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

Hi Karen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I began my career as a graphic designer. I created logos, designed the covers of several annual reports for some of the biggest companies in North America and I consulted daily with businesses big and small. But the urge to do something more was always in the back of my mind. Then I started designing and producing jewelry in 2007. It was a personal interest. I thought friends and relatives type thing. But people liked my stuff. So I began working more and more as a metal smith and jewelry designer. Eventually my creations ended up in stores like M. Penner and J. Hampton in Houston. In the past ten years I have sold a significant amount of jewelry and that fueled my expansion into painting. I can’t stop creating. Art chose me rather than the other way around. I also sell direct to an international clientele from my new website www.landriganart.com.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The most important characteristic an artist must have is tenacity. My friend calls it ‘No plan B’. I am tenacious. I like to compete and I work hard. I swim competitively, I sing in two performing choirs and I will always be an artist. I have no ‘Plan B’. If you do, it becomes an excuse to quit. Be determined. One of my biggest challenges was rebuilding my life after a serious stroke. I hate to even mention it because a thing like that can quickly become the only thing that people focus on. I didn’t have a stroke as much as I overcame one. The only thing that sets people apart are the choices they make. I was brought up to try things. Nobody ever told me no or that’s not for you. I am competitive. I like to compete and I’ve managed to win some prestigious international awards. In 2017, I won Third Prize Winner for “International Artist” Magazine, People & Figures and it launched my career. Later I won Best of Show in the International Society of Acrylic Painters 3rd Annual All-Members Online Exhibition in 2018. What do I want the world to know about my brand and story. I was featured in “American Art Collector” in 2018 and this is a quote from a gallery owner in New York City “Ms Landrigan’s art viscerally challenges the viewer to a high level of emotional response and illustrates a vibrant visual intensity and the essence of the human experience. We are so pleased with your marvelous art and the positive energy of your stellar compositions.”

I am constantly evolving and creating this year I have also added my graphic design work on two platforms for my surface design– RedBubble and Society6. I love my job!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love all things local. I love interesting one of kind things. But covid is serious so we would have to be smart. The one thing you must do in Houston is eat. Every type of cuisine in the world is available in our city. Order curbside and make a day of it at the Huntsville State Park. We would bring our bikes to the Sam Houston National Park and ride all day. Of course there are amazing shops and local artists in Houston who can all be viewed online with curb side pick up if needed. Being outside is a must. Everyday if we can.

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?
I have a friend who shall remain anonymous. It is his or her choice to remain out of the spotlight because I would love to publically recognize. This individual found me through my jewelry and with their encouragement and quiet insistence I began to paint seriously, painting almost full time. She/He believed in me and that made a big difference.

Website: www.karenlandrigan.com
Instagram: karenlandrigan
Linkedin: Karen Landrigan
Twitter: LandriganArtist
Facebook: @LandriganArtist
Other: SHOP: www.landriganart.com DESIGN: Landrigan.redbubble.com DESIGN: www.society6.com/landrigan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.