Nature-Focused Artist & Illustrator, Bronwyn Kelly
Your beautiful, natured-themed art brings feelings of reminiscence and comfort. You have a way of pulling the outside into the comfort of our own homes. It’s a perfect mix of modern and natural. How long did it take you to establish your style? What did that process look like?
It’s funny because when I first started illustrating, I was so concerned with finding my style, and that actually prevented me from doing my best work. Rather than just getting into a state of flow and letting my creativity take over, I was thinking too much about what my art “should” look like. So it sounds a bit paradoxical, but once I stopped thinking about my style was when it really started to develop. I also think style is something that is ever evolving. I continue to be inspired by new things (usually nature) all the time and I hope my style will continue to evolve too.
I read on your website that you started this creative endeavor in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. What has the solitude of this pandemic taught you about rekindling your creative passions?
I had a baby right at the beginning of the pandemic (April 2020) and the combination of being a new mom and living in lockdown was both isolating and monotonous. I needed both a creative outlet and something to do that was purely focused on me and recharging my batteries. I taught myself digital illustration while my baby napped - and those pockets of the day where I was able to learn a new skill and release some creative energy were exactly the form of self-care I needed. I challenged myself to do a new illustration every day and post them on Instagram (@bron.draws) to hold myself accountable. This resulted in a small, growing community of really cool people that has been a welcome respite from the solitude of the pandemic.
Share a story that you feel like young creatives should hear.
I’m not sure if this is a story or more of a well-kept secret, but - nobody knows what they’re doing. It’s easy to look around and see “well-established” artists and get completely discouraged. But the truth is, all of these people started from a place of having no idea what they were doing either. If you’ve had an idea that you’ve wanted to try out, just go for it. You have something unique in you that needs to be shared with the world and life is too short not to put your art out there, as scary as it may be. □