Small Talk with Artist Kelli Murray

For this week's Small Talk installment, we caught up with San Diego based artist Kelli Murray. KELLI MURRAY Bio: 27 year old artist and graphic designer living in California. Wife, momma, and forever dreamer. Brood: 11 month old Rylee Jean On being an artist and mother: I feel like I have the best of both worlds.  I am lucky that I am able to continue to work creatively while staying at home with my daughter.  God bless the internet!  She has inspired my art in so many ways.  It's been a challenge finding that balance between work and motherhood, but I am finding my way and enjoying the journey! Most amusing item in my bag: Lipstick. Like I ever thought, "Oh...I need to bring this in case I need to reapply while I am out running errands in the 90 degree heat with my daughter strapped to my back and carrying 5 bags."  Nice try. 5 things I can't live without: Grandma's help! Also, my computer, date nights, ice cream, and art. 5 things my daughter can't live without: Me :) , her sleep sheep, her bottle, sweet potatoes and headbands!  Current project: A set of custom portrait illustrations for a blogger project and finally beginning on the redesign of my personal website. Best advice I've ever received:  Don't let fear stand in your way.  Know who you are, but don't stop imagining what you might become. Biggest misconception about parenting:  That all your career dreams end once you start having kids.  So many people told me that and it scared me because there were so many things I still wanted to do!  I suppose your dreams can end if you allow them to...but I actually have never dreamed bigger than I do now.  With the internet the way it is today, there are so many opportunities for moms who want to pursue a career while staying at home.  Yes, it's a huge challenge, especially when they are young.  But if you're determined and patient with the process, it's possible.  I am learning this first hand. My daughter's newest fascination is with: My nose.  All she wants to do is stick her fingers in it....not exactly the best fascination.  Hope this one passes quickly. Current obsession:  Breaking Bad (the tv show); I'm hooked.  Oh, and peaches.  They are the best this time of year. Favorite work I've recently completed: A commissioned portrait of Polish blogger Maddy. Favorite place to "get away" with my family: WISCONSIN! My husband and I both have a deep love for the midwest.  It's where both of our families are originally from, and we both grew up visiting our grandparents' cabins in Wisconsin.  Who knew!? And we met in California of all places. :)  We have so many great memories of spending our summers on the lake...running through the woods, skiing until sunset and sitting around the campfire telling stories.  We want our kids to experience it in the way we did. Wish list for the (very near) future: I can't wait to see my daughter's first steps.  I think it could literally be any day now.  I also am really excited to get started on an invitation line that I have been dreaming up for years. If I were to write a book on parenting, it would be called...Buckle Up! Final thought: Becoming a mom has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me.  It's put a lot of things into perspective and has taught me to prioritize the things that are truly important.  I might not be working as much or as efficiently as I used to, but I can say my life is filled with a lot more joy than I have ever had. The love that I have for Rylee is like nothing else I have ever experienced. I think I'll be ready for round 2 here pretty soon! ;)  Thanks for having me Stacie! Keep up with Kelli by visiting her blog, Etsy shop, Facebook page and Twitter!