Khaila King | Writer | Artist | Librarian
"Why would I care to be liked by terrible people with bad taste?"
- J.P.
Khaila King, also known as TheKreatiff, is an alternative multi-medium artist and Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) student located in Indianapolis, IN. Her creative work consists of gouache and acrylic paintings, photography and digital art. At the core of her artistry, is a clear reflection of her physical and spiritual identity.
After formalizing her education as an undergraduate Media School student at Indiana University Bloomington in 2020, she became a visual storyteller using illustration, design and photography as tools to convey profound messages. Those profound messages would then give her access to spaces and opportunities to refine her artistry while creating community impact.
From 2019 to 2022, Khaila dedicated her time as an intern and creative fellow at PATTERN Magazine focusing on the production of Black centric, femme and queer inclusive content, giving independent artists like herself and small business owners access to a larger platform to share their work.
Her time at PATTERN also planted the seeds for what is formally known as KREATIFFPHOTO, a personal photography brand that emphasized authenticity and explored the complexities of Black American identity.
In 2022, Khaila was diagnosed with bipolar disorder leading her to take a hiatus from her work as a visual artist. Around the time of her formal diagnosis she found solace in writing poetry and in working at the Indianapolis Public Library. This period of stillness in her career challenged her to do inner work and lean further into stewardship, mental health awareness and community advocacy.
Just two years later, Khaila published her first book GATEWAY: A Collection of Poems & Art sharing the vulnerable and intimate details of the spiritual, mental and physical obstacles she had faced years prior. Later that year, her first solo exhibit at 1000 Words Gallery, titled SURRENDER would visually explore how she conquered those hardships. It was also in 2024 that Khaila decided to return to school in pursuit of librarianship at Indiana University Indianapolis.
Today, Khaila works as a Public Service Associate for the Indianapolis Public Library, a space where she can foster meaningful connections within the her community and provide resources and services to those facing systemic injustices and disparities.
Her artwork has been featured in various spaces throughout the Indianapolis including: The Indianapolis Arts Center, The Eiteljorg Museum, Irvington Books & Vinyl, Dream Palace Books, Future Friends HMC, The Maven Space and Central Library.