Meet Lord’Kala Dawson | Multidisciplinary artist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lord’Kala Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lord’Kala, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to have my own business, since a kid. The idea of doing something I love while still being able to take care of myself was a dream come true.

I took a web design course in the fall of 2019 and by spring 2020 I decided to try designing for clients. From there I fell in love with the process of being creative while helping someone else realize a goal they had for themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an artist that wants to connect with people through our shared experiences. I create work based on human experiences and emotions.

I think what sets me and every other artist apart is our personal experiences which creates a perspective unique to the artist.

I’m most proud of the journey i’m on. I received my Associates Degree in 2021 and will graduate with my Bachelors Degree in spring 2023. I got my first artist studio last year to prepare for my first solo show. I’m proud to announce my debut solo show opened September 2nd and will be running until October 5th. Although it has not been long, looking back to 2019 when I changed my major from nursing to multi-media arts with a concentration in web design, I couldn’t be happier of the progress I’ve made.

Sometimes I sit in my studio and think about the start. Where I was painting in my bedroom at my moms house, using materials I found to staying with family and literally only having a corner wall space to create.

The journey has not been easy but it’s definitely been worth it. I think if it was easy, I wouldn’t appreciate how far I’ve come. I’ve realized following a dream takes everything, and you have to be willing to sacrifice everything.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is balance. There was a point where I only cared about work. When I was in that place, I seen my business and art practice strive in ways I only dreamed of but I looked at my personal life and it was on a steady decline. I no longer made space for my relationship, friendships, and family in a healthy way. I thought I would have time, and that right now was about building my dreams. I had a reality check and was reminded that the same way I put energy into my work and it yielded results, I had to do the same with the people in my life I cared about. Finding a healthy balance has given me space to create while still feeling fulfilled at the end of the day.

I want people to know that I’m a person that cares. I care about this art I’m making and I care about helping people realize their dreams.

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?
Day 1: Well the first stop would be Trenton social to grab a drink and checkout my debut solo show, “The Path Khosen”. Then grab some slices from my favorite pizza place, Purple pizza. From there we would probably just hang out or catch a movie.

Day 2: I go to school near Atlantic City so we’d go to the casinos and hang out near the boardwalk. There’s a spot near campus that has 50 cent wings after 6pm.

Day 3: We would checkout some local art at the Arts Garage and murals in the neighborhood. Eat some lunch at Kelsey’s.

Day 4: we would probably do some drunk bowling or Dave and Busters.

Day 5+6: I’d probably need a reset break because too much social time leaves me drained. These two days would be a chill day.

Day 7: we would probably hang out with family and have a family dinner + game night at my moms house.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are too many people to name but I want dedicate my shoutout to every teacher, professor, and family member that has helped me in my journey through life. Looking back now, I realize every class assignment, test and conversation has been training for the moment I’m in now. I’m appreciative of the time and effort and would not be the person I am today without the help of those people.

Instagram: Instagram.com/Lordkala Instagram.com/khosendesignstudio