Meet Loren R | Small time artist & beginner photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Loren R and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Loren, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I make a fair amount of art in different mediums, and most of that is of animals. The thought that I might be able to make a small amount of cash doing something that I love is what made me want to start this business. Even if I’m not making money, I still have the ability to publish my favorite pieces for others to see and be inspired by. Alongside making myself happy, that is what matters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the moment, my art consists of animals, nature, and fan art of my favorite tv shows and movies. It’s not easy to gain a following or people that are interested in buying your art, so things are stationary for the time being. I started my online art business all because of a drawing, and although i had probably thought up a great deal of other ideas, this was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing that i kept at, and i think that’s what sets me apart from other artists and that is also how i got to where i am today. I will admit that where I am now is not much different from where I was when I first made my Instagram account to sell artwork, because to get out there is quite difficult and there are many artists that are just like myself. I am still proud if myself and happy with the decisions i have made because personal happiness is all that maters. That is what i want people to know about my brand and self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start off by staying the first day at home. We would take a nice hike in the national forest and have a fun picnic. For our dinner, we would definitely go to Thai house café over in Prescott. Pad Thai is one of my favorite foods, and theirs is pretty great. For the second day, I would drive up to Sedona and rent a hotel room. I believe that the last one i stayed at was a Mariott or Hilton, which are both decent. We would have lunch on our hike to Devil’s bridge, which is beautiful and has an amazing view, as do most rock formations there. We would then eat dinner at the Szechuan restaurant, because Asian cuisine is definitely a personal favorite.
Day 3 is all the way up to GC. Again, we would stay at a hotel close to the area like a Hilton. More packed lunches, and a day full of bus rides to all the different points there are. GC is a very common place to visit but that makes it no less scenic and enjoyable. Sitting on the edge and looking out at the great expanse gives you a feeling only describable in those sorts of places. We would eat out at Big E Steakhouse for some yummy American cuisine.
Day 4 and we are back at home, hiking Thumb Butte and eating bbq at colt grill here in town.
For the 5th day, we would stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Phoenix, eating in and all. On day 6, I would take my friend to the airport to fly them back out to wherever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I know for a fact that the most supportive people I have are my family. My parents provide me with everything I need to keep up with my need to create, which I am very thankful for. The rest of my family and friends have been great as well, and they love seeing different pieces here and there. So shout out everyone, i guess! Although sometimes they are small, having groups of people there to support you are beneficial to everyone. Quality over quantity, always.

Instagram: @kokos_artstudio