Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylani Phillips.
Kaylani, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story starts as a senior in high school, when I was bored during COVID. I convinced my parents to buy me sticker paper; the rest is history. I had a pretty successful online Etsy shop for a while, but I decided to focus on school. I studied marine biology for a while before realizing that art could be a viable career. Now I am a rising senior at The Savannah College of Art and Design and a vendor at Forsyth Park every Saturday during the farmers market. I just recently became a part of the incredible creative team at Dreamhouse Studios and am looking forward to what that offers and becomes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After getting COVID, I was diagnosed with POTS, which is a fainting disorder. I still deal with spells to this day, but luckily, I was fortunate enough to get a service dog, who I am training to help me mitigate the struggles of this disability. Some days are riddled with spells and fatigue; on others, I can get up and make new designs and things to sell.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At heart, I am a scientific illustrator. I love to depict creatures just as they are in the wild. I am most proud of my highly detailed digital works, but I have a special space in my heart for my family and friends who have commissioned portraits of their pets. I recently became a part of Starland’s Dreamhouse Studios- above Starland Strange, and I am looking forward to what I will make in that creative space.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mother has been my biggest cheerleader! She has been in my corner, ensuring me that things will work out the way they should. My grandmother and grandfather have also been there for me; as they travel, they tend to tell those around them about my work, and I am working on a commission from a friend of theirs now. My best friend and boyfriend, Chris Knight, fills me with inspiration and makes me want to one-up myself in my work. My service dog, Bucky, is also a big part of how I can get out and be a part of the community, and I am very grateful for him and his work.
Pricing:
- Custom Painted Pet Portraits : Starting at $100.00
- Savannah Georgia Sticker Packs (on Etsy) are $8.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaylanibydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kp.reverie/
