Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Kinnebrew
Tiara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When it comes to my art, I’ve been creating since as far back as I can remember. I started with little character designs, comics, stories, and then I had a little planet with a bunch of different types of characters on each continent. Now I do primarily character illustrations based on the world around me.
I’ve also illustrated multiple children’s books and I’m currently pursuing my M.A. in animation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s kind of hard to explain. It’s been easy in the way that I just create. But it’s been very hard getting the recognition and connections I have today. As an artist, you have to put yourself out there in the world if you want people to see your work. You also have to deal with criticism which isn’t the easiest— I used to not color skin simply because I didn’t know how at the time. I was in a Black art group on Facebook and was asked, “why do you hate your skin color?”
I was so confused because I was like, “guys, I love myself. It’s just hard to color skin.” Situations like that would have me questioning myself as an artist. As time goes on though, I’ve had to remind myself that you can’t please everyone and everybody will have something to say. My art is my art and I have had to, and still am, stand my ground on that front.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I mainly specialize in character illustration overall. I like to portray Black experiences that I’ve either experienced or seen or heard about. I have a B.S. in sociology, so I’ve always liked to study people and society. With my art, I feel like I do a pretty good job with it, especially as it comes to societal interpretations of the Black community and our lives. I think one thing that sets me apart from others is my originality and whimsy and depth in my art.
In my work I like to add scenes with layers and a story— every building door, stray cat, piece of clothing, has a history.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to collaborating! I’ve only done it twice before so it would be nice to be able to have an artistic connection and we come together to create something wonderful.
Some of the best ways to support me and my work are to just engage on my Instagram, @kinnewhat, and to check out my website where I sell art prints, apparel, and accessories!
You can also find me in person at every Black Makers Market event in Austin!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kinnekollections.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kinnewhat
Image Credits
Tiara Kinnebrew
