In late 2021, after many years as a creative director, designer, illustrator and fine artist, I never thought I would utter the words “I am ready to quit.” Lisa Cyr saved my creative dying soul. During and after her four-month mentorship, I felt like a child again, with a new box of crayons.

While finding my passion painting wildlife using digital and mixed-media techniques mentored by Lisa, a style began to emerge.

Lisa had me write an artist statement that I had never done before. She also asked critical questions and pointed me in a direction to reinvent and rebrand myself. Her critiques were always given with the best of love and intentions. The biggest take away was that a totally different style emerged called “Edge Works”. This new look suddenly took my social media presence from 3k followers to now over 10K, with Instagram growing from 440 to almost 4500 followers in a year and a half. 

So many opportunities have risen since taking this mentorship, including having my own signature logo, brand, licensed products, becoming an official artist for both Delta Waterfowl nationally and Ducks Unlimited in North Carolina - the largest conservation bodies for wetlands in America. My works hang in homes in Ohio, California, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, Michigan and New York. I am now the only artist in the world with a series of waterfowl artworks, patented and printed on duck calls with Iowa Hunting Products (both sold to Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl). Kenneth Laird Studios LLC is the premier outlet for private commissions of valuable Labrador retrievers and bird dogs in America. Over 20 commissions have been painted since this mentorship. I highly recommend this class to anyone no matter what skill level you are. Job Well Done Lisa!