How to be a Paid Teen Artist - An interview with Amanda Kelly
- Inspiring Teens Magazine
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
How to be a Paid Teen Artist
- An interview with Amanda Kelly
Amanda Kelly - Michigan
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Amy Clement Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
The Nomination: Amanda Kelly is one of the most talented teen artists that I have ever met! Her interest in art & fashion started at a young age when her Grandparents bought her and her sister fabric pieces. The two of them used safety pins to turn those pieces into "clothing" and put on fashion shows at home. Love it!
Amanda always has had a love of art. From colored pencils to oil pastels to pottery... she creates beautiful works of art. Always "giving back" she has volunteered in numerous classrooms and religion classrooms with young children to teach, inspire and share her gift.
Amanda's current High School art teacher has inspired her so much in the way he teaches art. So much so that she is now going to turn her passion and gift into her job after college. A true example of how one teacher "inspiring" a student has "inspired" that student to "inspire" other children. So awesome.
Amanda maintains a 3.5 gpa and plans to attend the University of Toledo to study Art Education after she graduates next Spring. Best of luck to her!!
How Amanda Plans on being a Paid Teen Artist:
Why is art so special to you?
Art is very special to me because it is a way to “escape” my reality. There is no such thing as being perfect in art because everyone is different. I have been through a lot in my life and art has been one of the best ways for me to make peace. I have always felt as if I have to be perfect.
Tell us about some of your favorite art pieces you have created.
It is very hard for me to decide what piece is my favorite. My favorite art piece to create was a painting of lemons. It was my first time painting with acrylics on canvas, so I was very nervous. With all my projects comes a challenge. In the end I was very pleased with the outcome and it made me feel accomplished.
Why do you think art is a way for people to escape if they are feeling down?
In art you can be or do as you feel. I think of art as a movie. People endure certain emotions when they look at it. In today's life it's hard to be unique. In the world of art unique is desired and no one gets judged for it.
Would you be interested in opening your own art studio? Why or why not?
The thought of opening my studio has crossed my mind. My dream is to inspire others with the power of art. Although teaching is my number one goal. I want to be able to teach others what the impact from art can really do.
Do you like using paints or markers/pencils more? Why?
My favorite media to use would be colored pencils and paints. I like to use these because I can build up the colors I need. With any project my teacher has always taught me to start from light to dark. Colored Pencil and paint allow me to do that.
What is the hardest thing that you have accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have accomplished is gaining my self-confidence. Not only have I struggled with mental concerns I struggled with my appearance. Whether it came to my acne or my weight. Not having the confidence in myself made my mental stability weaker. Surrounding myself with people who give me the utmost positive vibe and listening to compliments saved me.
Who do you find inspiring?
The person that I find most inspiring would be my art teacher. Every day I am eager to get into his class. He makes everyone's day a million times better. He has inspired many people to follow their dreams and ways to accomplish them. He has been the one to inspire me to teach others.
3 things on your bucket list
Three things on my bucket list would be to make a positive change for the environment, start my own family, and adopt a dog from a shelter.
Amanda was featured in Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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