Meet Kim Blan | Illustrator & Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Blan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
There’s so much that makes me happy, but to narrow it down to a few things I would say; Art, people, and my community. Kind of an obvious answer, I know, but the rush of excitement when I have a new idea for painting and going through the creation process is probably one of my favorite feelings in the world. How the world around me can inspire my work is something I am still finding out as to what exactly makes me tick, it can be something as simple as just the other day on a walk I saw a mailbox that looked like it had quite some time in the sun, my imagination starts running wild and coming up with a story for this little mailbox and characters to go along with it. I try to hold onto those starts and start sketching concepts for a new piece as soon as I get back.

Not only my family, but those I have met during my time in college have created a supportive and encouraging group that helps uplift one another and is something that has kept me going. Having people in my life that I can count on and be there for is something that brings me joy. It’s nice to recognize that I have friends and family in my life that I can experience life with, it truly is a blessing.

Finally, the Columbus community has been very welcoming, as I moved from Flower Mound, Texas to Columbus to pursue my degree in Illustration from Columbus College of Art & Design. There are several opportunities for artists within Columbus and the art community has been very welcoming in my experience, The passion and drive that is present within other artists I meet is inspiring and makes me happy to connect and spark my passion for art with others like-minded.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Originally art was just a small hobby that took up most of my free time growing up. I remember one of my first memories of realizing that I might be good at art was to my parents who were amazed at a painting I had made at a young age, I was painting with my sister older sister and when presenting our work they thought we had switched paintings, as my sister being older so naturally she would have some more experience in art. Keeping up with art at home was key to learning and growing as I was homeschooled up until I went to college, so I had to set a lot of self-discipline. When I was 13 I decided to start taking classes at my local art studio and later on, the owner Anita Robbins offered me a job there. I learned a number of not only life skills but also skills in the art field through their mentorship.

Finding my artistic voice has been a challenge, Art is ever so personal, and can be hard to bring it out to showcase to strangers. I sometimes get that imposter syndrome, as I’m sure so many artists do and talk about, but I had to focus on myself and my own growth rather than everyone else’s.

My main goal is to work at an animation company in the visual development department creating background/environment art. Working and applying for jobs within an animation company is tough and there is a lot of rejection, it can be a little disparaging but I try to remember to work and create what I love and learn through all the rejections and acceptance that come my way. Though I have definite goals for my work I try to keep an open mind to other opportunities that come along, I never thought that I would go into teaching art but that’s what I ended up doing for many years.

I hope for my art is that when being viewed by an audience they can connect with my work. I mainly create landscapes and environment paintings, each with great intention into the mood, color, and composition in mind. I hope to take my viewer into the world that I have created in my imagination and invoke the feeling in them as I had when coming up with the piece.

My work can be described as Fine Art painting mixed with whimsical and Impressionism elements that create a charming atmosphere. I use primarily traditional mediums, such as acrylic, gouache, and watercolor, but am also well-versed in digital paintings and illustrations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love switching up my menu as I like to explore new places to go out and dine! I would definitely recommend The Mad Greek, my favorite order is the gyro and spinach pie combo.

Other places I would recommend would be the North Market, Flower Child if you like vintage items, and Franklin Park Conservatory, along with Inniswoods Metro Gardens are great spots to enjoy nature.

If you need a caffeine pick-me-up and a sweet treat, my top three would be the Roosevelt, Tous Les Jours, and Cafe De Nook.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to credit first and foremost my family, who have been there for me through all my ups and downs. Moving to a new city to pursue any career can be a big jump but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all the love and support from them. Also to Anita Robbins and the Art House family for seeing my potential and giving me the chance to grow and learn by working at their studio and gallery and mentoring me.

There are so many friends and fellow creatives that I want to credit for their mentorship and support!

I want to shout out Kale Lewis, Layla Updyke, and Alex Hawkins for being some of the best co-workers and close friends, who made working as an RA during my time at CCAD just a little easier.

Thanks to Logan Baldauf, Jade Koo, Skyler Ayumi La Belle, Lauren Cox, and Isabelle Emch for all the great memories and support during senior year. Also to Tim Rodriguez, Mary Harris, and Lucy Crow!

To Aidan Dewtiler, for being one of my biggest supporters, for not only being a great partner but also a source of guidance and love.

Finally, shout out to my professors, specifically Ben Towle and John Cairns whose guidance and teachings I saw the most growth from.

Website: kimblan.art https://sites.google.com/view/kim-blan/home?authuser=1

Instagram: kimmyb_artwork

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-blan-45217b206/