Today we’d like to introduce you to Keadra Jeter.
Keadra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I think my story is a little unique. I was raised in a small town where the only way my people can “excel” is by sports. As a kid, I watched my mother and my youngest brother sketch in their free time. As expected, I followed suit and did the same but on the walls of the house, thinking I was baby Picasso. I continued to sketch throughout school and briefly into college. I transitioned into painting but sketching will always be my passion. I carry on the legacy of sticking to art through the passing of both my brother and mother. Both of them always told me to go for my dreams, which my dream is to travel as an artist & that’s been my goal throughout life – going for my dream.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not. Becoming a full-time or even a part-time artist will face a lot of struggles. The main struggle is community support. It’s like most of us have to push extremely hard to get at least 10% of recognition. That’s why most of us invest in ourselves and push ourselves even harder than musicians or actors. Some people think art is lost when in reality, it’s ignored.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an all around artist drawing, painting, photography and graphic design but mostly a painting/traveling artist. What I am proud of most is when I see a person’s smile when they walk away with a purchase of one of my pieces. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy knowing a person bought a one of a kind piece versus a manufactured piece from At Home, Family Dollar and other retailers. One thing that sets me apart from others is that I don’t see a piece finished until the customer is 100% satisfied. It’s one thing to do business and keep it pushing, but it builds your character as a person to ensure that the customer is happy. It will guarantee word of mouth promotion, return customers and even additional opportunities. It’s beautiful!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by how happy your passion makes you. I never associate success and money as some people in the world do. I feel successful mainly because I have a solid support system & as I said before, my passion for art makes me happy. I actually took a six month hiatus from art after the passing of my mother in February 2019. She was my largest support and even gave her last to me for a successful solo show. I was devastated that she left this world a week prior to the show. I was SO close to just canceling the show until the rest of my support system came together and said “Do it for her, she’s still looking out for you regardless.” and that is what makes me personally successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kjeterart.com
- Phone: 361-247-9014
- Email: kjeterart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kjetson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjeterart/
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