We were lucky to catch up with Kyle Brand recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kyle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project for me was my first real big mural project. I was recruited by a friend to be a part of a Grand Rapid’s “After Dark”, thrown by an organization called Lions & Rabbits. When I first agreed to do the project I was utterly terrified. I had never done a project of that scope before. I had done one smaller mural project in the past, but this one was the entire side of a building. It was also the second biggest in the whole festival. No pressure, right? I was lucky enough to have a friend help me get started and shake those nerves. And man, once I got started, I couldn’t stop. 

As I was working on that project, I really felt like I got to work out all of the frustrations and emotions that had been suppressed during that time. We were maybe 3-4 months into the pandemic. I had lost my job. I wasn’t exactly in the most secure place at the time. But the more I worked, the more comfortable I got. And, over time, I fell in love with mural work. I now constantly want to do more work of that scale. I’m lucky to have opportunities since, and I could not be more grateful for them. That first project helped me build the confidence to seek out more.

Kyle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Kyle Brand. I’m an illustrator, designer & muralist. I specialize in figure-based illustration, graphic design and large scale public murals. All of my life,I’ve had a passion for art since before I could read or write. My passion grew from art classes, to college, to collaborating on comics with other pros in my field. I’ve discovered a love for design and all of it’s intricacies. After I got the chance to do my first building- size mural, I truly realized my art career and have been building on that foundation.

My style tends to range from a more graphic almost comic style to a mix of more realism, with a lot of floral and fashion-like elements involved. Usually also including human portraiture or figure, to connect the viewer with the piece.

These days I’m taking on work ranging from illustration/graphic illustration design work, ranging from custom album artwork, portrait work, concert posters and all the way to custom apparel design, but my true loves are illustration and public art projects. I feel with my experience and expertise, I bring client’s ideas to fruition and I want to create a more colorful and inviting world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The idea of inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s a kid on the street coming up and talking to me while mural painting, or just getting to chat with someone and both of us finding out we’re both interested in the arts. Getting to inspire and be inspired by others is something that I cherish wholeheartedly fills my soul.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh there absolutely are! I wish I would’ve known to ask and reach out to friends more, you never know what work they may wanna pass on or techniques you can learn. Most of my early (and still some to this day) work is either sourced from friends I have in the same industries.

Along with that, I wish I would’ve known about artist grant resource websites like CaFE (Call For Entry) and Artwork Archive. They both have resources and opportunities that can range from local little jobs, all the way to international grants.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elykart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyk.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyk-art

Image Credits

Photos of and with green mural in the back are all taken by Matt Oberski.