Conversations with Kiana Donae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Donae

Hi Kiana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey with poetry began when I was eight years old, crafting my first poem about autumn leaves. As I grew up, poetry became my confidante and refuge, helping me navigate a challenging childhood. In those early years, I found solace in the pages of my journals, where I could express my emotions and dreams freely. Poetry was more than just words on a page; it was a safe haven, a place where I could explore my thoughts without judgment.

As I matured, so did my relationship with poetry. What started as a means of emotional release evolved into a deeper exploration of life’s experiences. Today, through my platform, Creatively Versed, I share this love of poetry
and ultimately creativity with others. Creatively Versed is an intimate community space where I connect with readers, share inspiration, and continue to nurture the relationship that has shaped who I am. Poetry remains my ever present Muse, guiding me in every step of my creative journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth. Every year, I gain a deeper understanding of what I need for my well-being—physically, emotionally, and mentally—in this overstimulated, hyper-critical world. I’ve realized that following society’s race, rules, and culture isn’t the path for me. The world often tries to put people into boxes to categorize them, but I don’t fit that mold, and my journey has been challenging because of it.

I don’t just call myself a writer, poet, or author. I’m gifted in many creative areas, from graphic design—where I often create logos and book covers for other authors—to website coding, which I’ve learned to master across multiple platforms. I’m the go-to person when friends have trouble with their sites, and I’m endlessly fascinated by Photoshop, color theory, and design. I’m what you’d call a multi-hyphenate or, as I like to say, a serial creative. If it’s creative, it’s likely to capture my interest.

This broad range of passions has made it difficult to focus on just one, especially in a world that tells us to specialize to be successful. For years, I tried to keep my writing and graphic design separate, then attempted to combine them, only to eventually stop everything completely. I grew weary of the hustle culture that insists on grinding 24/7 and elevates social media as the pinnacle of content creation. That approach leads to burnout, especially for creatives who also juggle families and full-time work.

So, I stepped back to reassess my creative priorities and what truly makes me happy and fulfilled. I knew that writing and poetry would always hold a special place in my heart, and I loved sharing my work with others. This realization is what led to Creatively Versed finally finding its true name.

My graphic design work remains close to my heart, but I’ve come to understand that it doesn’t quite fit with the writing side and deserves its own space. That project is still in progress, but it’s finally starting to take flight with a name that fully represents my identity as a serial creative.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in poetry and creative writing, where my words serve as a powerful tool for emotional expression and connection. Through Creatively Versed, I share my passion for poetry, offering readers a space for reflection, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. My work is known for its authenticity and the ability to resonate with those who feel misunderstood, unheard, or unseen.

In addition to writing, I’m also recognized for my skills in graphic design, particularly in creating logos and book covers that visually capture the essence of an author’s work. As a multi-talented creative, I’m known for blending these passions in unique ways, although I’ve chosen to develop my graphic design work separately to fully embrace my identity as a serial creative.

I’m most proud of embracing my identity as a serial creative and finding the courage to follow my own path, even when it didn’t align with societal expectations. I’ve learned to honor all of my creative talents—writing, poetry, graphic design, and more—without feeling the need to fit into a single box. Creatively Versed is a manifestation of that journey, a space where I can share my poetry and connect with others in a meaningful way. I’m proud of the impact my work has on those who feel misunderstood or unseen, and of staying true to myself throughout the process.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to merge multiple creative talents into a cohesive and authentic expression of who I am. As a serial creative, I don’t limit myself to just one discipline; instead, I embrace a wide range of skills, from poetry and writing to graphic design and website coding. This versatility allows me to approach projects with a unique perspective, blending visual and literary arts in ways that resonate deeply with my audience.

Additionally, my journey has been one of self-discovery and resilience, where I’ve chosen to reject the conventional path and create a space—Creatively Versed—that reflects my true passions. This authenticity and the ability to connect with others through my work, especially those who feel unseen or unheard, truly set me apart.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future revolve around continuing to grow Creatively Versed as a vibrant community for poetry lovers and creatives. I want to deepen the connections I’ve built with my audience by sharing more of my poetry, behind-the-scenes insights, and the knowledge I’ve gained as a self-published author. I’m excited to explore new ways to inspire and empower others who may feel misunderstood or unseen.

On the graphic design front, I plan to further develop this aspect of my creativity, giving it a dedicated space that fully represents my identity as a serial creative. I’m looking forward to taking on more projects that blend my love for visual and literary arts, and to continue challenging myself to learn and grow in these fields.

Ultimately, my goal is to stay true to my creative vision, to keep evolving, and to inspire others to embrace their own multifaceted talents without feeling the need to conform to societal expectations.

Pricing:

• Creatively Versed – Newsletter Subscription $5 monthly

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kianadonae
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativelyversed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativelyversed1/
• Other: https://poetkianadonae.carrd.co/

Image Credits:
Kiana Donae