Today we’d like to introduce you to Loftin Kohn.
Hi Loftin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been making art! Both of my parents went to college for graphic design, so my childhood was filled with all different art projects, lessons, and experiments! My mom taught me photography and other mediums at a young age and my dad taught me to build; This sprouted my overall passion for creation. Yes, I was also born sassy. I was sometimes given the nickname “Biva”, short for “Baby Diva”. You could imagine how this combination of imagination and entitlement for audacious conversation made for some fun over the years!
I started entering state-wide school art competitions every year. Over time, I was rewarded with some medals and small praises. Though, I didn’t like to make art that was just for trending views. I wanted to make art for me! This made me shy with my work at first, thinking that my productions were nothing new or spectacular. Evidently, the more I became comfortable with myself as an artist, the more unique my art became! Growing your style as an artist takes a lot of time, patience, and happy mistakes. Adaptation is a key trait I’ve learned to accept as a part of the artistic process. Even when I have an idea for what I want an up-cycled piece of clothing to look like, usually during the process I learn something new and must pivot ideas. This is also what is so fun about creating. Sometimes, even the artist doesn’t know exactly how the product will look, but they always have a vision.
I believe expressing yourself is one of the most important things we can do as humans. Whether it’s through music, writing, making physical products, art allows us to relate to each other without speaking the same language; It’s universal. I think artists spread their message and vision through emotions and thoughts, rather than the color paint on the canvas. The colors and images we use give the audience an atmosphere to inspire critical thinking; How does looking at this image make you feel inside? What lesson is to be taken from this piece of art?
Even is the lesson is to let loose and have fun, there are no limits to what we can create! As LoftinLoaded, I now make: Fine art, Contemporary Textiles, Digital Files, Stickers, Hand-painted Clothing and Canvases, Recycled Key chains, Up-cycled Vintage Clothing, Logos and Public Designs, T-shirts, Websites, and MORE!
I also think it’s most important that we never work alone! I love collaborative work because that’s how we learn and are inspired by one another. My partner, Dj PepInYoStepp, and I created what we call “Symbiosis”, a collaboration of artists working together for the benefit of everyone! We throw markets and events showcasing local artists and vendors, usually crowd funding for local charities. Follow us on Social Media!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
NO! Each day we get in life is full of lessons we use for tomorrow!
One of my favorite things to say is “I don’t know what I don’t know”. That phrase is the exact reason why I try things without knowing if it will work or not. This does then, somehow, lead to three months of teaching myself how to build a website. Then re-doing the whole thing less than two weeks later. I’ve overpaid for services to grow my business and still try to do everything myself: sourcing, cleaning, up-cycling, marketing, bookkeeping… Weekly I fight the inner voices that want me to start another project when I already have 8 in progress!
Owning my own business, I tend to take one day at a time. Honestly, I think that’s all my ADHD could handle anyway!
A huge part of my journey also is my sobriety. I put myself in insane situations when I was under the influence, risking my literal life sometimes. After a few years of making excuses, blaming other people, and then eventually ending up in a hospital… I have been so grateful to go into every day after that SOBER and ALIVE! Charleston isn’t the easiest place to learn who you are. I could always imagine that Loftin in the future: designing and creating. After time, I learned the hard way that she was going to stay an imagination unless I was honest with myself and sobered up. I urge anyone that knows and wants better for themselves to ask for help, anywhere you find hope. You can also do this sober thing!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
If you asked me the question, “Do you do *insert art form*?”, I’m going to say, “Yes!”.
I like to think of myself as a Swiss Army Knife of the Arts. Just like my mother, I find a new craft or technique to try out every few months. This happened to be an expensive hobby, thus I started selling my art to build my ever-changing career as a creative. I can sew, embroider, paint, dye, bead, carve, build, draw, design, and so-on. One thing I pride myself in, is my love for learning. This also makes it easy to try and master so many techniques. Keeping myself on my toes, experimenting, and trying new things also provides innovation for my audience.
My most current niche is contemporary textile art. I hand-paint images on thrifted materials. I’ll then cut these out as patches and hand-sew them onto other, more durable, thrifted pieces. I’ve recently made Sushi Pants, a Wu-Tang Hat, and a Fall Harvest Denim Jacket using this method. Check it out! Some pieces are still available!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Having my parents at home because they were working artists.
I have gained tons of empathy and respect for my parents as I grow older. Like me, they also started businesses and worked as free-lance artists to make a living. Unlike me, they did it in a recession, raising two wild toddlers. I remember my childhood to be FILLED with fun. My mom would work for the day, create art, cooked or baked (competitively), garden, and create more art. My dad would work, but always come home for dinner, building something in the yard after, usually finishing the night with a movie and graphic design. To me, it seemed like we were all just hanging out all the time! One big happy family!
The older I get and the more I try to run my own business, WAVES of respect come over me for my parents. I hadn’t realized how stressful this lifestyle can be or how you must hustle to get a little bit of credit. They worked so hard, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and commitment to the entrepreneurial artist life. I truly admire both of my parents because they created such a loving and expressive home for me and my brother to grow up in. I’m sure that’s really when the seed of LoftinLoaded was planted; back in 99’.
Pricing:
- Sushi Pants, $200
- Fall Harvest Jacket, $350
- Wu-Tang Hat, SOLD- $110
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loftinloaded.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loftinloaded
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loftinkohn
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/mnJd9iHotQKGJxwd9
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loftinloaded
