since most of my childhood was spent outdoors – in gardens, hiking and exploring, this has really subconsciously shaped the content and color choices found in my work today.
What sets me apart from other artists is my technique. Almost all of my content is organic, feminine and uses a lot of gestural techniques. The messy nature of something imperfect in my paintings creates this raw emotion, and I think people can really identify with that on a deeper level.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is really defined by how happy I am on a daily basis and if I’m using up my full potential as an artist. Am I doing all that I can to reach my dreams? And even if I don’t get there, knowing that I did my best and put in the work. I try my best to only surround myself with people, things, jobs, and acts that I feel truly fulfilled in or connected to in a positive way. If they don’t serve me in that way, I usually let them go. and move on.
Pricing:
- Floral Art Prints on Paper – 8×10 – $25
- Floral Art Prints on Paper – 9×12 – $50
- Floral Wood Blocks – 4×4 – $40
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rosebud-studios.com
- Email: erknauth@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rosebud.studios
- Other: https://society6.com/elizabeth_reed
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