Life & Work with Wynonna Kirk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wynonna Kirk.

Hi Wynonna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Every artist has their origin story, and mine started when I was just a young sketchpad warrior armed with crayons and a wild imagination. Much like my hero, Steve from Blue’s Clues, I was an explorer in the vast landscape of construction paper and mystery… But Although I had always loved to draw and paint since a very young age, it wasn’t until I watched the movie “ How to Train Your Dragon”, did I realize that it was art was the career path for me.

Navigating the turbulent waters of middle school was like trying to color inside the lines while riding a roller coaster. It was that weird, in-between phase when old friendships were fading like watercolors in the sun and new ones didn’t quite match the shade of your soul. High school loomed in the distance, and suddenly, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” stopped being a cute question and started demanding serious thought.

During this teenage existential crisis, my mom armed with a DVD of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. While watching the movie, I began really relating to Hiccup. Hiccup, the lanky, oddball Viking kid with a heart of gold and curiosity to match, struck a chord with me. Here was a kid who didn’t fit in with the burly, dragon-slaying norm yet yearned to be respected for his unique talents and perspective. I saw myself reflected in his struggles and ambitions, and for one hour and thirty-eight minutes, I wasn’t just a preteen in a room but a Viking sailing through the skies of Berk.

The enchantment woven into every frame of that film sparked a bonfire in me. I decided then and there to dedicate my life to conjuring similar magic, crafting stories that could cross continents, leap through time, and land in the heart of a kid on a Friday night, whispering, “You’re not alone.”

Fast forward a few years, and thanks to my time at the ArtCenter College of Design, I am living my dream. So here I stand, ready to color outside the lines and create new worlds, one frame at a time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it was not a smooth road, but nothing in life ever is. Like most things in life, it has its ups and downs. But Art Center, although was some of the best years of my life, was also some of the worst.

The daily grind was more than just pencil on paper. Living a significant distance from campus, my commute was an epic in itself. If I wasn’t out the door by 4 AM, the LA traffic would swallow me whole, and I’d end up late for my 8 AM classes. Nothing like the sweet aroma of exhaust fumes to accompany your sunrise, right?

The day didn’t end when classes did. I’d return home not to rest but to dive into homework and take on the role of caregiver for my younger sister, who requires round-the-clock attention due to her disabilities. Like trying to juggle while tightrope walking, it was a delicate balancing act that demanded every ounce of energy I had.

Despite this, I never let my struggles become public knowledge among my peers or professors. I didn’t want my circumstances to be the headline of my story. My love for art, my thirst for learning, and my stubborn determination to chase my dreams – those were the narratives I wanted to define me. The trials were tough, sure, but in the grand tapestry of my journey, they were simply the shadows that made the brighter threads stand out.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a freelance visual development artist who specializes in background painting and layout. My forte? Breathing life into whimsical worlds with my bold and vibrant color palette. Just as a composer uses music to stir emotions, I wield color to underscore the emotional journey of a story.

One of the projects I wear like a badge of honor is a children’s book titled “Michael vs. The Beast from Beyond the Moon.” Picture a young boy, thrilled to watch his favorite TV show but forced to miss it by his mom, only to end up fighting alongside his TV hero on the moon. It’s an original, heartwarming story penned by my mentor, Dave Stephan, and I am incredibly humbled that he entrusted his dream to my paintbrush.

Working on this project didn’t just push my artistic boundaries – it allowed me to be my own art director. I conceived the style, mapped out my color script, and dipped my toes into character design. The book is slated for release later this year, and I can’t wait for it to find its way into the hands of young readers.

What sets me apart? Well, I firmly believe that every artist is like a unique brushstroke on a canvas, shaped by their individual journey. For me, my path has been marked by early mornings, long commutes, and the joy and challenges of caring for my sister. My experiences, from the enchanted hour spent watching animated movies to the balancing act of college life, have all contributed to the artist I am today.

I pride myself on my adaptability, a skill honed by the wisdom of my mentors and the fundamental lessons of art. Whether it’s shifting styles or embracing a new direction for a project, I navigate changes with ease. I also treasure learning – from artists, from directors, and from life itself. In my book, the beauty of a creative career lies in the constant opportunity for growth. If you’re willing to learn, you can ensure your art is always evolving, always fresh, and always a true reflection of you.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I were to offer a piece of advice to those just embarking on their creative journey, it would be this: nurture your well-being and hold fast to what truly matters. In the relentless pursuit of our craft, it’s all too easy for our health – both physical and mental – to take a back seat. Yet, nothing is more crucial than your well-being. Whether it’s attending therapy, sweating it out at the gym, or simply basking in the tranquility of a quiet walk, carve out that time for self-care. Believe me, future you will thank you. Resist the temptation to burn the midnight oil just because it seems like the ‘done thing.’ Embrace patience, pace yourself, and remember that the creative process isn’t a race. It’s a journey of discovery and self-expression.

And never underestimate the importance of your relationships. Family and friends are your anchors in the whirlwind of life. Attend the birthday parties, indulge in Thanksgiving feasts, go on that family vacation, pick up the phone for a chat. Don’t let the pursuit of a dream blind you to the joy of the present and the people who care about you.

As you set out to make your mark, remember this: a dream is a beautiful thing, but it’s the love and connections we have in the here and now that truly enrich our lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wynonnakirk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynonnas_art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynonna-kirk-877875142/