Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Robinson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ever since I can remember, I have always loved art. I remember being around the age where adults start asking children what they wanted to be when they grow up and my first answer was an artist. Unfortunately, due to the ignorance and skepticism surrounding the art field, I was pushed to explore a profession that was more stable. I honestly think that because I did well in school and was interested in the human body, I was pushed to pursue medicine. I was fully convinced that I was going to be a surgeon up until I applied to Howard University as an African American studies major on a Pre-Med track. I arrived at Howard during freshman orientation week and saw that the art department was having an informational meeting which resulted in me changing my major to painting that same week. While I was a painting major, I still pursued medical school until August of 2019 (sophomore year) when I decided to pursue art full time. Since then, I have been able to complete over 50 commissions and work with notable brands such as Beats By Dre, Warner Music Group, Universal Pictures, Monkeypaw Productions, Amazon Studios, Converse and even illustrate two children’s books. I truly believe that pursuing art was the leap of faith I had to take to step into my purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Thankfully, I have been overwhelmed by the support of my family and friends. They have believed in my art career since the beginning and have always told me to put my happiness over the thoughts of others. My faith has also been a big anchor as I go through my art journey. It feels as if everything in my art career has divinely aligned and I am thankful for that. All of the opportunities that I have been able to pursue is due to the fact that God is helped me along the way. I would say the only challenge is focusing on not comparing yourself to the success of other creatives. With social media sometimes it is easy to feel like you are falling behind but a way that I combat this is to remember that there is enough success to go around for everyone. Another helpful mantra is whatever is for me will not pass me and that brings me a lot of peace.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would consider myself to be a professional portrait artist and children’s book illustrator. I primarily use oil on canvas as my preferred medium for paintings and the digital medium procreate for illustrations. I am definitely known for portraiture especially my depiction of African-American subjects.
I am most proud of the commission I did with Universal Pictures, MonkeyPaw Productions and HBCU Buzz for the new Candyman movie that came out in August of 2021. I was given full creative license to create a 5 foot by 6 foot painting that currently hangs in Howard University’s Administration building. I believe my use of hyperrealism and texture sets me apart from others. Throughout the years, I’ve been able to develop my style of painting when it comes to portraits. I also believe the detail work I choose to depict in paintings really sets me apart in that way as well. Another thing I try to accomplish as an artist is creating art that is not rooted in black trauma. I strive to depict black people and people of color as dynamic and radiant beings to add another narrative to the story rather than tell the same story we have continuously heard. In all depictions, it is important to have variety and that is what I strive to accomplish.
What makes you happy?
I feel happiest when I am doing an activity surrounded by people I love. As a senior in college who spent her entire junior year at home in Georgia has made me an incredibly social person. I love being around people and experiencing their energy and personalities and I gravitate towards people who make me laugh the most. In that same vein, I love to enjoy my own company and partaking in self-care which could be going to an art museum, cooking a meal, or having a night in and watching a good movie or documentary.
Contact Info:
- Email: kendallsartcollection@gmail.com
- Website: https://kendallsartcollection.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallsartcollection/?hl=en
