We had the good fortune of connecting with Kortel Timmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kortel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic career because it’s what I have always been passionate about. Art and creativity are what bring me joy. For a long time, I knew I wanted to have a career using my gift, but I felt more secure with a traditional 9 to 5. The pandemic helped me to understand that I needed to have more faith and take the risk. Betting on myself and choosing what truly made me happy was the best decision I could have ever made.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a very detailed person in life and that translates in my art. I enjoy adding all of the little details that people don’t even pay attention to. From the fine hairs on a person’s forearm to the small shimmer in their eyes, I want all of that in the images I create so whenever someone looks back at it, something new captures them. Most of my life, I’ve only drawn on canvas and in art notebooks. I could literally draw anything I was tasked with, but I reached a point where I wanted to try something more challenging, so I transitioned to digital art. It was not easy at all! After I drew my first picture, I was like, “Immediately no!” It was like someone hit the reset button on my art skills. Watching videos on YouTube of other people crushing digital art is what inspired me to keep going. If they can do it, then what’s stopping me, right? So I kept practicing and saw the evolution of skills unfold on each project. Sidenote: I’m currently back in school, learning Computer Animation so I can create another career path for myself. I’m excited to see where this new chapter leads me.
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that God never puts me in a room that I can’t conquer and succeed in, so fear should never be the excuse for why I didn’t go after what was for me.
What I want the world to know about me is that as an artist, I am still learning and growing everyday. I’m not where I’ve been called to be yet, but I’m on my way there. I’ll see y’all at the top.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok, let’s see! On Monday we’re going to the Vincent van Gogh Immersive Exhibit in Dallas, Tx. Then we’ll head to the Gloria’s Latin Cuisine for some good food. Tuesday, we’ll head over to Galleria Dallas to do some shopping, then go bowling at Strike & Reel. I’m terrible at bowling, but it’s still a vibe.
On Wednesday, I’d take them to Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens so they can see the beautiful decorations and catch an event like “#IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit” which is the largest collection of female statues ever assembled.
Thursday, we are going to iFly Indoor Skydiving and The Cheesecake factory
Friday, we’ll be enjoying the night life in Deep Ellum, enjoying all the different foods and drinks as we barhop.
Saturday, we’ll go for a bike ride through Katy Trail. We’ll also be dining in with pizza and few scary movies on Netflix
Sunday Funday! We’ll have brunch at Amora Kitchen & Ultra Lounge
and go to the Selfie bar Museum of Luxe to take some dope selfies. After that, I’m kicking them out of my city because I’ve spent way too much money.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shout out to my dad and aunt for always telling me I can be anything I want to be in this world. Although all of my friends have encouraged me, there are three I have to shout out. LaQuintin for reminding me that I’m far too talented to be at the bottom, La’Kenya and Kierston for showing me the only obstacle between me and my next victory is me. These guys have inspired me in ways I haven’t even shared with them.
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EncoureStudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/encourestudio/