Meet Kortney Jones-bridges

We recently connected with Kortney Jones-bridges and have shared our conversation below.

Kortney , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?

My self-discipline comes from a deep-rooted drive to follow through on my commitments. If I say I’m going to do something, I make sure to see it through to completion. I find that starting a project can be the toughest part because it means I’ve committed to finishing it, whether it’s a large painting, a new business venture, or completing flight school. Despite the challenges, I find the process incredibly rewarding. The sense of achievement I get from finishing something always outweighs the effort I put in.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember, and recently I’ve discovered a special connection with Southwestern art. Growing up visiting my family’s ranches and properties in Colorado deeply influenced my style. I’m particularly passionate about painting landscapes, cowboys, cowgirls, and wildlife, and I’ve decided to focus on this niche that resonates so deeply with me.

Four years ago, I launched Independent Creatives, a company born from a need to showcase and sell my artwork while also supporting fellow artists. Our mission is to provide a platform for emerging artists to display their work. We host annual art shows across Southern California, both large and small, giving amateur artists the opportunity to share and sell their creations. I’m excited about the continued growth of Independent Creatives and the vibrant community we’re building.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, a commitment to my craft, and a strong network of support.

Resilience: Facing challenges and setbacks is part of any creative journey. The ability to persevere through difficulties and stay focused on your goals is crucial. For those just starting out, developing resilience involves embracing failures as learning opportunities and not letting obstacles deter you from your path.

Commitment to My Craft: Dedication to honing your skills and refining your work is essential for growth. I’ve found that consistently practicing and pushing the boundaries of my craft has been incredibly rewarding. My advice is to immerse yourself deeply in your work, continuously seek improvement, and take pride in the process of mastering your art.

Building a Support Network: Surrounding yourself with supportive peers, mentors, and collaborators can provide invaluable feedback and encouragement. Networking with others in your field not only opens doors to opportunities but also helps you stay motivated. For those early in their journey, actively seek out communities, attend events, and build relationships with others who share your passion.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The primary challenge I’m facing with Independent Creatives is finding a way to effectively monetize our efforts so that I can transition to working on it full-time. While the platform has been successful in giving back to the community and supporting artists, it lacks financial consistency. I’m constantly researching ways to innovate and grow the business, exploring new strategies to enhance our offerings and ensure a more stable revenue stream.

Contact Info:

• Website: houseofdolores.art and independentcreatives.net
• Instagram: house.of.dolores