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

Hi Licca, what is the most important factor behind your success?
While I believe I’m far from where I want to be or need to be, I do feel that the successes I have had aren’t attributed to any single factor. Instead, it’s a blending of multiple things working together: A little bit of grit to keep me from staying down, consistency to build onto, personality to be down to earth and bring a human element to those interested in my work, and, ultimately, to keep creating unique products or unique artworks with purpose and intent. It’s still a big work in progress, but I’m getting there and building onto it every day as best as we can!

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.
After college, I was primarily seeking work as a colorist in comics and (mostly) independent projects. During that time, I was experimenting with watercolor as well as playing around with paper art and collages on the side. Things didn’t start to take off until after I jumped back into the convention scene. I was able to meet a lot of different creators and people then. I also started to get more involved with the artistic community there as well. I certainly wouldn’t say it was easy, but a little luck here and there made for a good pick me up. A lot of it came down to consistently being true to self and consistently pushing art I loved and enjoyed while talking with others about it. I tried to jump at every opportunity available but always tried to keep in mind to stay true to myself. You can start to lose yourself a bit while in a flurry of projects and ideas. I always try to come back and do something for myself to keep the fire stoked and try very hard against the ever-looming ghost of burn out. I try to create art that brings a sense of peace. A lot of my art is inspired by nature and growing up in the countryside and woodlands of Northeast Georgia. It has been described as fantasy, whimsical, and dreamy, but the overall theme usually involves the quietness of the woods and its animals.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Off the bat, I’d recommend heading over the Buford Highway and eating yourself into a coma. But there are so many great spots! A week long venture to explore Atlanta would not be hard at all! I’d definitely suggest taking a day to check out the Beltline, Krog Street, PIedmont Park, Grand Park, and Ponce City Market. If exploring on a Sunday morning, there’s Homegrown, Grant Park Farmer’s Market, and Little Tart Bakeshop goodies. As a dog lover with an extroverted and very social pup, I’d recommend Parkgounds for coffee and dogs or the night life at Fetch Park. Oakland Cemetery is also a favorite spot for both nature and history. There is just so much here from all of the above to Little Five Points to the Coca Cola Museum. That’s also before thinking about sooo much great food!

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?
There are so many people! I’d like to start with Deon Brown, a writer from Atlanta who first asked me to be a colorist on an indie comic book he had written. He’s also a very inspirational and all-around talented and great creator. If not for him, I may not have met a lot of people I know today like Carrie Tupper, Alan Tupper, and Havana Nguyen of the award-winning web-comic Kamikaze. Their support and kindness have been incredible in the community. If I could, I’d shout out every single person who ever kindly visited me while I was tabling at a show or convention. You guys are the backbone of my success, and I couldn’t get to where I’m at without your support. I am beyond grateful; I really would not be here without you all. Also, of course, my family and friends—you guys know who you are! It’s been an insanely long road, and I hope to continue and make you guys proud.

Website: www.komorebisan.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/liccakirk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/licca_kirk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiccaKirk
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=c-5Ll8ptojXkTh-MDLw5tA
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEYWk6yhpoIXcKoWuVwbzXQ