We recently connected with Krist Norsworthy and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Krist, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an unwavering desire to be an artist. This calling started early in my childhood when I found immense joy in drawing and painting. I vividly recall a peculiar incident in kindergarten when I got into trouble during a handwriting class. Instead of simply writing the alphabet, I couldn’t resist the urge to embellish them, making them as aesthetically pleasing as possible. My teacher wasn’t thrilled with my decorative letters, giving me a low score for not adhering to the standard form. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my artistic journey.

Around the time I was in third grade, something extraordinary happened that I couldn’t have anticipated. I entered a contest for the Sega channel and created a graphic design piece that ended up being featured in our local newspaper. At that point, I still didn’t fully grasp the concept of being a graphic artist or designer, but the seed had been planted.

It wasn’t until high school, when I needed to start thinking about my future career path, that someone close to me suggested pursuing graphic design. They pointed out that I was already immersed in the world of art without even realizing it. Considering how I spent most of my time drawing, making music, and indulging in various creative endeavors, it made perfect sense.

From a young age, I harbored a burning desire to create, build, draw, paint, play guitar, and make music. The act of bringing my imagination to life through art was what drove me. I still remember proudly proclaiming in fifth grade that I was a “professional artist,” oblivious to the fact that being a professional meant doing something as a job.

Today, I find myself in awe of the fact that I am indeed paid for my art. My primary income comes from marketing and graphic design work, but I’ve also carved out a niche for my own art, including prints, paintings, and T-shirts. These not only contribute to my income but, more importantly, they bring me a profound sense of fulfillment. I can’t really call it a hobby, as I pour my heart and soul into it, but it’s more like a way of life—a lifelong dream realized.

Krist, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello there! I’m Krist Norsworthy, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you. I’m an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer based in Louisiana, United States. My passion for art and design has been a lifelong pursuit.

My creative journey took a significant turn when, in my teenage years, a band member at a music festival suggested I book shows in my local area. Armed with determination and a pirated copy of Photoshop, I transformed a local church into a venue for independent bands in Baton Rouge. Little did I know that this experience would set me on the path to becoming a graphic designer and illustrator.

Over the past decade, I’ve honed my skills and worked in various roles, from being a Marketing & Brand Manager to an Art Director & Multimedia Designer. My freelance work under “Krist Norsworthy Art + Design” encompasses graphic design, illustration, animation, and videography. I’ve had the privilege of designing for events like the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, infusing my work with the spirit of Louisiana without resorting to tourism clichés.

My artistic style blends hand-drawn and digital elements, giving life to music videos, social media promos, and even films. I draw inspiration from the creative process, and I believe that inspiration emerges as you work.

What sets me apart is my dedication to making every project uniquely mine. While some may say my work “all looks the same,” I embrace this as a signature style that defines my brand. I’m currently exploring new avenues like hosting pop-up shows of my work and working on a children’s book.

Ultimately, I view my art as visual storytelling with a depth beyond advertising. I encourage fellow creatives not to wait for inspiration but to let it flow through the process. I take pride in my ability to turn challenges into creative power, whether it’s overcoming personal hardships or helping clients convey their messages effectively.

So, whether you’re a potential client, follower, or fan, I want you to know that my work is a reflection of my lifelong passion, dedication, and resilience. I’m excited to continue creating, telling stories, and making a meaningful impact through art and design. Thank you for being a part of my creative journey!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has been marked by the relentless challenges of carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and persistent headaches that have hindered my ability to pursue my passions, particularly playing the guitar and creating art. Multiple surgeries offered no relief; in fact, they exacerbated the pain. Yet, I’ve refused to surrender to these setbacks. I’ve adapted, finding temporary relief through ice packs and massagers. My determination to keep making art, despite the pain and limitations, speaks to my resilience. Every stroke and line I painstakingly create is a testament to my unwavering commitment to my artistic endeavors, even in the face of adversity.

One of the most significant tests of my resilience came in the form of a natural disaster that wreaked havoc on my life and my community. In August 2016, Baton Rouge, where I lived and worked as an artist and graphic designer, was hit by a catastrophic flood. The relentless rain dumped 31 inches of water in just 15 hours, and my family and I found ourselves facing the daunting task of evacuating our home.

The floodwaters threatened to wash away not only our possessions but also our spirits. But I refused to let the disaster define me. Instead, I turned to my art as a source of strength. I channeled the pain and hardship of that experience into my work, creating a powerful poster for the 2022 Baton Rouge Blues Festival. Through my art, I transformed the overwhelming force of the floodwaters into a musical celebration, showcasing the resilience and spirit of our community.

This experience taught me that art can be a powerful means of expression and healing in the face of adversity. It reinforced my belief that creativity knows no bounds, even in the darkest of times. I continue to draw inspiration from that challenging period, using it as a reminder of my own resilience and the enduring power of art to connect with and uplift others. It’s a testament to my unwavering determination to create and make a positive impact, no matter the obstacles that come my way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the deep sense of purpose and fulfillment it brings to my life. It’s not just a career or a job; it’s a calling that I’ve been driven to pursue since a young age. Creating art, whether through illustration, graphic design, or multimedia projects, allows me to connect with something greater than myself. It’s a way of expressing my faith, believing that as created beings made in the image of God, we are here to create. The goal of my art is not to proselytize however, it is in some sense l’art pour l’art.

Throughout my journey in the creative industry, I’ve had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, from album artwork to marketing campaigns and even animations. Each endeavor presents a unique challenge, and the process of overcoming these challenges is incredibly fulfilling. I find joy in the act of creation itself, even if some projects never reach a finished stage, because it’s about the journey and the continuous exploration of what could be.

Moreover, art enables me to contribute to the grand tapestry of existence. The world, with its blend of good, bad, pain, and beauty, is a vast piece of art, and I like to think that my work, no matter how small or minimal it may seem, plays a part in enhancing its richness.

In essence, being an artist is not just about the finished product; it’s about the journey, the exploration, the connection to something greater, and the contribution to the ever-evolving masterpiece that is our world. It’s a source of both joy and purpose that I wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristnorsworthy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristnorsworthyart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristnorsworthyart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykmQr9aS3aA7_wsfufgscQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristnorsworthyart