Today we’d like to introduce you to Karlie Curran.
Hi Karlie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Creativity has always been part of my identity. Even as a small child, I was filling notebook pages with colored pencil patterns. Over the years, that creative energy took many forms—sketching, painting, working with clay, making jewelry, and designing hand-lettered signs for weddings. Ironically, I went on to earn a degree in Computer Science and spent the next decade working in IT!
Right before the pandemic, I found myself craving more hands-on creative work, so I started flipping furniture—sourcing old pieces from thrift stores, transforming them with chalk paint, hardware, and wallpaper, and selling them locally. I even got into woodworking, using live-edge slabs and basic tools to create custom tables. When my husband and I moved from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City in 2021, I launched an Etsy shop and began selling digital art prints and phone wallpapers. That quickly evolved when a friend asked me to recreate a textured art piece she’d seen online. One tub of spackle later, we had a beautiful custom piece—and I had found a new passion.
From there, I started experimenting with textured and sculptural wall art, using color, dimension, and mixed materials. The interest in my work started to grow quickly. Orders started coming in through Etsy, and I realized I had tapped into something that really lit me up. Around that time, I left my corporate job— to take a step back and figure out what I actually wanted to do with my life. I knew it had to be something creative, but I wasn’t sure exactly what that looked like yet. I managed an art gallery in Park City while continuing to grow my brand, and also began studying Interior Design at Salt Lake Community College to deepen my understanding of space and aesthetics. Along the way, I worked at a high-end furniture and design store, which gave me even more insight into how custom art can elevate a space.
Today, I’m fully focused on growing my art business—creating original artwork, custom commissions, and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. I’ve recently completed several large local projects and am currently working on a new collection. My Etsy shop continues to thrive, and my focus now is on building local relationships and collaborating with interior designers, stagers, and homeowners who are looking for unique, custom pieces that bring their spaces to life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been some bumps along the way! Shipping damages and plenty of trial and error with new materials are the main challenges that come to mind. But honestly, the biggest challenge has been overcoming the fear and doubt that comes with starting a business. I think it’s natural to wonder if you’re good enough or if this will all work out. But recently, I’ve come to realize that when you’re given a gift and a passion, it’s your responsibility to share it with the world. It’s not just about making a living—it’s about fulfilling a purpose. The only real mistake is keeping your talent hidden.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating abstract and custom artwork in any size or for any space, with a particular focus on adding unique, textured elements that make each piece stand out. I work closely with clients to design artwork that complements their space, offering consultations to help them choose or create the perfect piece for their home or project.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to take any inspiration from a client—whether it’s a specific style, design concept, or photo—and create a piece that closely matches their vision while adding my own artistic interpretation and flair. It’s about bringing their idea to life in a way that feels both true to their concept and unique to my style. It’s a service I’m particularly excited to offer to designers who need custom pieces that align perfectly with their project’s aesthetic while still feeling personal and one-of-a-kind.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating pieces that truly resonate with my clients. The joy for me comes in two parts: first, the physical act of creating—there’s something deeply satisfying about bringing an idea to life with my hands. Second, it’s about making someone’s vision a reality. Being able to take their concept and turn it into something tangible is what truly drives me. It’s about making them feel seen and understood.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based on size, medium, complexity, and whether the piece can be delivered locally or requires shipping. If you’re interested in commissioning custom artwork, please contact me! You can DM me on Instagram @createdbykarlie or fill out the contact form on my website (www.createdbykarlie.com) to receive a personalized quote based on your needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://createdbykarlie.com
- Instagram: @createdbykarlie
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreatedByKarlieK
