Meet Kenny Routt

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kenny Routt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kenny below.

Kenny, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is cyclical in your life and career.

I first encountered imposter syndrome in my early career after art school. For me, it was intimidating to own the title of “artist.” Many sketchbook pages, small gigs, and late nights drawing helped me to quickly get over it.
My passion to be an Illustrator had outweighed my insecurity. I began to focus on growth and freed myself of any fear of judgement.

As I advanced in my career and pivoted to disciplines like design, and art direction in the advertising space, I would encounter imposter syndrome again with each new title. As projects shipped and performed well, I grew more confident. You have to trust your instincts and process, and never stop trying to beat your best work.

I imagine this is not the last time I will encounter imposter syndrome, but it will always be extinguished through hard work, passion, commitment, and my drive to continue growth in my life and work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am from Florida originally, and started my career as an Illustrator. After living and working in New York, LA, and Virginia, I returned to Florida and am now an Art Director, Illustrator, and Sr. Designer working in advertising and entertainment for clients all over the world under my own practice called Routt Agency.

My work has appeared in movies (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 2022 and Empire V), 360 ad campaigns, tv, social media, print, out of home ads, galleries, and apparel. I’ve tried to do as many different creative things as I can in my 10 years in the industry. This has opened many doors for me, and continues to do so.

In the entertainment space, I have been fortunate to work with artists like Erick the Architect, Los Kemet, Forenzik Styles, iiiMPERiAL, DJ Research, and Flatbush Zombies. l have also worked with studios like Logan, Laundry, and Imagination at Play.

In the brand space, I have worked for agencies like Media.Monks, Newfangled, Burrell and so on. With these clients I created work for many of the world’s largest brands. Notable brands include Google, McDonald’s, FX, Starz, HBO, Teddy Fresh, Walmart, Kia, etc. (too many to name).

Some standout works of mine: SVEDKA Vodka rebrand, Burrell Communications rebrand, Cover art for the album “From the Future” by Forenzik Styles. Check out my website, www.kennyroutt.com to see my work.

I have some really exciting work on the way with Erick the Architect, and some fun things for McDonald’s and Teddy Fresh coming out later this year. I also have a variety podcast called Flamingo Boyz Podcast, on YouTube with fellow artists Chris Catlin, and Forenzik Styles.

My goals for this year:
1. Take on larger scale projects through Routt Agency, where I can hire freelance teams.
2. Continue to find ways to merge my skills, interests, and passions in my career and life.
3. Make as much dope shit as I can.

Keep up with me on Instagram @kennyroutt and @routtagency

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

– Never Stop trying to get better, smarter, and more efficient.
– Always be a student of the game and never be arrogant.
– Go towards the things you have passion for. It’s YOUR life and career, make it what you want.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

It is very important to balance your work and your life. Go on walks, do something you like, find time to turn your phone off and chill. Work with it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Tre Godfella, Forenzik Styles, Swerv The Hooligan, Sidney., Kenny Routt, iiiMPERiAL

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