Art Talk with Kelly Colchin

Meet Kelly Colchin, an Austin-based artist who specializes in creating illustrations and brand designs for commercial clients, with a particular passion for collaborating with women-owned businesses and brands that resonate with her values. Whether she’s working from her home office or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere at Hotel San Jose, Kelly’s art is a reflection of the inspirations she draws from her family, friends, and the places she holds dear.

How long have you been making art professionally?

I have been making art my whole life in one way or another. Both of my paternal grandparents were artists and I learned a lot about art  from my grandmother. Now I make illustrations and designs for commercial clients in Austin and beyond. I especially like working with women-owned companies and for brands that align with my values/are a natural part of my daily life.

If you weren’t making art, what would you be doing? 

I truly love my other job of being a Mom. I am so grateful for that opportunity every day. I think it would be so interesting to do something totally different and work with my hands in a different way, to be a farmer or a carpenter.

How would you describe your personality?

I think people describe me as funny and I hope they describe me as kind. I love to laugh and tell a dirty joke. I am very loyal to my friends and adore my children and husband. I am a lot more laid back now than I was when I was younger. I have learned to let go of a lot.

What are you inspired by right now? 

I am so inspired by my kids, my husband, my creative friends and our amazing city. 

Where do you create? Describe that space for us. 

I work at my home office, but honestly, as a freelancer I work all over the place because I can! Sometimes I want to be alone with my own music in my own space, but other times it is nice to be somewhere with the buzz of people. I love coming to the Hotel San Jose because it feels creative and fresh but also familiar. I got engaged here, I had my baby shower here and I have spent many memorable nights gathered with friends in the courtyard.

Where is your favorite place to be?

I love Santa Fe and feel very at home there. It’s such a beautiful and inspiring place. I also love to be on the beach in Santa Barbara. We have family that live there and we are lucky to visit every year. In my dreams I am a landscape artist living in a surf shack by the beach. Sand in my paints, salt in my hair.

Are you someone who prefers the comfort of returning to the same places again and again or are you always thinking of your next destination?

Both! There is something so wonderful about the tradition of visiting a beloved place, but I also love to explore and get lost in a new destination.

What kind of souvenirs do you bring back from your travels?

I love to bring back culinary items, vintage finds and found objects from the natural world. My husband is a geologist and some of my most treasured items are rocks, shells and pieces of wood gathered on special days.

Which destination is at the top of your bucket list right now?

I have not been to Mexico City and I am dying to go! My best friend lives in Sweden and I am always wanting to visit her too.

What is the last book you read?

I am obsessed with Miranda July’s new book All Fours. I was able to see her speak when she came to Austin and she was so hilarious and down to earth. I love everything she writes. But this book is pure gold.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am a meditator and I am always working on being present and letting go. I also aspire to be a better cook and  I find a lot of joy in working on new recipes. I love the NYTimes Cooking app and I am always checking  out cookbooks from the library.

Which objects in your home have deep significance to you?

I have a set of mid century, Danish chairs made by Hans Wegner that my husband and I bought when we lived in San Francisco and they were among the first “nice” things we ever owned. They have been a focal point  in many homes from here to California and I love sitting in them and remembering all the dance parties, the dinner parties, the kid’s game nights… they have been repaired and oiled so many times. I love them and I think I will sit in them forever! 

What is one item that you have to have in your bag at all times?

I love keeping a bottle of my favorite essential oil roll on. For the between times. And sometimes a piece of dark chocolate that is usually melted but still great.