Creator Spotlight with Fine Artist Ken Thompson
This week we’d like to introduce you to Fine Artist Ken Thompson.
What was the inspiration behind becoming a creator? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
Growing up, I was always on an outdoor adventure and being creative along the way. I loved drawing, painting, making plays, creating backyard putt-putt courses, and making board games. Before going to college, I wanted to be a fine artist, but I also understood how tight of a field that truly is. I turned my time and talent towards Graphic Design and haven’t turned back. In my downtime with my family, I find time to pick up a sketchbook or some sidewalk chalk and exercise those artistic skills. My inspiration throughout my life has changed from Bob Ross, my art teachers, my wife, to the ultimate Creator-God.What I enjoy most about the creative process is that you may start at a certain point in the journey, but sometimes, you’re the ending to that journey is far better than where you started.
Can you talk through your creative process? How long does it take? Does everything you produce make money?
My creative process often involves talking with my client. I want to ensure the client and I are dreaming the same dream. I also want to let them know that they are also creative. Many times, they disagree or laugh, but as we progress in conversation, we discover new routes of thought and new creative concepts. From there, it involves some research and inspiration to get to where we want to go.
The time it takes can vary. One to two weeks to one to two months depending on the scale of the project.
Most of what I create doesn’t directly generate money. I am in a salaried position and paid for my time and talent. Occasionally, I will take on freelance projects, or someone will see something I drew and want to commission me for something.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
Many people often see graphic designers’ work as easy—monkeys with a mouse or pen, as it has been put. Many don’t understand what graphic designers do until they see bad design. They know bad design a mile away, but good/great design often gets overlooked. The intent behind the design, I would say, is the biggest misconception about my line of work.
When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?
When I was in college, pursuing my bachelor’s in graphic design, we had a full quarter class devoted to the legal side of design and the importance of copyright.
How has AI technology impacted your works and career?
AI exploded so quickly that it made my head spin. In July 2023, I started exploring Midjourney and Adobe Firefly to see what the pros and cons of these tools were. Know thy enemy as it were. Overall, it hasn’t made a significant impact on my career thus far. I have been able to utilize AI in small ways, but after the honeymoon period, I have often found myself coming back to my roots and not using AI in most of what I am producing.
What is the best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?
Always keep yourself up to date with the best practices of copyright and how to exercise your abilities to protect your works. AI technology has grown exponentially, and the bots that are being used can easily utilize your content to feed the machine.
If you aren’t already a member of the Copyright Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form! Members gain access to monthly newsletters, educational webinars, and so much more — all for free!