We were lucky to catch up with Jon Kinne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I have what many would call a “regular” job. Monday through Thursday, I spend my time at a desk in a financial office. On nights and Friday through Saturday, I pursue art. I have seen many artists and creatives take their talents into the commercial world, through advertising or marketing primarily. And I have seen many of these artists lose interest in their craft entirely on their own time. Observing this, I couldn’t help but think that making art for content, for a company or target market, for profit fundamentally contradicts what art meant to me. To me, true art is rebellious, in that it isn’t created with any motive beyond the creation itself. Do I believe artists should be paid handsomely for their work? Of course I do, but only because we need money to continue living and creating in society. I see my regular job as a kind of self-sponsorship. I can support myself in society, I can help contribute to my household’s stability alongside my wife, and I can paint and create. My only aim with art moving forward is to keep creating it, to collaborate with others, and to encourage people to create for themselves.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Jon, I’m a painter and designer. I’ve doodled and scribbled and traced and drawn on nearly every page of notes or homework I ever had. All my life I’ve blended art into my day-to-day. I painted on the walls of my rental houses, I brought large artworks to hang up at my day job without asking, and I’ve wiggled my way to a 4-day work week to keep painting and creating.

Along the way, I’ve been supported from every direction. My wife, my family, my day job, my in-laws, my friends, and my cats have all been fantastic in their support and encouragement for my art. Imposter syndrome is so hard to shake off as any artist could tell you, and I often feel guilty to have such a support system, knowing that so many others don’t have the luxury.

I’m most proud of my ability to work with others, especially those that would not describe themselves as creative or artistic. I pride myself in being able to realize their vision alongside them. Taking the ideas, the feelings, the moments they describe and helping turn it into reality.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Pointless and wasteful.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Simply put: bringing an idea into the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: kinnesisdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinnesisdesign/

Image Credits
Portrait credits: Nick Geels