We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Knight and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has directly caused all my biggest successes in my career. I got to design an EP cover for one of my favorite musical artists because I reached out to her and made sure she was aware of my existence. I go for what I want, and I understand that the best things in life take a lot of investment even if you’re not sure if my efforts are worth it at the time.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art usually involves a combination of historically timeless elements with more contemporary themes and references to pop culture. I almost always create pieces that combine digital and analog/hand-made elements as well. I think what’s unique about my design is that I’m also a painter and drawer, so I have the ability to generate whatever I want into my designs by drawing it and scanning it in, which usually gives it a vintage and personal feel.
I got to where I am today because of the support of my family and friends, hard work, and a lot of luck (and a full ride to college). It’s never easy being in a creative field. I’ll have the best success of my career thus far followed by a creative block and a bunch of failures. I think it’s all about being resilient and not giving up.
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?
I am super new to town so probably don’t trust me! But I would take them to 1802 Roasters for coffee and a bagel, to the Broad art museum, and then to the Silver Lake flea market. I haven’t been to any of the bars around me yet but I’ve heard Honey’s is fun. If they were here a whole week I’d take them to the beach, probably to Malibu. And probably to Elysian Park for a picnic.
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 mom deserves a HUGE shoutout. She is an artist and is super in touch with her creative side, so I was always around creative energy. I was never taught that I wasn’t good enough at art to make it. She encouraged me so much, so I always believed in myself. Without that upbringing who knows if I’d have the confidence to try to make art my job.
Website: https://ashleyknightdesign.com
Instagram: @ashleyknightdesign