– What’s your Nickname?
Kirk!
– Where are you from?
Boston, MA in the United States
– Your years?
Thirty if I had to identify with an age.
– What have you studied?
I have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and my MFA in Illustration.
– How and when did you become an illustrator?
2012 was my first commission but I had no idea what I was doing ultimately.
– What have you worked before an artist?
I was a programmer focusing mainly on systems design and implementation. I also worked in food and beverage through college at a restaurant and hotel.
-Where do you work and what are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I’m a freelance illustrator full time. My studio space is about 35 minutes away from home where I’m working on an illustration system for a really cool educational music product which will have a ton of characters and world building. I’m also juggling smaller tasks with long term clients as well as some personal animation projects with some friends.
– Favorite and good artists for you?
I’ve been trying to stay inspired by things a little less connected to my industry lately. Jamie Hewlett is very inspiring to me the way he implements alternative and bizarre fashion into his work. It reminds me to look at diverse references. I’m also always blown away with the energy and grit in Pam Wishbow’s work with such a simple color palette. And basically, anyone that worked on the new Spider-verse movie.
– Favorite drink?
Water in a reusable bottle.
– Favorite place?
My home, or a local skatepark on a sunny day in the summer.
– Favorite movie?
God Bless America. Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait.
– Advice to young artists:
Illustration is not a career met with an easy point of entry. You don’t graduate and get a job at a company like you may as an accountant. Be prepared to have to pave your own way and put in the work. I spent 4-5 years putting in 18 hour days because I knew I was working from a deficit (not having practiced drawing my whole life I had a lot of catching up to do) but it worked. Drawing is a skill learned, not naturally gifted. Practice is the only way to get good.
– Your strong side?:
The fusion of design and illustration. I have a good sense of style and taste and can implement that into my work appropriately for the occasion or assignment.
– Behind strong side 😉
– Sports?
Skateboarding
– Links to useful tutorials:
https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Character-Illustration-From-Concept-to-Final-Artwork/1804406070?via=user-profile
If you want to watch me make a poster on Adobe Live that starts here:
