We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ken Pries a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ken, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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 have been a creative from the time I was very young. I grew up writing stories and making up songs and drawing and being interested in as much as I could wrap my head around.
Professionally, I’ve been a really fortunate guy. I tell people that “I’m the luckiest kid on my block”. I’ve seen a good chunk of the world. I’ve gone adventuring. I’ve met kings and witch doctors and rockstars and artists and people of every stripe. I love being creative and having a mind that wants to explore. I also have a great sense of humor, and, that is a frequent element of what I do and what I want to share.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been mixing sound professionally since the 80s. I originally went to school, in NYC, to be a record producer and studio engineer. I didn’t go down that road. Instead, I turned to live performance sound. That was 90% music based. There were corporate gigs, as well, and large hosted events, but, it was mostly music. That was what I lived for.
From there, in the early 90s, I moved to Paris and was without any real professional contacts. After about a year I somehow stumbled into the world of tv and film. In 1998, I moved to LA to really pursue this new career path. I never looked back.
I am still mixing sound on set for movies, episodic television, commercials, documentaries and corporate films.
About 10 yrs ago I began a new process of doodling for my own entertainment. I’ve turned that idea into an online shop called Girlmojis.com. My art, which I refer to as “primitive cartoon cave graffiti” is bright and positive, uplifting and fun. People say that it’s great original stuff. It seems to be popular. I enjoy the feedback that I get. It’s been a real kick making people smile, laugh and feel good with the things I’ve drawn.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I think that a good part of my journey has always been all about resilience. My career as a production sound mixer has been a 30 yr run as a freelancer. The struggles have been many and varied. In France, for example, nearly all the techs, it seemed, lived in Paris. The competition for work was fierce. As an immigrant, I had often felt that I was “after the last guy on the list” to be called for a job. I was always grateful for every call. I still am, 30 yrs later. Right now, of course, my resilience, along with thousands of others in my industry, is trying to get by during a long drawn out strike. It isn’t easy. We have chosen a way that has become feast or famine. I wish my brothers and sisters all the very best.
Today, I see the work of so many artists on social media. I post the link to my shop on my social media. I always ask that people take a look, and let me know their thoughts. I also ask that they share the post or the link to my site. That sort of present day “word of mouth” sharing is a huge way to show support for our artists. I do this regularly, with musicians, painters, writers, film makers, whoever grabs my interest. I know it is always appreciated. I’m grateful for every single share or mention that my work has gotten.
The goal with my artwork has always been to entertain. First, myself and the people close to me, and now, anyone who wants to spend a few minutes checking it out. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts…..
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Contact Info:
- Website: Girlmojis.com
- Instagram: kenpries
- Facebook: Ken Pries
- Linkedin: Ken Pries