Daily Inspiration: Meet Elizabeth Klingler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Klingler. 

Hi Elizabeth, 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 obtained my BFA at the University of Akron in 2011 and continued my education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, completing my Master’s in Fine Arts in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking in 2014. After school, my husband and I moved to a rural town in Ohio, Ashland, and I began to paint and produce a portfolio. During that time of intense professional development, my sister and I opened up a gallery in Cleveland and began showcasing local artists. 

During 2016-2019, I began teaching adult art classes at a local art studio; Beginning Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Color Theory, Watercolor Basics, and workshops. After having my third child, it was time to take a break teaching and put needed care toward my growing family. 

Currently, I am an Interior Design Consultant with many clients in my local area. As a wife and mother working at home, the necessity of a space that provides calm and rest has become increasingly important to me. My personal interior style developed and flourished with owning a home of my own. I had casually helped friends understand their design style and provided advice and time to help renovate their spaces. It was until recently that I have committed to creating a business and put forth time and energy into research and learning professional Interior Design software to help my skills and knowledge of the industry grow. It has truly provided so much joy for me. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ease doesn’t provide growth. No, it has not been a smooth road, and for that, I am grateful. The timespan of my creative endeavors seems so vast, albeit only 15 years from the start of my undergrad career. Most of my struggles, like most creatives, came from self-doubt and fear. Many dreams that I had visualized in my mind not coming to fruition produced a feeling of loss for a potential I wasn’t able to give myself. I have and still dream of having an Artist Residency Program in Ashland. My husband and I were very close to purchasing a building in town to develop this passion of mine. But at that time, we just had our second child, and unbeknownst to us, a year later the pandemic hit. 

The timing wasn’t right. It felt like a lost cause at that moment, but looking back, it was a wise decision to wait. Like most of my creative career, it has to do with timing and leaning into what is being provided for me at that moment. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a painter, through and through. Yet, being a creative soul, I enjoy many things that tie to painting and design. In town, I would assume that I’m known for Graphic Design and being “an artist”. I do design work for my church and thrive when I am able to fully submerge myself into it. 

Pride comes when I am able to develop a design concept (graphic design, interior design) that hits the mark perfectly. One of my favorite successes is when my clients are happy and content with the work I present them. It provides validation for my hard work and career path choice. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I had just spoken to a friend about this recently, and it applies to more than just my creative journey. I’ve learned and am continuing to learn that pushing myself into a direction doesn’t work for me. I felt like when I was in my early 20s; I only had so much time to find a job and start my career. I had a lot of anxiety with the need of finding a place to fit into. 

Now, that’s not the case. My perspective changed as I have gotten older. And to be honest, I’m not that old at 34, and I have many more years ahead of me to learning and leaning into what will come. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/elizabethklinglerart
• Instagram: @elizabethklinglerart