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

Kyle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One year ago I radically changed my life. I was living in Los Angeles, working non-stop, stressed out, and in need of clean air, quiet, and peace of mind. My husband and I took a huge risk: We sold our home and many of our belongings and hit the road in search of our next home. Within a few months, we chose to settle in New Mexico. I’d been a professional creative in LA for 28 years. We had hundreds of contacts, friends, and even family in the city. But we knew we needed a big change. So we took the leap, choosing to create a new life and reinvent our careers.

It’s been 5 months since we bought a home here, and I now split my time between New Mexico and LA and feel so grateful to have made the leap to create a home base in a new land. It’s been challenging and rewarding in many ways. I’ve needed to rethink the way I live and create new beliefs and new habits to support this transition.

The risk was absolutely worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I knew from childhood that art was my thing. I am compelled to CREATE.

At the Art Institute of Atlanta, I studied visual communications, which included typography, color theory, illustration, photography, layout, concept design, publication design, poster design, logo design, brand identity, graphic design, storyboards, client presentation, client and project management, and art direction.

I set a goal to learn as many creative skills as I could, and doing so has given me a career with an amazing array of clientele and experience in a wide range of mediums and industries.

My first job out of college was designing color cross stitch patterns and to this day, it remains one of my favorite jobs. I left that company as an art director and went into advertising, working with agencies for many years. I held a position as a Creative Director for FOX Sports for 7 years, and since leaving have been a freelance and fractional creative director, art director, illustrator, and designer. I love what I do and offer my clients a unique package in that I have a strong eye for color and design, and also can generate beautiful illustrations and images, as well as animations.

I’m proud to have been nominated for an Emmy for my design, art direction, and animation, as well as having received awards for my illustrations. Prolific by nature, I am proud of all the work I have done, as I give each project my best and my full heart.

My versatility is one of my greatest assets, as I am able to shift styles and mediums with ease. I’m hyper creative and my mind is always creating. I am most happy when working on projects that bring my multiple skills together.

Most recently, I am delighted to have completed the illustration and design of two children’s books. I am currently working on two experience design projects, developing my own children’s book, and working as a designer for multiple clients. I love projects that bring together my unique and flexible talents and skills, and that make a positive impact on the world.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I imagine it’s tough to understand what having a mind like mine is like. What do I mean by that? Well, my brain is constantly creating, always thinking of new things I want to do, draw, paint, design, and offer the world.

Both a blessing and a curse, at times, it can be exhausting having so many ideas flowing through me, and a bit of a struggle to choose. That is my biggest challenge: Focusing on one thing at a time, choosing between a vast array of possibilities, and keeping myself on track.

There are times when I think I could spend 12 hours a day creating, every day of my life, and barely scratch the surface. And, my creative calling reaches far beyond the art I make. I also am a singer/songwriter, sound healer, teacher, speaker, and author. Folks who consider themselves non-creative sometimes tell me they feel exhausted by all that I do! :)

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Honestly, my favorite part of being an artist is when I can share it. When I sing a song for someone, or when they buy a piece of my art, or I give it as a gift, knowing that they get pleasure from it is everything to me. Also, when I nail a project for a client and they are super satisfied – that’s the best.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kyle-creative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleCreativeArt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyhollingsworth/
• Other: www.kylecreativeart.com https://www.behance.net/KyleCreative11

Image Credits
Headshot photograph by Isabelle Najera