Meet Ken Forbes Aka ArtBoy

We recently connected with Ken Forbes Aka ArtBoy and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ken, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

1. It’s important to do things to remember who the fuck you are. Every once in a while, it’s good to check in with yourself, almost out of body, and look and see who you have become. Use a journal, or talk to a friend and tell them the things that you have going on. You probably have more going on than you think. Furthermore, when you’re doing your assessments, don’t judge yourself by yesterday or last week, but who were you a month ago? Three months ago? Six months? A year? That’s when you can see the real changes happening.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Ken Forbes. I also go by Artboy. I’m a cubist painter who paints with coffee and cacao, representing how we need to awaken to the fact that at the fiber of our existence, we’re all merely different shades of brown. Nothing more. Nothing less. We’re all human. I’ve been extremely blessed and grateful to have such a phenomenal year this 2025. Had amazing shows in a phenomenal studio gallery in Tribeca in downtown Manhattan, right across from City Hall. There I started a series of regular events where we would have sound baths and art talks and healing salons. I had an international artist residency in a castle in the French countryside, thanks to Atelier Air Cerisay. I’m currently on another international residency in Mexico City. Thanks to Lagos MX. Next, I’ll be heading to Miami to Art Basel where I’ll be showing at Spectrum Miami. I have illustrated a kids book about grief that will be coming out in January and what I’m probably most excited for, I will be starting a course – Next Level Atelier. It’s life coaching centered for the arts. Whether you’re a part-time artist and looking to go full-time, looking for residencies and admission to affairs, or just want to take your practice deeper into the next level, looking to master social media – we give you the tools to be a better version of yourself.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First and foremost, it’s important to do the self work. And don’t get it twisted, at times it is exactly that – work! You need to take care of your mind, body and spirit to be able to come and bring 100% of your capacity to the table. That can mean different things to different people. Maybe it’s changing your diet. Maybe it’s getting sober. Maybe it’s therapy – but figure out what makes you tick.
Secondly, vision is important. Don’t eat the elephant in one bite. If you can have that mindset, and remember that small steps lead to the bigger picture, especially if you work backwards, that makes your delusional dreams, a little less delusional.
Lastly, learn how to go deeper The world is run not by “what“ but by “why.” People want to know you why. Have discussions and learn other people‘s reasons for why and how they are never dull your light because you think it might blind others.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One of the most impactful books I’ve read that has helped me in my career is the “Creative Act” by Rick Rubin. Rubi isn’t necessarily an artist per se, however, he has tapped into the methods that will take any of your good to great. One of the best pieces of advice is the Artist’s job is to create the work and then put it into the world – And then that is it. If it is loved, if it is hated, if it sells for a dollar, or if it sells for $1 million – that has nothing to do with the art. The Artist’s job is to make it to the best of its ability, and then put it out into the world. The universe will match The energy and bring it to whoever needs it. Let it go..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kenforbesart.com
• Instagram: @kenforbesart
• Facebook: Ken Forbes
• Other: https://NextLevelAtelier.com