Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Krekeler.
Hi Ken, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always wanted to rob a bank, but that got too hard so I started drawing comics. I guess you could say I gave up on my dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had a lot of luck afforded to me when I was starting out. A good support system of friends and family, coworkers– nobody was ever saying any discouraging words. I had shaped for myself this idea that I was an underdog or something like that, which I think a lot of people do. The early 2000s, people had that kind of mentality. Like there was a system to fight against. And even in retrospect, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. It’s like a little fantasy to sort of jumpstart a confidence as a creator. End it ultimately all pays off really rewardingly when somebody actually reads your stuff or pays you a compliment or sends you a message. Your ego– in a positive sense– skyrockets.
The real obstacle or challenge is the next thing you’re supposed to follow up with. Maybe the next chapter in your series, or your next new project. Maybe it’s too similar the same thing you did before, or maybe it’s some thing that reminds you of something someone else did, something something, something, blah, blah, blah, all of that; and you have to balance with yourself whether or not you like what you’re doing, against whether or not other people feel the same way, And maybe you don’t get the same compliments from before, maybe it’s not as rewarding, maybe it’s more rewarding… Maybe you have fundraising campaigns, and some of them make it, and some of them don’t, and that can become a real balancing act internally. Whether you believe in yourself or not to keep doing something silly. I think the most challenging obstacle is recognizing that art is, at its very core, a needless, silly thing.
Because if you can’t recognize hello silly what you are doing is, then there’s no room to play in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve produced a handful of graphic novels that I take pride in having written and illustrated. In 2018, I became a freelance artist and writer, which is an extremely interesting dance between the clients and their creative vision that works in tandem with something that I can provide. At least, in the best case scenarios. It is extremely rewarding to work with a good team and realize that finalized vision that sees the printed page.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I was fortunate enough to attend an art school for university. If you ever have the opportunity to go to art school, don’t pay any attention to the teachers. Pay attention to the students. They will have fresher takes, and be happier with what they produce.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kenkrekeler.com
