We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Blakely Bering. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Blakely below.
Blakely, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I feel like I was born with optimism coursing through my veins. Living a life that revolves around creativity can be a roller coaster, but I have come to understand that negativity is a dead-end road that does not open any doors or propel anyone forward. Even with an innate sense of hope and a perpetually positive attitude, I have had to learn patience with the process and how to lean into art and life with optimism. My journey has taught me that every painting I create goes through a phase where it seems utterly ordinary. Without my unwavering optimism, I would be left with a towering stack of unfinished, unenthusiastic, unappealing art. I try to put a little piece of my optimism into every painting I create, and I believe it has the remarkable ability to transform the lives of those who experience my art. I have witnessed how a cheerful, bright painting can completely change the atmosphere of a room, turning it into a space filled with unworried serenity. Whether I am pouring myself into a fine art commission for a client or lovingly building a collection for reproduction, my driving force is to spread the infectious positivity and happiness that everyone needs in their lives. I try to make my art a vessel for these emotions, a way to touch hearts and inspire others to embrace hopefulness as a guiding light in their own journeys.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am passionate about being an artist and I love my job as Creative Director for JLA Art and Art in Motion Publishing. I am often asked, “what do you do?” The short answer is that I collaborate with national retailers to create art lines that are sold in stores as a giclee or framed print. I work with artists around the globe who create incredible pieces that fill the walls of homes and offices internationally. In fact there is a great chance you have either seen my work or one of my artists work. I work with a broad spectrum of creatives from incredibly talented artists spanning the globe to budding artists who have just picked up the brush and discovered their passion. I allow them to find their voice in their work and they inspire me to always be looking at the creative process in new ways. Helping others has been a source of inspiration and joy for me throughout my career.
It’s immensely fulfilling to know that our creations can brighten up someone’s day and evoke positivity. In addition to my role as a Creative Director, I continue to traverse the world of fine art. Working closely with designers has always been a rewarding experience and partnership.
I have recently launched my on-line store where you can check out my new line of positive and empowering clothing. I have merged my passions for design, typography and spreading joy into this project and am excited to continue to add to the line monthly.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Work ethic. You have to put in the hours. That is the only way to get better. My unwavering work ethic has driven me forward in my career; persisting even when facing long roads and challenges, always pushing myself to improve. That has been a fundamental part of my growth. Never stop learning. An artist needs a dedication to constantly be pushing their own boundaries and experimenting. One must never shy away from new techniques, styles, and ideas, even when they go against beliefs you have built your life as an artist upon. Embracing change and experimentation, breaking down barriers to creativity, and discovering innovative ways of expression. This is what being an artist really means; being willing to evolve and adapt has allowed me to keep my work fresh and engaging, allowed me to draw new audiences into my world and share my spirit with more people than I could ever have imagined when I was a young artist.
Pivot, pivot, pivot. The ability to stay agile has been an essential skill in my artistic meanderings. Change is inevitable and the art world is no stranger to the tide of change. An artist must be able to adapt and shift to touch the newest trends, market demands and personal interests while staying true to one’s vision and artistic integrity. Being successful as an artist has many meanings, some very different from others, but stagnation is the adversary that must be conquered. Whether it is using new mediums or recognizing opportunities that may not be obvious, the flexibility to move and adapt has not only been essential to my survival as an artist, but it has also been the driving force for me, allowing me to thrive in the many roles I fill.
Looking back, these three pillars – work ethic, continuous learning and experimentation, and adaptability – have been the driving forces behind my success, allowing me to lead a life devoted to spreading the joy of creativity through my art.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am constantly on the lookout for new collaborative opportunities with other artists, designers, licensors, collectors, imaginers and innovators in any realm. As a Creative Director I have a deep need and passion for coaxing out the best in others. Brainstorming ideas, creating new projects or lines, curating collections of interesting thoughts and intentions; bringing energy and inspiration. Collaborating with others helps me push the limits within my own creative practice while encouraging my counterparts towards new ideas.
If you share my enthusiasm for the world of art and creativity, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s explore possibilities, exchange ideas, and embark on exciting artistic journeys that will enrich and inspire a captivating audience. The power of cooperation offers truly boundless opportunities, and I’m excited to see where our collective imagination can take us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blakelybering.com
- Instagram: @blakelybering
- Facebook: facebook.com/blakely.bering
- Linkedin: Blakely Bering
Image Credits
Rift Digital Media
