We recently connected with Kevin Hinkle and have shared our conversation below.

Kevin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful project’s I’ve had the opportunity to work on, is my children’s book series: Pro Gamer’s Guide with my creative partner and Author Brian Saviano (https://www.ProGamersGuide.com). We’ve spent the past 3 years developing and breathing life into a fictional universe that has positively impacted children all over the country. As an artist, I’m privileged to help many folks bring their own ideas and projects to life. From books to games to media outlets… and in most cases – once the work is done, we shake hands, part ways and I wish them well. It’s not too often I’m consistently reminded that I am a part of something people enjoy and have a vested interest in seeing more from. Although we are actively developing our 4th title, we released our first in the series during 2022 and almost immediately, our email inboxes and social media accounts were flooded with heart warming photographs and messages. Photos of kids holding up their copies of the book or fan art of the character I had illustrated. It felt different then and continues to feel different now. I’m so lucky to be able to inspire kids with these books, just like many books did for me in my own childhood. I never dreamed I would be in a position to give back in such a creative way.

Kevin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi there, my name is Kevin Hinkle and I’m a full time freelance artist, published Illustrator & content creator from Austin, Texas. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (Denver, Colorado) in 2008 and have had my artwork published 7 times as of January 2025. I’m the father to 2 boys and a big fan of retro videogaming, animation and art! Being an artist has been a throughline for my entire life. From drawing on the walls of my childhood bedroom to explaining to educational advisors that I wanted to “make cartoons” for a living, the drive to be creative and expressing that creativity has always been very important to me.

What was certainly unfortunate for me, however, was earning my BFA in 2008 during the great recession. Not the best time to dive headfirst into an artistic career. The following decade of my life would have me explore professional roles such as retail management, community management and marketing for one of the largest toy companies in the world. It was fun, paid the bills & helped me provide for my family… but not very creative. When I was faced with the daunting reality of mass layoffs in 2017 I decided it was finally time to pursue my dream and pick up the pencil again.

Since then, I’ve poured my entire life & soul into forming my own personal brand and business. Although I’ve had tremendous growth in my efforts of self-employment, I still hold part-time jobs to supplement my income. Art has been there for me during both the darkest and lightest moments of my life. It is my hobby, my therapy, my passion and my career.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe that most artistic people become artistic because they’ve been awestruck and inspired by things in their own life from other creative people. Art, music, dance, writing… we have people that we look up to. People that inspire us and shape our mission and desire to create. I was inspired by the cartoons of my youth and the art found in books or in videogames. I was so inspired I would grab pencil and paper and start drawing the most wildest things my brain could create. For me, nothing is more rewarding than being able to inspire other artists and creatives with my work now in my adulthood. I’ve been so fortunate to have so many uplifting conversation with fellow artists about my creative process and admiration for my work. Inquisitive questions that dive into the heart of my technical abilities or decision making makes me feel truly seen and admired. For younger fans, the sharing of fan art based on something I’ve drawn is mind-blowing and not something I ever expected in my life. I have clear memories of drawing my favorite videogame characters on little scraps of paper on the floor. Something someone else created and shared with the world. To have been given the opportunity to do the same for other children and young aspiring artists now… means the world to me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

For better or worse, social media is an absolutely vital element of our society today. And if you’ve decided to embark on forming up a business or brand of any kind- you better believe you’re gonna start being on it… a lot. I think there are incredibly valid reasons why people tend to rebuke social media, wishing to avoid an onslaught of horrible news or toxic behavior from the internet’s best trolls… but that is irrelevant when you need an avenue to share your work, and attract customers. I wince when I’m speaking with my fellow creatives and I’ll hear a line such as “Oh, I’m not on Facebook” or whatever platform happens to be in discussion. To me, that’s an immediate shot to the foot of your business potential. Personal feelings aside, your customers are there and you need to reach them. If you’re just starting I do have a few recommendations. Do your absolute best to secure the same handle / account name on all the platforms you’ll be active on. Nothing is more confusing or frustrating for an interested viewer than them needing to add extra words or periods or spell things different because the username wasn’t available on Blue Sky. Make every effort possible to make your branding consistent across all platforms. Profile pics, cover photos, usernames? I should have zero doubt that you are the same person no matter where I find you. And that leads me directly into my next point. Be consistent. If you decided you want to post a new piece of art every week. Do it. Every day? Great, do it! Whatever works for you, needs to be sustainable so you have the best opportunity possible to build momentum. Remember that comment earlier that makes me uneasy? If there’s another trigger… it’s “oh, I haven’t posted there in a year or two.” Don’t be that person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kevinahinkle.com/portfolio/illustration/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrhinkledraws/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrHinkleDraws/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-hinkle-30843192/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mrhinkledraws
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mrhinkledraws
• Other: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mrhinkledraws/