Meet Kelly Mitchell | Artist & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Kelly, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose a career in art because it’s always been in my to be an artist. There was a spark in me when I was a little girl. Maybe around 3 or so. I would light up when I would see colorful markers or crayons. So my mom saw that I had a gift and she wanted to nurture that. She began taking me to places like The High Museum, The Apex Museum, and SciTrek often. By the age of 10 I knew I wanted to go to an Art College. It was then I took a tour of The Art Institute of Atlanta and even went as far as speaking to someone in Admissions to know the requirements of entry. I was a serious little girl. LOL! I guess I was so ready to begin my life because my then current situation as filled with Love from my mother, but also I was receiving so much vitriol from my peers and even some family members at the time. It was a very hard time for me. So like any kid, I became very introverted. I was raised in a single parent household, so sometimes financially, life was tough. But I knew my creativity would make life for me eventually.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a free thinker. Which pushes me towards abstract expressionism and minimalism often. I want to provoke the mind with color theory and negative space rather than something Rockwell like. I got where I am professionally as an artist because I took a risk on myself and just did it. I went the corporate design route, but quickly realized that was not a life for me. It was very stifling. So I started Kelly Mitchell Designs and began taking my own Freelance Clients. That then turned into me expanding my business into commissioned pairing as well for several private clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, being I grew up in Atlanta, the first place I’d take them is for a good Breakfast or Brunch either in Midtown or Buckhead. Then we can walk that off in Piedmont Park. Then do a little shopping in Little 5 Points. Then do dinner, and margaritas, at Bar Taco! That’s just day 1! I’d definitely take them to Edgewood, Downtown Decatur, Old Forth Ward. And of course Six Flags!

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?
I just want to say thank you to anyone who has purchased any of my work. Thank you to my friends who have been there for me and believed in me. And big shoutout to my mom for never stop believing in the Artist in me. I am who I am today because she poured that love into me. And I will never forget that. I will always work with passion and love and purpose.

Website: www.kellymitchelldesigns.com

Instagram: @kellymitchelldesigns

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCrQDI26533wcaolbJqhYrLA