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

Hi Kayley, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over the past 9 months, my work/life balance has undergone a dramatic transformation. After more than a decade as a high school graphic design teacher, I took a significant leap in June, leaving my teaching position to dive full-time into the creative arts. This shift has blurred the lines between my professional and personal life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Previously, my art and performance work, while professional, was relegated to the sidelines, secondary to my teaching responsibilities. Some of it even fell into the hobby category. Now, as I’m fully immersed in my creative endeavors, everything has melded together, making it challenging to separate work hours from personal and family time.

As my own creative business grows, I’m learning the crucial importance of carving out downtime. Instituting an “off switch” isn’t just about maintaining my sanity; it’s vital for the well-being of my family relationships as well. It’s a work in progress, but finding that balance is necessary as I navigate the complexities of a career in the creative arts, where the boundaries between work and life are inherently fluid.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My creative career spans a wide range of interests, including painting, murals, digital art, graphic design, social content creation, and creating/directing a large-scale variety show named Robot Apocalypse in Flagstaff. I’m also a performer, musician, and have dabbled in stand-up comedy, among other things. The variety of my work reflects my love for trying new things, a trait I believe enriches my creative output. I’m particularly proud of my willingness to embrace new challenges, which has become a fundamental part of who I am as an artist. Each venture feeds into another, creating a synergistic effect that fuels my continuous growth.

The journey to where I am now has been supported significantly by the Flagstaff community, yet it hasn’t been without its hurdles. Balancing teaching with my creative endeavors for many years was challenging, and making a living from art alone, especially in a place like Flagstaff, continues to require a great deal of effort and persistence. Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of confidence in my own abilities. I want to share that being neurodivergent and living with mental illness are parts of my story. I want others neurodivergent and people with mental illnesses to know that they are beautiful, capable, creative and bring much value to society for these traits. My experience illustrates that success and creativity can emerge from unexpected places, advocating for a broader appreciation of diverse minds in every sphere of society.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting for a week, our itinerary would center around Flagstaff’s quieter charms that mirror my introverted preferences. Our adventures would include marveling at the cosmos at Lowell Observatory, experiencing the awe-inspiring night skies with Flagstaff Stargazing Adventures, and enjoying the tranquility of nearby nature trails.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In this journey of mine, if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that the path to where I am today has been significantly shaped by the unwavering support, encouragement, and belief of those closest to me. Without hesitation, I want to dedicate my shoutout to two pillars in my life: my husband, Doug, and my mom, Rebecca. Both of them have been the bedrock of my belief system, encouraging me to explore the full extent of my creative capabilities. They’ve held onto a faith in me, sometimes even more fervently than I’ve held it in myself.

There have been moments, more than I can count, where the temptation to throw in the towel seemed overwhelming. Yet, it was during these times that their support proved invaluable. My mom laid the foundation for this creative journey from my earliest days, always encouraging me to pursue my myriad of interests, nurturing my creativity without bounds. Doug, on his part, has been nothing short of a beacon of support and belief, his confidence in me unshakeable through every high and low. Their combined encouragement has not only fueled my passion but has been a constant reminder of the strength and resilience I possess. So, to Doug and Mom, this shoutout is for you. Your belief, love, and support have been my guiding lights, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Website: monsteruniverse.art

Instagram: @_monsteruniverse_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayleymonster/

Other: Podcast on Spotify and Apple: The Kayley Show

Image Credits
No credits needed.

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