We were lucky to catch up with Koby Hyde recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Koby, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

It’s important to follow the things that you are passionate about. I have always enjoyed art as a kid and it stuck with me ever since. I took a risk while finishing up school during Covid. I packed my things and headed to a place I knew I could thrive, Austin Texas. I got my first mural the second week I moved there and have had steady work since. The road hasn’t been easy, I’ve had to learn as I go. With that comes rejection, vulnerability, and lots of part time jobs.. but it’s all worth it because I’m getting to do what I love. What makes my soul feel alive! With consistency and effort I started to get more and more gigs. I am now a full time muralist and artist and loving every second of the journey

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

I am an artist with a story..

When I was 15 I was involved in a bad car accident that left me in a coma for 6 days… I had to relearn how to do everything. Walk, talk, eat,… and even make art… Drawing and Painting were actually VERY instrumental in the recovery process. Mentally and physically. It is one of the reasons why I give everything to my practice because it is what has helped form me into the man I am today. No idea what where I’d be without it

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had the knowledge that there are a MILLION different ways to do things (as an artist). Through school I feel like I was taught that there was only one way! Adobe Illusttator or NOTHING! Or you’re supposed to make art this way and no other way! It was if there were rules.. as if there was a right way and a wrong way… as if pro create doesn’t exist!! lol. Every artist has their own way of doing things. Just like how (almost)everyone is different and cool in their own way.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To keep progressing as a human and in my practice every yearI think it is very important to set goals. To put a challenge/goal to accomplish helps give yourself meaning. Atleast for me anyway. I think through minimal goals set it allows us to keep climbing to where we want to be. For example, I have a goal to have a mural in atleast 3 more different states in 2024, then the next year try to add to that!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.artbykoby.com
• Instagram: @kobyhyde89 @artbykoby
• Facebook: Artbykoby