Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kris Hundt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kris , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was fortunate enough to know early on a 9 to 5 office job wasn’t for me. I took photography in high school and I was a goner. I loved it. At the time I wasn’t thinking about making a career out of it but I knew I wanted to dive deep and scope out my options. I worked at photo labs and portrait studios throughout high school and beyond. I had a friend who knew a professional photographer so I called her up. You know when your dreams are so big that they scare the crap out of you, well making that phone call was the jump start to my life. She suggested I hang out at the local camera store so before my job I’d go hang out, learn the equipment, photographer and just help out so I could learn. I hung out so much they gave me a job.I worked there a couple years running the rental counter. when it was time to move on I called a few photographers I knew and started assisting them the next day. I was amazed I was getting paid to learn. A couple years after that and those same photographers starting giving me job they couldn’t do. I’ve been a professional commercial for over half my life.

The next phase is here but less defined. I kinda happened with out much notice or fanfare. I was asked to teach an Instagram class. That went well then how about teaching an art class? and it snowballed from there. I found out I really love creating art and teaching.

Kris , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been a creative person most of my life. Always wanting to make things with my hands and I never minded getting dirty. It was part of the process and it still holds true today. I dabble in many areas of creativity such as catering, bartending, pet sitting, people walking, teaching art & photography, and dipping things in chocolate, with new interests always on the horizon.

I’m a believer in working smarter not harder. Teamwork is the key. Building a relationship with your client is how we grow as individuals and a company.

Some people might say I’m not focused because I dabble in so many different types of art. Let them say what they like. I live outside my comfort zone and theirs too, and I like it that way.

Being a commercial photographer for half my life, I’ve seen some incredible things and been in interesting situations. What I enjoy most is photographing people in their environment and headshots. I get so much joy in meeting someone and instantly melding with them to photograph their essence and putting them at ease.

Becoming and artist just happened as I was learning and making things. I was good at it and enjoyed it and so did the people around me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In my early 20’s I had amassed a solid group of friends that really fueled me in my life. At the time I had no idea that what they were spreading was negativity. It was so natural as I’d grown up with the same support from my family. I don’t remember if it was a slow realization or an aha moment. I finally understood that the “support” I was receiving was negative and had kept me down instead of lifting me up. I decided to rid myself of negativity. I realized I’d rather be alone then have people in my life hold me back and keep me in the I’m not good enough whirlpool.

It was one of the most freeing times of my life. I let go of things and people who did not serve me, my growth and my happiness.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

First off I think everyone has creativity inside them. Though I believe the questions refers to people I like to call the 9 to 5ers. I’m uncertain if this will enlighten anyone, we shall see.

I’ve had many people in my life comment that I don’t work. I assume it’s because I don’t go into the office and work a 9 to 5 job 40 hours a week. This is true I don’t work just 40 hours a week. Being a self employed artist means I work on all the projects you can see me work on and all the behind the scenes you don’t. I’ve never worked harder in my life.

The percentage of the time that I get to create is so much smaller than the time I need to spend advertising, doing paperwork, experimenting, brainstorming, supporting other artists, and turning ideas into action. That may sound like I’m complaining. I am not. I do all these things so I get the freedom to create and share my passion with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://krishundt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishundt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrisHundt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishundt/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/krishundt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/krishundt
• Other: etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/krishundt pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/krishundt/ patreon https://www.patreon.com/krishundt tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@krishundt