We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevin Wilkes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kevin, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I am not sure where it comes from. I believe it is a collection of experiences and having the support of friends and family. I try to operate from faith not fear. I think that one lesson I have learned from surfing is if I stay persistent good things usually happen, not always. And to be grateful for those magic moments and surprises.
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?
I am a photographer mostly and a creative director sometimes. I like to tell stories through the photographic medium. I started off taking pictures of what I loved the most, riding waves and the lifestyle experience surrounding that. I spent my youth in Orange County , CA. My influences at that time were the surfing lifestyle and punk rock, ska, and new wave music. I attended a local community college and transferred to Art Center College of Design where I was immersed in the technical aspects and fine details of the mechanics of photography.
My photography experience has mirrored my life experience. The ups and downs, successes and failures, creative dry spells. But after all said, I have had some of the most rewarding experiences because of photography. The people that I have met, some very famous, some infamous and some not famous at all. I am grateful for all of those interactions. I have been blessed to have worked with some truly gifted and amazingly talented people and most of the time they have treated me very kindly. I have learned a lot from those experiences.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being open minded to the process has gone a long way for my development as an artist. Not getting caught up in expectations and results. Just enjoying the ride. The most satisfying work is the work I do for my own enjoyment. I can hope others react favorably, but if not I’m still stoked on it. My goal is to be my authentic self. I always take criticism with a grain of salt, but will listen to the opinions others have. Being persistent has helped me learn the lessons I have had to learn and has given me a bit of wisdom and lots of knowledge.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest obstacle is myself. Getting out of my own way. Solutions sometimes don’t look like you think they should. Trusting the process and working from faith not fear. All the other stuff are just challenges I need to meet. And if things don’t go my way usually another project or opportunity will present itself. I am always looking forward to collaborating with like minded people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kevinwilkesphoto.com
- Instagram: @kevinwilkesphoto @362magazine
Image Credits
All photos credit Kevin Wilkes
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
