Hello, art fam! In this episode of the Art + Audience podcast, Stacie welcomes Shelly Kim, the creative powerhouse behind Letters by Shells. Shelly’s journey is a masterclass in embracing change, exploring new mediums, and finding joy in the art-making process. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned creator, Shelly’s story offers valuable insights on nurturing creativity and building a business that resonates.
Shelly Kim’s path to artistic entrepreneurship started humbly as a stress-relieving hobby. After long days at work, she found solace in experimenting with brush lettering and watercolors, unknowingly sowing the seeds for her future career. Shelly candidly shares how art helped her shift focus from work stress to a realm of personal joy and creativity.
Her early creations evolved organically; she simply sought happiness through creating. As she shared her work on Instagram, a community emerged, eager for tutorials and behind-the-scenes glimpses. “I didn’t realize people would love what I was creating,” Shelly reflects, noting how this unexpected interest sparked the idea of teaching her craft.
Shelly’s journey is marked by fearless exploration. While initially focusing on lettering and traditional painting, she branched into digital art, DIY projects, and innovative crafts like stamping and foiling. This diversification wasn’t just about novelty; it rejuvenated her passion. During the pandemic, experimenting with new projects, such as doodling on mirrors and creating custom coasters, kept her creativity alive.
For those afraid of stepping outside their comfort zone, Shelly’s story is proof that creative freedom fuels growth. As she puts it, “If something doesn’t bring you joy anymore, explore what does, but don’t abandon your original path.”
Shelly’s willingness to share her journey online opened doors she hadn’t imagined—from partnerships with major brands to being featured in commercials. A highlight was her collaboration with Michaels on a holiday campaign, a testament to how showcasing diverse skills can lead to unexpected opportunities. Her nail art licensing collaboration is another example of branching out, inspired by her vibrant, playful art style.
Shelly’s collaborations underscore an essential lesson for artists: staying true to your creative spark can attract unique partnerships that reflect your personality and reach new audiences.
No creative journey is without its struggles. Shelly shares how early in her career, she handled everything herself, leading to burnout. Learning to outsource tasks, such as video editing and administrative duties, was transformative. “At first, I didn’t think I could afford help, but it was the best investment I made in my business,” she shares. Outsourcing allowed her to focus on what she loves most: creating art.
Stacie relates to Shelly’s experience, sharing her own journey of hiring another artist for Gingiber when the workload became overwhelming. These moments remind creatives that asking for help isn’t a weakness but a strategy for sustainable growth.
Shelly’s closing advice is simple but profound: pause and celebrate your wins. “It’s easy to move from one project to the next without stopping to appreciate how far you’ve come,” she notes. This reminder is a vital lesson for every artist—big or small, your accomplishments deserve recognition.
Shelly Kim’s story is a vibrant reminder of the power of exploration, resilience, and embracing support. Her journey, filled with colorful projects, community engagement, and career milestones, inspires artists to follow what sparks joy, even if it means stepping into the unknown. “Your hard work matters. Give yourself the applause you deserve.” Whether you’re just starting or reinventing your art practice, Shelly’s story is a testament to the boundless opportunities that lie in creative courage and self-celebration.
