Meet King | Ethical Visionary Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi King, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Honestly, the most difficult decision I have ever had to make was taking the leap to follow my dreams. I had a pretty decent job before I decided I wanted to follow my dreams of being an artist. One day, I’d just had enough of playing it safe. I quite my job without a plan, and I immediately thought it was the dumbest thing I could have possibly done. I went from making a decent paycheck, to nothing at all, and I was terrified. There was no going back after that, so I knew that I had to make it work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I began to take painting seriously, I started painting my dreams. I’d have these visions of these cosmic, faceless blue creatures roaming through the world, or I’d see myself in these strange worlds with crazy colors. I felt like they meant something, so I broke out my paint brush and went for it. I feel like my work hits people differently because it allows them to see themselves in each piece. Because my work is so surreal and symbolic, it allows the viewer to put themselves in the world I have created, in the place of the cosmic figures, and interpret the symbiology in a way that means something to them. When I began conceptualizing my dreams, I came up with my first series I called Transcendence. It consists of seven pieces which take you back and forth through a journey of birth, self discovery, and spiritual growth. It took me a year and a half to complete, and I am so happy to be able to say I did it. Finishing that series definitely taught me a lot about myself during the process, and it forced me to become a better story teller, and artist. Each piece was an experiment to see what I was capable of conceptually, and skill wise. There were so many things I didn’t think I could do, and many times I pushed a concept too far and had to start over. To this day, there are pieces I still don’t like as much as I’d hoped. I regret nothing though, as it taught me to push boundaries, try things that scare me, and not to quit. A lot of very cool opportunities came from working on this series, and for that I am grateful. My brand is about pushing boundaries, self discovery, and transcendence. I was on a journey of self awareness and acceptance, and I wanted something that would empower me. I thought about my journey as an artist, and as a woman in this crazy world. I was tired of being thought of a lesser, and I was tired of waiting to get my shot at my dreams. So I carved the path for myself and refused to let anything, or anyone stop me. I thought about how I was becoming the leading figure in my life, how I was no longer willing for something magical to happen to set me on the right path; I had to make the path. I realized that I was becoming my own boss, and my own savior. That’s how KING was born. No, you do not have to be male to be the KING in your life. KING is a mentality, it’s a way of being, and I am proud to be a KING on this journey I’ve sought.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Right now, my favorite place to go eat breakfast is Untoasted on Hallandale Beach Blvd. They have the most amazing Tofu Scramble, and a Vegan French Toast (it’s called pecan pie) that’ll make you scream. Seriously, vegan or not it’s the best damn thing on the menu. After breakfast, you can’t not take a walk on the beach, so we’d definitely have a beach day to burn off the breakfast. Hollywood Beach is my favorite for walking the boardwalk and baking in the sun. I’m a total foodie, so we’d be getting lunch soon after! We’d take a drive to down town Hollywood and pick up some Thai Food from Red Thai Sushi. My favorite is the Tofu Pad Thai. OR, I’m obsessed with Dina’s Deli in Palm Beach, we’d HAVE to go there and pig out. Last time I was there I ordered three sandwiches, and ate all of them. No regrets. Afterwards, we’d head back down South to Fort Lauderdale (if you’re hanging with me you’re getting the grand tour) and we’d go hit up my friends at Mystik Sisters. They’re full of good vibes, and they have something for everyone. I think the best parts of South Florida are the restaurants, and the parks. I’m not much of a club person, and I’m not a drinker, but some good food, spending time outside, and maybe even catching a movie or hitting up the local crystal shop with friends is my kind of day. This would be a crazy long paragraph if I named every place I’d go, so here are a few of my favorites; -Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin -Alexandra’s Vegan Café -Vannucchi Brothers (such good pizza) – Mellow Mushroom in West Palm (ohmybuddha this place is good)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, I’d like to shout out my wife. She’s stuck by me and supported me throughout this though journey. I’ve heard the stories of people’s significant others telling them to “get real jobs” or do something else until things work out. My wife has always told me to do what makes me happy. She’s even pushed me to leave comfortable situations to get me to follow my dreams. She’s supported me when I had absolutely nothing to contribute financially, and for that I want to say thanks. You could have told me to grow up, but instead, you make me feel like I can do anything. Second, I want to shout out my family, and a very small circle of friends. You guys have been my hype men, my biggest fans, and my greatest critics. You made me feel like I was better and more put together than I actually was, which helped me become what I am today. You guys rock, and I couldn’t have done it without you.

Website: www.artbytheking.com
Instagram: @art_by_the_king
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbytheKing
Youtube: King’s Palette

Image Credits
Sierra Cruz-King, and King