Meet Kelsey Critchfield-De Ferrari

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Critchfield-De Ferrari. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Starting at a very young age, I was fascinated with art and drawing. I remember before I was even old enough to go to preschool, I would copy and draw the covers of Disney movies. My mom noticed how much I enjoyed art and put me in private art lessons at only five years-old. I continued going to art lessons for nine years, then moved on to complete AP Studio Art in high school and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in college. I entered in and won several art competitions growing up, and accepted art commissions while I was an undergraduate student.

Having this passion, I always knew I wanted to become a professional artist. Creating and painting made me the most happy and gave me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I found something I was passionate about that brought not only me, but others joy as well. The feeling I get when I am creating something, whether it be painting or drawing, is so gratifying. I love watching an idea I pulled out of my head come to life.

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

I am a professional fine artist and oil painter. I mainly paint portraits and figures with a dark and moody aesthetic. I like adding other elements into my paintings, which typically include lush florals, skulls, candles, and lace. I paint in a traditional and representational style. I enjoy getting into the details and creating an identical likeness of someone when painting their portrait. I find the majority of my inspiration comes from many of my travel experiences and studying legendary artworks of the Old Masters, as well as fashion, antique home decor, and gothic architecture.

Most of my work has been showcased in galleries and museums, including the Springville Museum of Art, Anthony’s Fine Art, Urban Arts Gallery, JKR Gallery, SLCC Eccles Art Gallery, and Logan Fine Art Gallery. I also work with and sell many commissioned pieces to clients.

I really enjoy working with clients and bringing their ideas to life. It is the most gratifying experience to paint something special for a client and see them get emotional over your work, since you were able to create something so meaningful and beautiful for them.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

All art is subjective. I know my art isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it is important to paint what you want and enjoy and not what you think people will like or what will sell. I believe your best work is when you are very passionate about a certain subject or you feel this yearning to paint something specific. I know this rule doesn’t apply for commissions when you are working for a client and they have a certain vision, but there is a reason why that client is coming to you in the first place – they like your art and style. Don’t change what you like to create just because you get some negative feedback from a random stranger on the internet.

Take risks! You are never going to get any better or grow as an artist if you don’t take risks. Reach out to that gallery, submit a piece to a group show, try painting a whole new subject or composition you’ve never done before. I think being an artist or any sort of entrepreneur you have to learn to take risks. Going full-time with my art has definitely been a big risk for me as well, but I know it’s the only way I am ever going to progress and succeed.

Surround yourself with like-minded people. One of the best things to do is surround yourself with people who are in the same field as you. I believe as artists, it is important to have a community. You are able to help each other, whether it is critiquing each other’s work to know where you can improve, finding similar opportunities to grow, and being able to relate with one another. If you surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you, rather than feeling competitive with one another, it can help push you and open up more opportunities you wouldn’t normally find on your own. I think as artists, we all want each other to succeed. There is no competition when everyone creates different artwork or has their own unique style. If you want to find success, then be around people who are successful.

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?

Being a full-time artist is hard. Working and creating opportunities for yourself can be tricky. I always feel like I could be doing more and painting better, but I believe these challenges are what push me to keep going. If I was comfortable and content with where I am at, then I would never progress.

I have always had a “structured” job with a consistent paycheck up until this past year when I went full-time with my art. Being a full-time artist has been a big lifestyle change for me. You don’t always know when you will sell your next painting or get another commission. It can be overwhelming at times. However, I keep telling myself this is the only option I truly want and I will make it work.

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