We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kara (Hemsworth) Higgenbotham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

While I have been trained in art all through high school and majored in Fine Art in college, I’d have to give credit to my most useful education being through teaching myself and finding classes online of every skill I could ever wonder about. I also attribute all my technical knowledge of 2D animation and character designing to Austin Community College’s program. It’s incredible, and this is coming from someone who left her home state of Texas to go to Ohio for their Disney feed program for 3D modeling. Yuck, I wish I wouldn’t have conformed to what adults were telling me; Try not to ditch your dream just because of where the ‘industry’ is going. We create the selection by doing what our true selves want to do, not what we think we should do. I knew since I was 4 years old I wanted to draw characters like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty, and I was told I had to learn 3D modeling instead. It was awful and soul-crushing to pivot to 3D instead of my beloved 2D! What would’ve really sped up my process (especially back in 2005) was the internet tutorial availability we have now amongst artists and the podcasts that exist today.
So really, I’d say tenacity is the most essential skill for me. I went back to 2D after I graduated with my BFA and spent 5 more years learning the ins and outs of everything I ever wanted. And it was glorious!

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

I am a 2D illustrator and character designer for clients ranging all over the place from Indeed to Alcon to the Humane Society. I am the lead illustrator who creates the characters into assets to be animated for inter-personal commercials for the company’s employees. I also do character design portraits for families and couples in whatever community I move to, which then branches out all over the nation. I have a small Etsy shop where I sell some character graphics and coloring pages (more to come) for kids, teachers, and parents. And finally, I have another sect of my business that takes up the other 50% of my time as a watercolor artist and illustrator for luxury boutique wedding invitations with a small business called Pink Champagne Designs which I’ve been part of since 2017. I am currently trying to break into the children’s book illustration world by finding an agent or representation. But until then, I make my own destiny and am working with a bestie and roommate from college on our own children’s book about grief. We plan to release it to amazon books 2023, it’s called Emma’s Scarf. Look out for it! You can find all these different links and works on Instagram at @Karas_Toons , @KaraHemsworthDesign and KaraHemsworth.com.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission with clients is to create characters that align with the story being told and the company’s brand. I’m always most in love with the beginning mock-up stages because I love giving options of different styles. I think it helps the client so much to be able to see different vibes amongst each pitch, and I pride myself on being a jack of all trades in styles, mediums, and categories of art. The goal that drives my creative journey is truly that of a humble artist. I am so happy when I am doing art I love or illustrating something that is just good clean fun, a snapshot of a family’s love, or something classic like a Norman Rockwell-esque-inspired piece. I’d love to make money for every 8-10 hour piece I do that fills my soul but honestly, just making people smile looking at something nice is good enough for me.
Here’s what it comes down to; if I don’t get to do my most deeply desired art often enough, I get crabby. I simply need to create with my drawings.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Support independent brands, platforms, startup studios, etc. Stop supporting major corporations and look for art/entertainment from independent artists and creators.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.KaraHemsworth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karas_toons/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karahemsworth/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXXaSoZL50ZkXEm7Ykvbs7g
• Other: @KaraHemsworthDesign https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaraHemsworthDesigns

Image Credits
Enubi Character Design Class for the headshots of the children