Artist Interview - Kelly Angelovic

  • At Calypso we publish cards by artists from all over the world – tell us where you grew up and where you live and work.
    A mountain girl at heart, I am lucky enough to hail from Boulder, CO. Though I spent a few years living elsewhere in my twenties (Seattle and Australia), Colorado has otherwise been my home.

  • What is your work environment like, do you have a home studio? An ocean view? what sort of music do you like to listen to while you work?
    I typically work out of the house. When my son was born, we transformed my studio into his nursery, so officially, my office is in the basement. I’m not a huge fan of this part of the house though. More often than not, I can be found working at the kitchen table (hauling my massive Cintiq and art supplies with me). One day, I will have a proper studio again. For now, we make this work. Whether I’m creating in the basement or at the kitchen table though, I am almost always listening to music--modern folk, electronica, classic rock, or tunes with a latin or african beat--something to get my energy flowing. When I need a change of pace, I also enjoy listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Oprah’s Soul Sessions and The Good Life Project have been part of my heavy rotation as of late.

  • How is your day structured as a working artist?
    My days are structured between working as an artist and being a mom to my 7 year old daughter and almost 5 year old son. I dance between these roles, sometimes with grace, sometimes not (because let’s face it, this balance is not always pretty). My roles as an artist and a mother both pull and push me (way) out of my comfort zone--I can’t do either halfway. How lucky am I though, that I get to do work that feeds my soul AND be a mom to such amazing little people? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • How did you begin your career as an artist?
    My mom was a graphic designer, so I grew up in a household where creativity was encouraged. As a child, I loved making art, but didn’t consider it a viable career option until much later. A few years after earning my Bachelor’s degree, finally heeding my own creative call, I went back to school to study Graphic Design. I didn’t discover my current path though, until my daughter was born. In the short pockets of time when she napped (needing a creative outlet to maintain my sanity), I started illustrating and playing with hand lettering. I quickly fell head over heels in love with the art of image making, and I haven’t looked back.

  • What inspires your work?
    The beautiful thing about inspiration is that it can come from anywhere. Fellow artists. Vintage typography. Letterpress. Color--especially color. I’m always taking photos and screenshots of color palettes that...feel good. Color for me is a very visceral experience. I also try to make work that contributes to the collective higher good. Sharing love. Strength. Encouragement. Putting a voice to things that matter.

  • What is your favorite medium?
    90% of what I do is digital, though I love to get my hands dirty too. Painting with gouache is something I’ve been playing with lately, though much of what I paint never sees the light of day--I’m still very much a work in progress.

  • Of all the cards we publish by you, do you have a favorite?
    My empowered women card has to my favorite card. There is so much I’m struggling with in the world right now. A devoted idealist, this image in particular is positive, empowering, and inclusive--all things the world needs more of.

  • Thank you Calypso for spreading messages of hope and positivity in the world. I’m so thrilled to be working with you.

    Click here to see Kelly Angelovic's entire collection!