Daily Inspiration: Meet Lauren Kline

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Kline

Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up living with all kinds of animals, from dogs and cats to rabbits and birds. We always had at least 4 dogs at a time throughout my whole childhood. When I got into middle school, my mom had established a pet sitting and grooming business. Naturally, I helped her with the pet sitting part. I absolutely loved running over to visit a clients dog or cat at their house.
I was always artistic. I used to draw little blob characters as a child and doodle figures wherever I was. I became interested in photography in middle school and developed my skills there until I graduated college. I was semi-successful at turning photography into a business. However, I realized that I enjoyed taking pictures for free rather than making it a job.
After college, I had some free time to explore drawing and painting. My first pet portrait was of my sister’s German Shepard dog, Charlie. The feedback was tremendous! Naturally, I invested in some high quality pencils and paper and began drawing my family’s pets for special occasions. It then turned into something I was getting paid for.
It’s been 6 years since I started drawing and over the years, I began drawing wildlife portraits and selling them at farmers markets and other events. I began teaching classes in person and online which taught me a lot about how I can help others and what they’re needs are.
I’m still selling art prints online and in markets as well as teaching online and doing pet portrait commissions. I enjoy every aspect of what I do, including that I get to honor my clients’ pets, especially those who passed away.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been fairly smooth. The first couple years of doing pet portraits, I was featured in Cityview magazine and was interviewed by Alan Williams from WVLT-TV. That still feels unreal!

There are some months of the year that are very slow if not dead, which can be a struggle financially but with each year passing I’m slowly building up inventory and meeting new people. My favorite thing is that I’m becoming more well know within the Maryville community. I never expected that to happen!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a colored pencil wildlife and pet portrait artist. I do pet portrait commissions, sell art prints and teach how to draw all things animals. I am most proud of getting to heal my clients hearts when they get their custom pet portrait from me.
What sets me apart is how realistic my pieces of art are and just from colored pencils alone. I don’t draw any backgrounds, I just draw the subject which really focuses in on the details of the animal.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned that most people really wanted to get out and socialize again after covid. This worked to my advantage because I had already set up an online shop and classes but then incorporated that experience into selling at the markets in person. There’s something about being there in person to talk to those customers that gives more meaning to what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurenklineart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/laurenklineart
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/laurenklineart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Laurenklineart/videos