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

Kyle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have been doodling since I was young but never considered a creative field until I was fifteen. There was something about creating illustrations from my own ideas that intrigued me. The satisfaction of seeing my thoughts come to life, as well persons enjoying it was motivating.

Kyle, 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?

I was born in Canada and raised in the Caribbean. Being from two different cultures it was confusing to define who I was until started art school in Jamaica where self-expression was very important.

Having worked in advertising predominantly for nearly two decades, I was fortunate enough to take the time to start InkFable Media. A company with a focus on illustration, that centres around comic/storybook illustration, pin-up art, and illustrative design. I spend much of my time in comic convention artist alleys in North America, selling art prints, original comics, and the like. In 2022 I had my first stint in the fine art scene with my “AfroPop Culture Art” pieces exhibited in the 5 Artists 1 Love Show in Edmonton, Alberta Canada in support of showcasing local artwork by the black community, 2022’s Fringe Festival theme artist and self-published his comic “Children of Rebel Gods”.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In many instances artists where too many hats when they are creating. The easiest thing to do is to be present and engage with local/visiting artists to build not just an inclusive environment but one that fosters stability financially and socially. Do not look on from afar but engage with them so that they can become more comfortable with patrons and like-minded people. Especially if the art does not resonate. I am aware that sounds weird, but understand the individual, you grow to appreciate their expressions.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am a fantasy (science fiction) buff, and growing up as well even now seeing someone of my culture is rare. That is not to say that it doesn’t exist it is just not commonplace. So I create stories that include that so that it can be part of the normal conversation. I want other people to see themselves in these stories and enjoy the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website:smithbydesign.com
• Instagram: @inkfable
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/inkfable