Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalon Suggs.
Kalon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a trans-disciplinary artist who employs drawing portraits, paintings, and writing to create conceptual work that explores how notions of identity are disrupted by strength and pain. My creative process begins with artistic self-medication. A process I came into to heal after being a sexually molested. My mother sought help from a therapist to help me express myself and release my negative energy elsewhere. During this process, I learned to let out my emotions on paper and perfect my talent. I now use emotions as my entry point into producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Therefore, perfecting my artwork to not only expand my range but to assist in immortalizing my client’s vision.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road for me or my craft. My best year was 2018, I had a plethora of clients back to back and some amazing opportunities to paint for clients such as Amiyah Scott. Who is a true inspiration to myself and the LGBTQIA community. However, during the summer of 2019, I struggled with having consistent clientele. Which in turn, became a financial struggle to maintain, not only my business but my livelihood. My profit in a course of three months did not exceed $5,000. This resulted me questioning my marketing, my talent, and if this is the right path for me. Along with the lack of consistent supportive promotions during that three month period. In order to be great, I realized I needed a supportive team, and regular clientele to build consistency.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
My business is called “Jus+Paint” (Just some Paint). We specialize in:
– Private and Group “Sip n’ Paint” events
– Custom Portrait Paintings specializing in (Hyperrealism and Photorealism)
– Custom Sketches
– Custom Decór Paintings
I’m mainly known for my Custom Portraits currently. Being able to take an image and place it on to a canvas. Not only bringing it to life but everlasting life. Allowing people to have pieces of themselves, last beyond our own mortality. My grandma used to say “You only live as long as the last person that remembers you”. Therefore, my art in the homes of all my clients will not only immortalize me but my client’s thoughts, memories, and even feelings as well.
I’m most proud of one particular moment in my life. At the age of 18, I entered one of my pieces into the Detroit Institute of Art Museum. I was a young, inexperienced artist with high hopes and no expectations. To have been chosen, was a monumental moment that created a butterfly effect on my life. Thus, leading me down a path of artistic and creative development. What sets me apart would be my amazing and extensive support system, which is unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’ve been blessed with repeat clientele, along with partnering with local business owners to use their venues to host “Sip n Paints”, while supporting them by driving traffic to their establishments. All the way down to my supportive family, friends, and boyfriend.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I would say Atlanta is a great city to start out in for an upcoming artist. You can see the expression of art on every corner. I would recommend someone starting out here. However, it’s just a matter of networking. I feel that Atlanta has a close-knit networking system that limits new artists to opportunities, promotion, and clientele expansion. Along with having a strong artistic community, we may be too saturated for someone who isn’t willing to push themselves and expose their artwork to the community.
Pricing:
- 16×20 Custom Painting $75
- 18×24 Custom Painting $90
- 24×24 Custom Painting $150
- 24×30 Custom Painting $275
- 24×36 Custom Painting $350
- 24×48 Custom Painting $425
- 30×40 Custom Painting $500
- 30×48 Custom Painting $600
- 36×48 Custom Painting $700
- 50×50 Custom Painting $850
- 60×50 Custom Painting $1000
Contact Info:
- Email: justsomepaint@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/baddestblasian
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