Daily Inspiration: Meet Mattie Karr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattie Karr.

Hi Mattie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I always had a big imagination and loved books and movies. Art was the best way I knew how to create the stories and beauty I wanted to see. As I got older, I held onto this imagination and earned Bachelor’s degrees in Illustration and Film from KU. I aimed to go to Hollywood and create movies that sparked the imagination and filled people with wonder. But life doesn’t always pan out the way you think, and I ended up staying in Kansas City, spending my post-grad life in business development, sales, and event planning.

While art was relegated to a side passion, these years were important for me in growing my network, learning about business and marketing, and discerning what I would do with my life. In 2022, my desire to take my dreams off the back burner grew stronger. I had been working on a big sacred art project with my church on the side for a few years but knew I needed more space and time to commit to completing the 15-foot-tall triptychs.

Around this time, my boss generously offered me an empty office space to use as an art studio. I also attended a retreat where I was convicted of the power of taking significant steps of faith out of love for Jesus. During that retreat, God invited me to love Him by taking another big step of faith – to become a full-time artist and love Him through my paintings. Within the week, I sent in my one-month notice.

It’s been 1 year since stepping out in faith, and I’ve been blessed to have completed 2 15 foot triptychs for the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, many sacred art commissions for priests and families, live wedding portraits, and murals for businesses. I’ve also sold 100+ prints, grown my following on Instagram from 0 to 3,000 in 4 months, and have many exciting projects on deck.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing is ever entirely smooth! My biggest battle has been against me! I am officially my boss. As a naturally disorganized creative person, learning to be disciplined in running a business has been quite the learning curve. I’ve changed my schedule and routine 8 times already. But I was blessed in the first year of my art business. The pieces all fall into place as I pray and create quality art at the forefront of my business practices. As a result, my art speaks to people, and I meet the most notable clients and supporters.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I have many styles and themes, I am mostly known for my Catholic sacred art. I depict scenes from the Bible, saints, angels, and images from prayer. My sacred art commissions and originals’ main goal is to communicate God’s love to the viewer uniquely and beautifully. My most important project has been two 15-foot-tall triptychs depicting Pentecost and the Presentation of Jesus for Holy Name of Jesus Church in Kansas City, KS. While waiting to be installed, visitors can see them in a “preview” state leaning against the sanctuary’s walls. My art practice is steeped in prayer, and I design from a place of exploration and wonder. I want people to stop in their tracks and be roused to meditate on something (and Someone) bigger than themselves. Though I love sacred art, I don’t completely limit myself to it! I also do live wedding paintings, commercial murals, and illustrations for various clients. You’ll soon see my work in Sinkers Lounge in the P&L district and other excellent parts of town!

We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I had a professor that would often say, “Fortune favors the prepared.” Before launching, I had taken time to create a website, take photos of artwork to make prints, write sample contracts, and stock up on marketing materials. So when I meet potential clients, having business cards featuring my art handy or my portfolio on my phone is relieving. But it’s always been important to me to release ultimate control to God. I never want my work to detract from my relationship with God or my friends and family. There’s a common saying that “God can’t move a parked car.” So I do as much work as possible to be a great artist, marketer, and service provider, then surrender the rest to God. And He has not let me down. The most amazing clients have come from being in the right place at the right time, from someone I barely know referring me, or someone being moved by seeing my art online. This balance of hard work and surrender has given me great peace as I follow God’s will.

Pricing:

• Art prints are $18-50
• Commissions on average are $1500+
• Live wedding painting starts at $1200
• Murals, on average, are $2500+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mattiekarr.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattiekarrstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091886774029
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattie-karr/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc_MAbQ-cWboTN5a2djnnEA/featured
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MattieKarrStudio

Image Credits
Kathryn White, The Leaven