Meet Jacq Kirkman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacq Kirkman.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, my parents were ex-engineers who decided to pursue their passion for teaching and my brother was essentially a real-life Tony Stark. This made it so that everyday of my life was infused with technology of some kind. But while my family was building an army of robots to take over the world, I was more interested in the stories I saw on TV. I was obsessed with filling sketchbook after sketchbook, copying the cartoons I saw on screen. But my upbringing meant I was a lot better at calculating the volume of a bundt cake than actually drawing the bundt cake. Despite this, I decided to pursue animation anyway, my reasoning at the time being that working as an adventurous storyteller would be a lot cooler than working as a stinky math professor. Looking back, I definitely made the right choice. I currently work as a freelance illustrator, I make and sell my own art merchandise online, and I’m attending CalArts, my dream school. I get to spend everyday doing what I love, drawing and making stories to share with others!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has been full of potholes and obstacles. Everything I attempt, I have failed at least once, usually more times. My track record may make it seem like I’m a big failure, but I think my biggest strength is my ability to continue working hard and be persistent. I walked into Accepted Students Day at CalArts with four prior rejections under my belt. I had been rejected from countless group zine projects before I decided just to host my own, which ended up being hugely successful.

Please tell us more about your art.
I’m a story artist and animator! My work is centered around capturing joyful life moments and things that make me laugh, usually in the form of silly little comics, fan art, and anthropomorphic characters. I’m most proud of my work that makes people happy. I love when I receive comments from people saying that something I drew made their day or made them laugh.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am very thankful for my parents who have always been very supportive of my wild art endeavors, even when they don’t fully understand it. I also would not have made it this far without my friends and my partner. They are not only my support team but also they inspire me and help spark the stories that I tell.

Contact Info:

• Website: jacqkirkman.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jacqets
• Twitter: twitter.com/jacqets

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