Kaitlyn Dear

When Saginaw Valley State University alum Kaitlyn Dear (’13) reflects on her journey, she is nowhere near where she expected to be. After graduating in 2013 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Graphic Design, Kaitlyn stepped into the fast-paced world of sales. It was a move that sharpened her communication skills and business instincts, but her heart never strayed far from art.

Even while working full-time, Kaitlyn continued to create. She began painting watercolor scenes and selling them at local markets and online, carving out time for creativity wherever she could. What started as a side passion slowly began to evolve. When a friend asked her to paint a live watercolor portrait at her wedding, Kaitlyn said yes, unaware that this single opportunity would transform her career.

Word spread quickly, and soon live wedding painting became her most requested service. As more couples discovered her work through word-of-mouth referrals, Kaitlyn made the leap to entrepreneurship and founded Clexo Creative Studio. Today, she works full-time as a live event painter, offering everything from large-scale portraits of newlyweds to intimate watercolor portraits of guests created throughout the evening.

“I didn’t expect to feel like a performer,” she shares. At each event, guests gather around her canvas, watching the painting unfold in real time. They ask questions, follow her progress, and celebrate the final reveal. The interactive nature of her work has become one of her favorite parts of the job. What began as painting at weddings has grown into something much bigger: a live art experience that adds another layer of magic to milestone celebrations.

Her impact extends beyond the canvas. After spending hours immersed in some of life’s most meaningful moments, Kaitlyn often leaves events feeling like she’s gained a new extended family. By the end of the night, she’s connected not only with the couple, but with parents, grandparents, and friends, sharing conversations and laughter while capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Kaitlyn credits much of her confidence and adaptability to her time at SVSU. While she minored in Graphic Design, her favorite class was actually a Theatre course focused on improvisation. At the time, she couldn’t have predicted how valuable that experience would become. Learning to think on her feet, adapt in the moment, and feel comfortable in front of an audience has proven essential to her career. Whether navigating unexpected changes at an event or engaging with curious guests, the ability to go with the flow is a skill she uses every single weekend.

From sales professional to entrepreneur and live wedding artist, Kaitlyn’s journey is a testament to following your passion. Through creativity, courage, and connection, she has built a career that not only showcases her artistic talent but also brings people together during some of their most cherished moments.

You can see more of Kaitlyn’s live paintings and follow her journey on Instagram at @Clexo.

We know that you do amazing things, both personally and professionally, and we want to hear all about it. Whether you've landed your dream job, started your own business, or made a difference in your community, we want to celebrate your accomplishments and share your story with the world. We can't wait to hear from you!

Share Your Story/Class Notes

See All Alumni Stories