Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Miller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kimberly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In my spare time at work I would doodle to clear my mind. One day my coworker, Angie, looked over my shoulder and was amazed by what I had drawn on a scrap sheet of paper. She asked if I had gone to school for art. I hadn’t. She encouraged me to take my gift more seriously. That day after work I headed to the dollar tree. I picked up a poster board, grabbed some old chalk my mother had given me years ago and created my first piece. I had seen a chalk artist once on Youtube before and I loved how the colours would blend. Since that day, I have continued to create and post my pieces on Instagram. I have received encouragement and opportunities every step of the way. People would repost and reach out for commissioned pieces. Responding in delight I started to notice I had become an entrepreneur by simply following my passion. I would purchase supplies from Sam Flax, create, laminate the piece at FedEx and ship it out.
This summer I was invited to be apart of the Delowe loft art show, Cr8tive canvas art show, Artisan bar and gallery- Replay Atlanta live art show, Safe space social experience at the Windmill Arts Theater, as well as have my art showcased in Hamlet at the Windmill Arts Theater. I thrive in front of a crowd and have strengthened my skill to draw on the spot because of these events. My work was also featured on the television network Accuweather’s morning show, in celebration of NASA’s 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing. My Martin Luther King piece was featured on We Buy Black’s Instagram page receiving with over 13,000 views. I am grateful for all who have purchased, complimented or fed me with encouraging words.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
During this artful path the only problems I have encountered have been good problems to have as an entrepreneur. At one time, I was servicing 12 clients while working full time as a Supervisor at a Broadcasting hub. I would wake up early to create, attend work, change in the bathroom and head to an art show. Gratitude has helped me adjust to the new fast-paced lifestyle.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
When people look at my pieces they assume I use acrylic paint, but I am no painter. It’s chalk! I do not use any utensils to blend besides my fingers. As a self-taught artist, I am free from the limitations of what’s right and wrong, I know not I just enjoy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For the future, I plan to provide merchandise. I have started creating front and back screen printed graphic shirts through a third party and request have already been made. Stickers and an illustrated book are next. I will also be working on a book cover for a motivational speaker very soon.
Pricing:
- 18×24 original $70
- 32×40 original $270
- 11×15 prints $25
Contact Info:
- Phone: 208-371-2596
- Email: kimberlymiller570@gmail.com
- Instagram: kimbo_mills2.0 #kimberlymillerart
Image Credit:
DEVEREUX photography, 302012 productions
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