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

Alright, Keenen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

This is how my passion evolved into a creative/artistic profession; Ive been an avid movie enthusiast for a very long time. I was the kid watching commentary videos and behind-the-scenes of how certain films were created and how the costumes were made. After pursuing my four-year degree in film/media production, once i was able to fuse the passion and the profession, it produced the person that I am today. There’s a special feeling I get when looking over concept art. I become inspired to create my own concepts and versions of certain characters,

For my costume designing, the 3d printer gifted to me by my father, catapulted my ability to express my creativity. I had already been cosplaying a few years prior, but was only focused on my own personal work. This opened up an avenue for prop commissions. Fast forward to Christmas 2018, my dad got me an even better 3D printer/scanner and It’s still one of the greatest investments he has ever made in me. After learning a lot of the ins and outs of 3d printing and EVA building, I did prototypes with small commissions to increase my confidence level. I started with small Pokemon designs and worked my way up to small props, and eventually, helmets and large swords.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Keenen Orlando Baker. At age 31, I build/design costume armor/props and I do various other jobs in the film/media industry. I was lured into the craft of costuming via Dragon-con. A close friend of mine took me to my very first convention in 2014. I’ve been into nerd culture since a very young age so I was immediately engulfed with the cosplay side of it and I knew instantly this was a community I belonged in. I started out modestly and worked my way up through original concepts and designs starting in 2016, and I’ve been honing my skills since then.

I believe what sets me apart from others in the same field is my love for doing “uncommonly done” characters. I love doing characters that are well-known; yet you don’t see them being done too often. By developing an image around how I see them, I can base them on a concept that I would’ve created as if I was the original creator.

I am most proud of my helmet builds! From my Green Ranger to Nova and Firestorm, there’s just something so therapeutic about sanding and altering/designing a new 3D printed prop. My clients, potential clients and fans should know that I put my ALL into everything that I craft, even if it’s not for me personally. My father instilled in me to “put pride into everything you do, even If it’s just sweeping a floor. You put pride into it because YOU did that.”

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation was firmly built upon my attention to detail. After recently winning a worldwide competition, that solidified my knack for details. My ideas for realism with certain concepts, and my willingness to teach and help others interested in learning the craft are what lead me to my level of success. I haven’t gotten to the point of making YouTube tutorials just yet. However, when anyone taps me with ideas, concepts or are in need of assistance/advice for a piece they’re working on, Im always available to lend guidance.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I’ve had various aspects that have been rewarding. Looking back on my work, I’m still in disbelief sometimes that I created a particular piece. I’m able to appreciate something I’ve made, yet at the same time, I can envision improvements of that piece and a potential masterpiece will emerge. It’s difficult to describe the reaction from clients and even children’s faces when they “light up” upon viewing or receiving a commissioned piece. Winning a major competition and having my attention for detail and craftsmanship being showcased was the most rewarding, by far. Let’s just say that if the younger version of me could see the adult me currently, his jaw would drop and he’d be fascinated with how artistic and cool he’s become!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/aquariustaughtme
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquariustaughtmecosplay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keenen-baker-78599553
• Twitter: @himandhishair
• Tiktok: aquariustaughtme
• Youtube: youtube.com/aliensversusrobots