We were lucky to catch up with Jen Kinckiner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jen with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my ability to stay creative and draw via self-motivation. I see each day as an opportunity and take it day by day. During college, I always had more or less good scheduling when it came to deadlines but outside assignments and paid projects, create what you like and that creates daily motivation when drawing, animating, and creating art in general.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Jen is a multimedia artist coming from a motion design background. Based on Long Island, I currently create illustrations mainly for freelance projects or my own social media. These days, I find myself creating a lot of comic book inspired art and poster art based on personal interests. Recently, I finally finished my Master of Arts at SCAD and am ready to take the next step of my post college career. During school, I was teaching part time at One River, diving more into learning about art education and considering that while wrapping up classes. Lately, I’ve been focusing on personal art and potentially opening my own art classes for those with sensory disorders.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
If we had to narrow it down to three qualities on my artistic journey, it would be learning to take criticism, slowing down, and leaving my comfort zone. Looking at the first area of knowledge, especially during my undergraduate career at SCAD, critique is crucial to improving as an artist. Some may hurt or be seen as unnecessary, but true artists and friends want you to improve both as a creative and potential industry leader. Taking notes of any feedback is important and never be afraid to ask questions. Secondly, slowing down whenever drawing or collecting tasks is important to avoid burnout. Unfortunately burnout is inevitable sometimes as an illustrator and designer, hence pacing yourself and taking breaks when needed. Furthermore, always leave your comfort zone when opportunity arrives. Even as someone who is relatively shy, never miss an opportunity to connect with others especially those in your field and share your work.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
In terms of collaboration, I would love to work more with a publisher. Recently I submitted an art piece to South Hall Magazine, which is a fantastic non-profit magazine for students and alumni in art and writing fields. I am looking for more work in book and journal related fields, so if you need an editorial illustration or advertisement for a piece of writing do reach out!
I’m also looking to create short animated motion content for Instagram, such as quick animated illustrations and comic covers. For anyone interested, do email me via [email protected] .
Reach out/see my work on Instagram too: @cybermotionz
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennkinckiner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cybermotionz/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kinckiner-718786169
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
