We were lucky to catch up with Kiron Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kiron, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

Focus on talent and its potential. Not just what’s already there but what can be built upon and how willing the person is to build.

I hit most of the buzzwords when it comes to inclusion, immigrant, POC, gay, on the spectrum and the like. The many things that make me an individual worth knowing are also things that could be detrimental to my prospects as a professional. I’ve found, be it through luck or hard work, places consistently willing to bet on me. Not because of those characteristics but because of my capabilities and eagerness to learn.

I have found that those places that look at skill and drive happen also to be incredibly diverse. The observation I have is that those traits aren’t inherent to any race, creed, gender, or neural state. Employers that lean forwards into skill based and potential based hiring are so impactful to the greater diversification of any career because it gives an equalized playing field; a field agnostic of the traditional lensing that would remove otherwise qualified workers.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kiron Robinson.

A multi-disciplinary artist currently moving through the motion design industry.

I started out as a graphic designer and fine artist at Miami Dade College and saw the potential and fun in animated media. I studied motion design at Ringling College and currently do motion design work at Scholar.

My job, whether painting for myself, designing, or animating tends to seek solutions via iterations and explorations. Concepts, moods, and general ideas are fed in, and they’re interpreted by me into whatever creative product is necessary.

I have an affinity in design for interesting compositions that communicate ideas clearly, and in painting and animating I explore ways to portray mood through movement (implied or actual).

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My personality. It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s positive, forward, and a bit goofy.

Coupled with a love to help out and genuine interest in learning and you have the recipe for someone that’s bare minimum memorable.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Being an immigrant in a country as diverse but at times oppressive as America, the largest mentality placed on my siblings and I was that you have to “grin and bear it.” That is to say that when life throws you something hard, it’s your job to smile and force your way through.

It’s a well meaning thought, for sure, but not the best for a person’s mental health and overall happiness.

Instead I feel it’s important to advocate for yourself and your needs when and where you can. Reach out when you’re in need of help when you feel overwhelmed. When necessary, as well, defend your name and work. Rest when you’re weary and delegate when you can.

These are things that i’m still learning and assimilating. But unlearning that mind set and dismantling what was built on it has been the most freeing thing so far.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kironvii
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiron-robinson-4202381a3?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.behance.net/kironvii

Image Credits

Ignite image: Hello Scholar
Designers listed on behance page “Scholar Ad-Libs 1.0”

Animated by me