Meet Natalie Kreidler | Painter & Designer

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

Hi Natalie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My idea of a work life balance has shifted significantly over the past year. I used to have a very rigid view of productivity wherein work was literally the only thing I would let myself do all day everyday. I didn’t invest time into any aspects of my life other than work, because I thought that was the only way to succeed. But I came to the realization of just how unhealthy that dynamic was. I realized that while doing all of that work I didn’t give myself the time to invest in my relationship with myself and with other people. I want to focus on deepening the love in my life, so I have tried to restructure my work life balance as much as I can to put joy at the center. (This is hard sometimes because I am still a student who both freelances and works another job) I think of the balance now as a more reciprocal relationship, where instead of sacrificing time away from work, my time away from work makes me a better person, and in turn makes my painting stronger.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m proud of the diverse range of mediums and styles I work in, as well as the fact that I hold so closely to my intuition while making art. I got to where I am today in terms of business, thanks to musician friends believing in my ideas in the beginning and letting me create album art for them. They gave me my first venture into doing commissions and believing I could execute any vision I wanted to. From there I got to the place I am now through more work than I ever imagined, and managing to maintain my curiosity about the world. I’ve created a system to overcome challenges with self doubt and burnout by being gentle with myself and always prioritizing sitting outside alone when I need it, as well as making systematic plans for how I can improve myself. If I had to choose something for people to know about my work it would be that my main priorities are to help people, make them examine the structures we live in, and make art more accessible for literally everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my absolute favorite things is dancing, so we would have to go dancing somewhere. I also love the type of people who love to dance. We would most likely go camping as well, my favorite spots nearby are Turner Falls because it truly looks like fairy waters, and Dinosaur Valley because the entire expansive valley is so vibrant and magical.

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?
All of my friends deserve the hugest shoutout. They not only pick me up and remind me of the good in myself, but they all actively encourage me to take. care of myself and not burnout, as well as remind me of all of the good parts of life. There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t have the inspiration to get to the place I am without them. They also all give me creative inspiration in endless diverse ways and are all geniuses in their own fields.

Website: https://www.behance.net/nataliekreidler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugh_natalie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ugh__natalie

Other: Prints: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/ugh_natalie/