Creative Interview: Kendra Castillo Designs

//image via Kendra Castillo

 Friends! Today’s Creative Interview is a really special one as I am interviewing one of the first connections that I made on Instagram when I was just barely starting out on this whole Mysa journey. Kendra has been a great encouragement to me from the start, and I’ve loved watching her blossom as an artist this past year.

You might recognize Kendra from when she shared her master bedroom with us, and today you’re going to get to know her a bit better. Make sure to check her out at the links at the bottom of the post, and show her some love if you like her work as much as I do!

 

Quick Questions

Preferred medium: Acrylic & Watercolor paints

Favorite spot in your home: I would have to say my studio/ living area. We are currently living in a smaller one-bedroom apartment where my studio is located in a small nook in our living and open kitchen space, so I love being able to work on my art projects while still being immersed in almost every other area of our home.

Ideal way to spend a Saturday: I would definitely say being able to have a slow morning, drinking coffee and maybe watching a Netflix show or heading out with my husband to do a little local hike.

Biggest inspiration: Nature. This may sound cliche but nature has always been such a source of inspiration. For me it’s all about the subtleties, the way the wind moves the grass and how the light reflects itself off different surfaces. All of these aspects of nature highly influence my artwork

Favorite color: Well, I guess I would have to say soft blues and greens right now. It can’t be denied if you take a peek at my recent work, they all seem to be sprinkled with blue and green tones.

//image via Kendra Castillo

When did you begin painting and getting into art? Do you have any formal training?

I was always drawing and creating things from a young age. Looking back now I can see how it was a way for my introverted and introspective self to process life and explore the world around me.

It wasn’t until middle school that I really started falling in love with painting. I had an art class that really opened my mind and taught me how to develop my skills. This was also the moment where I really felt at home in a learning setting, which for me felt life-changing. As far as formal training, all my training came from classes I took in Middle School and High School, everything else was self exploration.

When and how did you decide that you wanted to start selling your artwork?

I always did small projects for people who would commission me to do a painting or murals which was alway fun, but it wasn’t until about a year ago when I really decided to look at my art as a business opportunity. My husband and I were bouncing between a few states after graduating from college and the opportunity to invest all of my time into growing and selling my artwork presented itself and I jumped in and said yes!

//image via Kendra Castillo

What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself since you started selling your artwork?

This is a hard question. I guess I would have to say that I have learned that I am stronger than I thought I was. Creating artwork can be a very personal process, so when you decide to open your work up to the public it is a very vulnerable place to be. I have been incredibly lucky to have such support and love from everyone and that has been my fuel to continue to create and be vulnerable everyday.

Does your art influence the way you decorate your home? If so, how?

Yes, definitely! The simplest way it does is the fact that it covers so many of my walls. Also, when I graduated with my degree in interior design I realized early on that my style was a bit minimalist and eclectic (yes, I think they can go together, haha). I love repurposing old furniture and incorporating new elements, like my artwork or more modern accents.

//image via Kendra Castillo

Where can people find you?

You can always find me on my website and blog or on Instagram & Facebook.