Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry Ross
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m happy to share that my art journey started in the spring of 2020. I am a Registered Nurse by trade, however I was not working in the field at that time. Early on, during the shutdown, I had what seemed to be a random thought to draw something sweet. As every one, in every part of our world was facing different and challenging circumstances; our daughter was home during her freshman year of college and our son was home during his junior year of high school and neither were thrilled about it. So, I drew that day and the days moving forward aspiring to make the day different or special in some small way and hoping to bring a smile to their dear faces!
Inspired by all things adorable, I drew simple, cartoonish images and/or positive hand-lettered phrases; and finished each using colored pencils.
God’s word brings me peace and encouragement so I added a scripture reference to each image; hopeful whoever received the image would look up the scripture and be comforted too!
Before long, these illustrations were being shared with extended family, friends, neighbors and their friends, as well. So, with their encouragement I grew more confident and continued creating something different every day for the remainder of 2020.
After the new year and with 2020 in the rear view mirror, I took a few days off drawing. Really thinking I was done drawing. However, I quickly realized I missed it. I loved that sweet, peace-filled time so much! So, I returned to drawing daily, having no goal to where it might lead me.
Since my art was whimsical my people encouraged me, “You should illustrate and write a Children’s Picture Book.”
I sincerely went for it, not knowing a thing about writing or really illustration. Sitting down to write a children’s story one evening while my husband went and hit golf balls on the driving range. I know now, just how naive I was. And, I really want to laugh out loud and you should join me!
After realizing I needed help I joined SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and an illustration and writing group. Having help from other creatives that are on the same journey has provided much needed support!
I no longer believe it was just a random thought that March day in 2020. I believe God placed that thought or gave me that desire to start drawing. I have been drawing now for Four+ years, almost every day. I simply fell in love with creating sweet, whimsical, and what I think is beautiful art for myself and others to enjoy. I’ve met so many kind-hearted people on this journey willing to help and share their time, space, and knowledge and that has been a true blessing!
I absolutely never dreamed or thought of this scenario for my future, truly! I had no background or formal training in art. However, I could not be more excited than to be on this bright and beautiful path lit before me!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been the smoothest road, with every new season, comes new challenges.
My difficulties/struggles have been doubt, fear, and handling the business side of selling art. I went to Nursing School many years ago, not Art or Business School. So, where and how to do what comes next has been a struggle. However, even in my doubts, with my fears, I believe God has been with me, leading the amazing way! With His guidance and my family’s/friend’s loving support, I press ahead!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wish to highlight the beauty that surrounds us all in each artistic piece. And, this big beautiful world we share is my inspiration! Whether I am drawing a stunning bird, a beautiful skyline or marsh, a whimsical hand-lettered message for a notecard, or a lovable elephant, my hope is that some amount of joy and peace shine through and gently land on each individual. I use a combination of colored pencils and digital techniques using softly blended colors and brushes in Procreate to create original art, illustrations, and hand-lettered notecards/greeting cards.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to pop-up in local shops and share/sell my art. I would love the opportunity to sell in other shops as well. I’ve also had the pleasure over the past few months to share at local church events while teaching simple hand-lettering techniques, and speaking with local Elementary art students, introducing the art of telling a story through Illustration while sharing my story. I would love for you to check out my work at kerryrossartillustration.com or contact me at kerryt.ross@gmail.com.
Pricing:
- My art is available in various sizes in Giclee Prints and Giclee Canvas. Prices vary depending on size of each.
- Notecard’s/Greeting cards are $4.00 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kerryrossartillustration.com
- Instagram: kerryross4, kerrykatures
- Facebook: Kerry Ross
- Other: kerryt.ross@gmail.com
