In this exclusive interview, we delve into the captivating world of visual artist, Karen Smith. With over a decade of experience, Karen has carved a unique path in the art world, initially showcasing her work in local galleries and undertaking diverse commissions for esteemed clients. Her expertise in commercial art has enabled her to master various mediums, reflecting an unparalleled versatility and an ability to breathe life into a myriad of styles and subjects.

Join us as we uncover the inspiration behind Karen Smith's remarkable artistic journey.

Karen Smith. Image courtesy of the artist

SAH: Your website showcases a diverse range of subjects in your digital artwork, from flowers to animals to abstract and text art. What inspires your choice of subjects, and how do you approach capturing their essence in your pieces?

KS: I’m guided mainly by trends as per my licensing agency connection, but this also broadens my interest in subjects I wouldn’t normally consider. Creating work purely for home décor dictates the style to some extent as I am often given inspiration to work from, so to make each piece my own I, sketch out a personal interpretation.

SAH: As a self-taught digital artist and illustrator, how has your unique journey influenced your artistic style and creative process?

KS: I think it has and as I look back to when I first started, the learning curve is evident, e.g. –especially when working with layers.
The process has also become much simpler, having developed a knack of being able to see what will work regarding colour, texture etc. I also prefer to illustrate with acrylic pens when possible, so not all of my art is purely digital.

Karen Smith. Rewire. Digital Art. 2250 x 3228 pixels.

Karen Smith. The Watch. Digital Art. 1950 x 2798 pixels.

SAH: Your work encompasses ever-changing trends and designs that connect artists to the modern world. How do you stay attuned to these trends, and how does this influence your artistic evolution?

KS: I have worked in art licensing for more than five years so I am always intuitive to colour trends and styles. Little has changed with regards to popular subjects – floral, abstract, landscapes etc, even considering AI influence. If anything, designs have become a little more simplistic and minimal. Personal choice is also a powerful influence because I play to my own strengths to get the best art.

SAH: Art licensing is a prominent aspect of your portfolio. Could you share your experience in this domain and the significance of art licensing for contemporary artists?

KS: AI has been the biggest influence of all and although I would like to think that human creativity can never be truly replaced, with time it will become increasingly harder to distinguish between what has been created manually and digitally programmed. Regardless, this development has challenged the way I approach my work and there is pressure from the art licensing world to use AI software, something which I have taken on board, though would never rely on entirely. Traditional art is still very much a focal point of home décor which is comforting, as I much prefer to physically create than let the machine take over.

SAH: You Print of the Month; feature offers a glimpse into your artistic exploration. What role does this initiative play in your creative development, and how do you select the featured prints each month?

KS: The Print of the Month idea was inspired by the freedom to leave trending art behind and concentrate on personal choice. This is also a chance to use AI effects should I choose, taking a piece of art I may have done some years ago and experiment with it. Digital art is ideal for making such changes, especially with colour which is paramount with trends.

Karen Smith. TYPO. Digital Text Art.  1500 x 1500 pixels.

SAH: Could you give us an insight into your creative process? How do you move from the initial idea to the final piece of art?

KS: I often wade through endless books about various art mediums, especially abstract and am often influenced by a said piece or study inspirational images that art licensing dictates. My initial idea will always start with a rough outline using acrylic pens. Sometimes I will copy the idea to art paper and use it without any digital input and then scan the image into my computer. If not, I will compile stock images and textures to create and finish the design. In many ways, this is preferable because as I have stated previously, the image can then be manipulated in many ways.

SAH: Collaboration and networking are essential to the art community. Can you share any memorable experiences or insights from collaborating with other artists or industry professionals?

KS: I share my art and ideas on various social network platforms, and this is always informative. My collaborations with other professionals came earlier in my career when I was showcasing My art in galleries etc, where I met many artists in the community – the most poignant was in Macclesfield. To gain experience, I also designed logos and poster art for local musicians from which I gained regular clients.

Karen Smith. Woman. Digital mixed media. 1376 x 1692 pixels.

Karen Smith. Woman's Words. Digital mixed media. 1950 x 2798 pixels.

SAH: Could you share with us about your current work or any upcoming projects? What can we expect to see from Karen Smith in the near future?

KS: I am always looking for ways to promote myself as an independent artist, so this is an ongoing project. I am also developing my illustrations too, which may open up other avenues. Meanwhile, working for an art licensing agency cuts out the hard graft of selling work to larger outlets and in time, my art may be accepted by more major art retailers.

SAH: Finally, what advice would you give aspiring artists interested in pursuing a career in contemporary art?

KS: Be as versatile as possible if choosing art licensing, but whatever the route, find your own style and promote it. The competition is vast and what sells today may not sell tomorrow, but you have to keep pushing. Like everything else, one successful print can open up your entire collection. An absolute must is to have a website and social media following – somewhere to advertise and showcase your art.

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