Kashton Kane
Q What do you do?
“I’m a design-driven and multidisciplinary creative who loves design and illustration.”
I've been dabbling more into animation by bringing my drawings to life and it's been such a rewarding journey. I love being able to apply a variety of techniques and styles to create a hybrid of harmonious, engaging and dreamlike compositions.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I originally studied Fashion and Textile Design in school but throughout the pandemic I really started to explore more of my Illustration and Art background. I definitely think my fashion and textile background has a huge influence on my work til this very day and it helps me look at things with a fresh perspective.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My island roots and educational background really help to look at things from a unique point of view. My work is also recognized for my bold use of color, symbolism and texture.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working on a very exciting collaboration with Levi's for AAPI month - I am so grateful and excited what I have in store and cant wait to share. It's going to be really special and magical.
Q What’s your style?
My Hawaiian roots and upbringing fuels my daily creative practice and professional work - the lush, tropical landscape; Hawaiian Mythology, vibrant color spectrums of the coral pink sunsets and exploring the subterranean caves formed by ancient flowing lava sit at the forefront of my subconscious mind and are endless creative pools for my practice.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely animation - I love seeing drawings I've worked so hard on come to life through animation. It's really amazing to see!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Life is a dance so it's important to give yourself the grace to take the pressure off of you financially and get a day job if you need to. Don't look at it as if you're giving up on your destiny. It's not cheap to live and we all have to pay rent somehow.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Accounting and taxes. I'm not the best with numbers so I'm sure this is something every creative could agree with. Also, creating content for social media. Ugh, its never fun!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To never quit and to have a strong childlike curiosity at all times. Hard-work truly pays off so keep chipping away at your dreams. It will all pay off eventually.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Social Media, lol.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Commercial Illustration - Packaging and Campaign (Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle)
Murals - Small and Large Scale.
Graphic Design related projects such as branding, flyers, email marketing, social media. Totally open to any type of projects if it aligns with my vision.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Any queer-owned or POC companies are my ideal clients and collaborations. I recently was commissioned by the Drag Artist, Sasha Colby on all of her merchandise for Season 15 of RuPauls Drag race and that was a dream come true for me. I would love to do more things that.
Q What is your rate?
It can vary depending on the size of the project and specifications. Please always feel free to drop me a message to discuss pricing or options for your project! Reach out to studio@kashtonkane.com and we can talk more. :)
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Please email me at studio@kashtonkane.com if you’d like to discuss a project! Include your budget, project brief and we can take it from there. I am always eager to hear about new projects and collaborating on new ideas. If you are interested in creating something together or want to meet via zoom with tea or coffee, I would love to hear from you!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Meditation, Yoga, Journaling and consuming old films!
This member profile was originally published in April 2023