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

Hunter, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I left home after high school with a full academic scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University and decided to major in Biomedical Sciences with intent to become an Anesthesiologist. After two years of studying and not much of a social life, I found myself pretty miserable. That same year I had a close friend pass, which woke me up to how short life could be. I switched my major to Art with a focus in Graphic Design the following semester. I’d say that was the first time that I really knew I wanted to be in the creative field professionally, but it wouldn’t be for another 2 and a half years that I would truly commit to that idea. You see I graduated with my bachelors in Graphic Design, but the last few months of college I had an opportunity to travel and run leads as a whole life insurance salesman. I was making more money than I ever had to date, but after 7-8 months of that I found myself miserable again. So, I got my second wake up call. I was driving on i75 headed north to Lexington on a rainy day when coming out from underneath an overpass I started to hydroplane. I was going about 70mph and realized that I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt as my ‘99 4Runner rotated towards oncoming traffic. In those moments I thought my life was ending and I hadn’t done anything that I was proud of. I flipped 3 times across all 3 lanes of traffic and somehow came out unscathed. I knew I’d been given a second chance, and so I quit that job. I moved back home and decided that I wouldn’t spend another day doing something that I didn’t want to be doing; I’d make art for a living or starve.

Hunter, 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?

Once I moved back home I started doing commissioned charcoal portraits for people to make ends meet. In my spare time I found myself going to open mic nights, particularly at Jarfly Brewing in Somerset, KY, and writing my own songs. After a few months of that someone reached out and asked me how much I would charge to play a full set. I said “whatever the hell you’re paying.” That was back In February of 2022. At that time, I saw music as something that would be fun to do when I was asked and if it could help to pay the bills, then great. The more I played out, the more gigs I got offered and before long the charcoal art became secondary to the music. I’ve now traveled to 17 different states to play music and have released a 5 song EP along with 5 other singles. While I’ve received a lot of great advice from some of the greatest musicians this region has to offer, I’m self taught in all aspects of music. Sometimes it is frustrating to not be at the level I want to be at when it comes to playing guitar or just musical knowledge in general, I think it is also what helps to make me unique. I don’t have any theory behind my songs, I just have a feeling or a message inside of me that I’m trying to get out. My art/songs are fueled by passion and I think people can feel that.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to take an experience or a feeling and being able to transform it into something that is relatable. Especially when it’s a feeling/experience that can be difficult to express.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Learn to appreciate all types of art even if it’s art that isn’t necessarily your taste. Support each other, especially the local artists. There is enough room for all of us on stage, but no room for jealousy or disdain.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hunterflynn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h_nterflynn?igsh=eXJza3llZjJnc2g4&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hunterflynn?si=Rk0CWbwRYwfQ_JFr

Image Credits
Fisher Flynn, Carrie Wilson