We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Franky Renteria a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Franky thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have always believed in me and supported everything I’ve done. From sports to creative hobbies to school, they’ve been by my side, offering unconditional love and encouragement. They would do anything for my younger brother and me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to call them my parents. They’ve always encouraged me to do my best and, more importantly, to do the right thing.

Growing up, I naturally gravitated toward creative activities beyond sports. I spent my free time drawing, painting, sculpting, taking photos and videos with my parents’ cameras, building model kits, writing music, and customizing clothing with graphics and patches I designed myself. By elementary school, kids started asking me to draw things for them as gifts. Around that time, my uncle—Rafael Robledo Jr., my mom’s brother—who’s a painter and customizer of high-end collectibles, taught me how to mold and sculpt characters. I even started making and selling Ghostface busts from Scream while still in elementary school.

Throughout my entire upbringing, my parents nurtured that creative side of me. They never tried to steer me in another direction or pressure me into a specific career path. Their constant support gave me the confidence and freedom to explore, create, and grow into the creative person I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

During my senior year of high school, my main goal was to play college baseball—and I made that happen by walking on as a pitcher at Santa Barbara City College. But after getting injured, I started to realize I had drifted away from my creative passions. I had opportunities to transfer and continue playing elsewhere, but deep down, I knew I wanted to reconnect with my creative side.

I followed my instincts and transferred to Chico State, where I studied photography and graphic design. It was there that my professor, Aaron Draper, inspired me to dive headfirst into photography. That decision was a turning point—it set me back on my creative path.

After college, I landed a role as a Media and Production Designer at Kala Brand Music Co., the world’s most popular ukulele company. I support the marketing team with photography, videography, and design. Alongside that role, I began freelancing and expanding my creative services.

Today, I offer creative visual and design services tailored to brands, businesses, and individuals. From photography and videography to content strategy and design, I bring a polished, detail-oriented approach to every project—helping clients tell their stories with clarity and style.

What sets me apart is my eye for detail, strong sense of style, and dedication to doing great work. I’m big on quality and always make sure things are delivered on time and done right. I put a lot of care into each project and always aim to create something that is visually pleasing.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part for me is bringing my ideas to life—whether it’s through photography, video, design, music, or any other creative form. There’s a true sense of fulfillment in creating something I’m proud of, and it genuinely makes me happy. On top of that, when I create something for a client and they love the final result—or even when someone simply compliments my work—that’s the best feeling.

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

The main thing I’ve noticed is that many people—don’t realize how much time, effort, and skill goes into creative work. They often underestimate the value of it. In today’s world, this kind of work is essential for any type of marketing, no matter the business or industry. It’s a true art form, and not just anyone can do it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidfranky/?hl=en

Image Credits

Eddie Renteria: For the portrait taken of me (DSC08864-Edit).