We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Angelovic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Never one to do things quite like everyone else, I have two answers to this question: Persistence and my Intuition–I wouldn’t be where I am without them both.

Working as an artist is an incredibly fulfilling path AND unbelievably challenging. Putting your artwork out there is akin to sharing the tender bits of your heart and soul, and then asking everyone to share their opinion in the comments section. By nature, I’m pretty sensitive so this isn’t always easy. But I didn’t choose to work as an artist because it would be easy.
When I’m immersed in the creative flow, it feels like I’m in commune with the energy of the universe. It’s a place of…magic, this esoteric dance with the divine where anything is possible. That’s what I keep coming back for–it’s why I’m an artist. A late bloomer, I started illustrating in my early 30s when my daughter was born (she just turned 10!). The demands of motherhood took me by surprise–it was all so much harder than I thought it would be. To salvage my sense of self amid the sleepless nights, I knew I needed a creative outlet (hello intuition) and I started drawing while she napped. Growing up, creativity was always encouraged but somehow along the way, I swallowed the message that I couldn’t draw. Those brief creative explorations that I took while Hazel was napping opened up a surprising new world for me. I fell head-over-heels in love with illustration, and I haven’t looked back.
Slowly, as my children (I have two, ages 7 & 10) have gotten older, I have grown my business. Working creatively presents its own unique set of challenges, as does motherhood and the expectations we place on women in this culture (and I’m lucky–my wonderful husband has been supportive of my path from the start). So I’m extremely proud that you can now find my artwork on products sold around the world: calendars, planners, magazines, books, ceramic dishes, a puzzle, and many, many greeting cards.
My business is still a work in progress. I feel so lucky to do what I do and just I keep showing up, through the highs and the lows (there have been many of both) and everything in between. This past year was a doozy (for ALL of us) and in response, I’ve also started working as a creativity coach. I get to serve and inspire fellow artists who are going after their own dreams (incredibly fulfilling in and of itself). This sounds cliche, but finding success and realizing your dreams is often so much more about the journey than the destination. It doesn’t ever go how you think it’s going to. If you keep an open mind though, if you don’t give up and you listen to the whispers of your heart, you’re in for the ride of your life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Specializing in hand lettering and surface pattern design, I also love to play with packaging, editorial design, and book illustration. A dedicated feminist, the projects that I am most proud of empower women and girls. I absolutely consider creating artwork to be a form of activism and much of my artwork from the past few years has been dedicated to women’s rights. As an artist, there is nothing more important or rewarding than using my voice to speak out against inequality and injustice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a Colorado girl through and through, so when I’m not making art, I’d almost always rather be out adventuring in the mountains. I’d show off Boulder’s amazing hiking, taking my guests up Mt. Sanitas or to the Royal Arch, or maybe heading into the Indian Peaks Wilderness if we have a bit more time. I’d also like to share our incredible cycling, with a ride up to Jamestown, or Ward if we’re feeling ambitious. Tired and happy, our post-adventure stops would include requisite happy hour visits to see some live music at the St. Julian, a game of bocci ball at Rayback, or soaking up more sun with margs on the rooftop of the Rio. Then out for dinner at The Kitchen or Oak. Tired and happy indeed.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hands down, my husband Chris Angelovic. His dedication to family is inspiring–we are always at the top of his priority list. I couldn’t do what I do without him. My mom has also been a huge source of support. She owned her own graphic design firm for 30 years in Denver, and has always always been my biggest cheerleader. My superstar agent, Jennifer Nelson (.jennifer-nelson-artists.com) who I have been with for about 4 years, has also played a huge role in where I am today. None of us can find success alone. I’m incredibly grateful to have such wonderful people in my corner.

Kelly Angelovic is an artist and creativity coach based in Boulder. An accomplished illustrator and surface designer, her work can be seen on products sold around the world. As a coach, Kelly helps her clients design the creative life they’ve always imagined by tapping into their own authentic power. You can learn more about Kelly on her website at KellyAngelovic.com. {She is proudly represented by Jennifer Nelson Artists}

Website: www.kellyangelovic.com, https://www.jennifer-nelson-artists.com/

Instagram: @kellyangelovic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyAngelovicIllustration

Image Credits
Sarah Hess (photo of me).

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