Art + Audience: Ep. 14 - The Joy in Art: How Shelly Kim Turned Burnout into Opportunity

Released on November 12, 2024

In the fourteenth episode of Art + Audience, host Stacie Bloomfield delves deep into the creative journey of Shelly Kim, the visionary behind Letters by Shells. This episode, titled "The Joy in Art: How Shelly Kim Turned Burnout into Opportunity," explores Shelly's path from experiencing creative burnout to harnessing it as a catalyst for growth and opportunity.

1. Introduction to Shelly Kim and Her Artistic Beginnings

Stacie Bloomfield welcomes Shelly Kim, reminiscing about their first meeting at Alt Summit 2019. Shelly shares her initial foray into art, which began as a creative outlet to combat work-related stress. She emphasizes,

"Art really allowed me to create that escape that I was looking for and just to focus on myself and what I was doing in the moment."
[02:35] Shelly Kim

Starting with brush lettering, Shelly expanded her repertoire to include watercolors, embossing, powder, stamping, and foiling. Her experimentation was fueled by passion rather than a set goal, leading her to document her artistic journey on Instagram.

2. Transition from Hobbyist to Entrepreneur

Shelly recounts how her Instagram presence unexpectedly blossomed, attracting a dedicated following intrigued by her diverse art forms. This engagement prompted her to start teaching her craft, creating tutorial videos that resonated with her audience. She reflects,

"I didn’t realize people would be in love with what I was creating, and they were wanting to ask more about it."
[05:30] Shelly Kim

The COVID-19 pandemic further influenced Shelly's artistic direction. With more time at home, she ventured into DIY projects and iPad drawing, striving to create tangible art pieces that she longed to possess herself. This period of exploration led to the creation of unique, hands-on projects that distinguished her brand.

3. Embracing Creative Freedom and Diversification

Stacie commends Shelly for her creative versatility, noting how Shelly’s willingness to branch out has opened numerous doors. Shelly shares her experiences with high-profile collaborations, including a press-on nail partnership and featuring in a Michaels holiday commercial. She remarks,

"Putting yourself out there is hard, but do it because you never know what can come."
[13:31] Shelly Kim

This diversification not only expanded her business opportunities but also enhanced her visibility in different markets, showcasing the benefits of not confining oneself to a single niche.

4. Overcoming Creative Burnout through Outsourcing

A pivotal moment in Shelly's journey was confronting creative burnout. Initially, Shelly attempted to manage every aspect of her business independently, from art creation to video editing. However, this approach led to overwhelming stress and exhaustion. Shelly admits,

"If I do it all myself, I tend to get burned out."
[14:29] Shelly Kim

Recognizing the need for support, Shelly began outsourcing tasks that were detracting from her creative energy. This included hiring a video editor and a virtual assistant, which significantly alleviated her workload and restored her passion for art. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help:

"Don’t forget to celebrate yourself and the small wins… just don’t forget about all the things that we've accomplished."
[21:27] Shelly Kim

5. Lessons Learned and Advice for Fellow Artists

Throughout the conversation, Shelly imparts valuable lessons for artists navigating their creative careers:

• Embrace Versatility: Shelly's journey illustrates the benefits of exploring diverse art forms and not limiting oneself to a singular style or medium.

• Seek Support: Overcoming burnout often requires reaching out for help. Whether it's outsourcing tasks or collaborating with others, external support can reinvigorate your creative process.

• Celebrate Achievements: Shelly stresses the importance of acknowledging and celebrating small victories, which can boost morale and sustain motivation.

• Stay True to Your Vision: Even when delegating tasks, maintaining the integrity of your artistic vision is crucial. Shelly found success by ensuring that her outsourced partners shared her aesthetic values.

6. Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Shelly hints at exciting upcoming freebies for her audience, encouraging listeners to follow her on Instagram @lettersbyshells for updates. She concludes with a heartfelt message:

"Don't forget to celebrate you. Pause and focus on all of your accomplishments."
[21:27] Shelly Kim

Stacie reciprocates the sentiment, highlighting the importance of community and support among artists. The episode ends with both hosts expressing gratitude for each other's journeys and encouraging listeners to embrace their creative paths with resilience and joy.

Key Takeaways

• Diversification Enhances Opportunities: Exploring various art forms can lead to unexpected and lucrative collaborations.

• Outsourcing is Essential: Delegating tasks prevents burnout and allows artists to focus on their core creative processes.

• Celebrate Every Win: Recognizing small achievements fosters a positive mindset and sustains long-term motivation.

• Community Support: Engaging with a community of fellow artists and entrepreneurs can provide invaluable support and inspiration.

Notable Quotes

• "Art really allowed me to create that escape that I was looking for and just to focus on myself and what I was doing in the moment."
  — Shelly Kim [02:35]

• "Putting yourself out there is hard, but do it because you never know what can come."
  — Shelly Kim [13:31]

• "Don’t forget to celebrate yourself and the small wins… just don’t forget about all the things that we've accomplished."
  — Shelly Kim [21:27]

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and actionable insights in future episodes of Art + Audience. Whether you're a budding artist or a seasoned creative entrepreneur, there's always something new to learn and apply to your artistic journey.