We were lucky to catch up with Kay Hawkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kay, appreciate you joining us 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 was often asked as a kid what i wanted to be i would say a “normal job” thinking that i could never live off the hobbies i enjoy. Regular jobs, while they may provide financial stability and routine, do not offer the same level of creative freedom and satisfaction that I get from my work as an artist.

With art, I can pretty much do whatever I want. It’s like a playground with no fences. I get to experiment, try out new stuff, and there’s nobody telling me what I can and can’t do. That kind of freedom really makes me happy.

Plus, being an artist is a real thrill. We’re always trying to push the envelope, come up with something fresh and exciting. It’s like a rollercoaster ride. And the rush you get when a new idea takes shape? Nothing like it.

And then there’s the self-expression part. Through my art, I get to say what’s on my mind, share my feelings, my point of view. That’s something I just wouldn’t get from a regular job where you’re expected to follow the rules and fit into a mold. As an artist, I can be me – and that’s priceless.

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.

HK Creates starters as my little pet project, where I get to share my art journey with everyone. I’ve been a part of different fandoms, so I started by making and selling art pieces related to kpop – a fun way to connect with fellow fans.

each piece I make isn’t just a thing – it’s a labor of love. It’s a physical representation of my passion for art and a part of my own personal story. Every piece has its own story and emotion it wants to share and i think thats what makes me different from others like me HK Creates is my entire life, every dollar i get, all my time goes into this. no breaks 24/7 creating

At HK Creates, buying art isn’t just a transaction; it’s about making a connection and going on a journey that I can’t wait to share with you. It’s an opportunity to step into my world, see things from my point of view, and appreciate art as I do. I really hope you’ll join me on this cool art adventure.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of the most significant sources of my passion and dedication isn’t just personal happiness, but the desire to support my family. I’ve always been driven by the idea of being able to repay my mother for the years of time, effort, and financial support she’s put into helping me build my business. The dream that fuels my daily grind is to one day be able to tell her that I can finally buy or build the home we’ve always fantasized about. It’s not just about securing my own future, but also about funding her dreams and aspirations. This mission doesn’t just make me happy, but it also gives me a purpose that extends beyond personal success.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Let’s start with the basics: schools. They should be the number one fans of kids’ artistic dreams, not the ones squashing them. Art, music and theater classes should be just as important as any other subject, giving kids the chance to let their creativity fly. Plus, making sure we celebrate their creative efforts is key to helping them fall in love with the arts early on.

And it’s not just about schools. Everyone can pitch in to support artists and creatives. Buy art, go to shows, fund art projects – every bit helps. Local communities can throw art festivals and exhibitions, giving artists a stage to show off their work. And hey, why not get the government involved? They can throw some funding towards arts and culture programs.

Art and music are not just about entertainment; they are vital to our well-being, providing hope and connection in times of despair and isolation. They serve as a bridge to our cultural heritage and ancestors, reminding us of our roots and the lessons of the past. The stories told through art and music can inspire change, spark conversations, and challenge the status quo, making the world a more understanding, empathetic, and better space. Through their inherent power to evoke emotions and provoke thought, art and music breathe life into us, fueling our collective spirit and resilience. Let’s continue to support and cherish these invaluable treasures, for they keep us truly alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: hkcreatesshop.etsy.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/hk.creates_
• Twitter: https://x.com/HKcreates