Meet April Henry King | Commission Artist, Illustrator, & Muralist

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

Hi April Henry, what do you attribute your success to?
Being intuitive. Period. It is that simple. When people ask me “So, how’d you do it?…How are you a full-time successful artist with a blossoming career?” I think they are expecting me to respond by pulling out a huge binder full of a calculated, detailed business plan but it isn’t that at all. Sounds cliché, I know, or over simplified but I truly followed my gut feelings on almost every decision in the very beginning. Practice self-exploration to get deeply in-tune with yourself. Trust yourself. Drown out the noise. This is, hands down, the BEST advice I could ever give to any business owner looking for success. If your gut says yes or no, listen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Its funny actually…I’m not sure if other artists feel this way at times, but I am not necessarily proud of my physical art or super connected to it at times, But instead, I am most proud of the intangible reaction to my art. For example, watching the community, a mural, creates feeds my soul far more than the process of creating the art itself. Every artist has different motives or intentions while creating and I think mine is always with community and connection in mind. Maybe that does set me apart in some ways. I do it for others and not for myself. I think that is also why it makes such a great business. Not all art is for others, sometimes art is just for yourself but that’s not what I am doing here. And that’s okay too. There is no right or wrong way to create but the intention manifested will definitely bring about different outcomes in the end product for sure. I think people can feel that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a weekend in our, little big town, Augusta, GA I would definitely take you on a mural tour to see how it has played a huge roll in the revitalization of our downtown area. We would most definitely hit up a local restaurant, Whiskey Bar Kitchen, for their addicting buffalo chicken dip while we sit outside in the sun, sipping cocktails, and people watching. That night, we would learn a little history on the Augusta Canal Moon Light boat tour while we float along listening to live music. Saturday we would get into nature by walking the short Savannah River Bluff Heritage Preserve Trail down to the Mighty Savannah River fall line. At night we’d head downtown. to Hyatt House Rooftop for the greatest breeze and view of the whole city. Sunday is definitely dedicated to Brunch, so we would need to make reservations at Pineapple Ink Tavern. They offer the coolest vibe with walls covered in art by 5 different local artists. Ending the trip, we would make our own custom candle scent at The Augusta Candle Company to send you home with a little memory of your time spent in The Garden City.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner! Brad King Without his support, and I do not mean monetarily, I mean…him believing and trusting my vision and plans without a doubt, kind of support, things would definitely be more difficult & lonely for me in the journey of creative solo-preneurship. His enthusiasm is the helpful fuel I need at times!

Website: www.aprilhenryking.com

Instagram: @aprilhenryking

Facebook: April Henry King

Image Credits
Richard Wayne Iannacone Photography