Today we’d like to introduce you to Kid Flvsh.
Hi Kid, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my art journey at the age of 10 years old. I was inspired to draw by an old friend of mine from middle school named Taysir Keys. Over the years, [in school] I never put the pencil down and continued to evolve and learn more advanced techniques of art. While simultaneously learning art, I continued to be obsessed with cartoons. I had such a deep passion for animation and it drove me to want to practice it for myself. Fast Forward to college (2016), I met my roommate and fellow creative/partner, Tyon (@whytyon) at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, who happened to be connected to Dave East’s Dj at the time. Later on when i transferred to Pratt Institute (in 2017), They called me to design a cover art for a song that Dave East was featured on called “Vacation”. Once i completed the artwork on the first attempt, they loved it and shortly after sent me a link with the cover art as the front page to a write up on Hypebeast Magazine. From there, that moment catapulted me into a new world that i dominated in a Flash! Artists and their managers/labels started hitting me up on Instagram left and right! During this time, I have designed the artworks to hits like “City of Gods” [Fivio Foreign, Kanye West, Alicia Keys], “Shake It” [Kay Flock, Cardi B], “F.N” [Lil Tjay], 2055 [Sleepy Hallow], and so much more. I started my journey making cover arts in 2017 and still make them selectively to this day. I have received multiple RIAA multi-platinum and Gold records for outstanding artwork on over 30+ different records. BILLIONS of people have streamed these songs and have seen my artwork baring the cover. I feel like my life had a happy accident. I never expected to build a cover art empire /business so fast or even start a movement fighting for the rights of all cover artists but I kept God first and stuck to His plan for me. Still, I felt unfulfilled. Mostly because this happy accident took me away from my true passion… animation. So I took my skills in animation to the Music industry and began animating short series, music videos and stage graphics for everyone. I have animated countless videos for some of entertainment’s legends like Dj Khaled, Nick Cannon, Omari Hardwick and more. With this new platform i’ve developed, I began to take it up a notch. I created my own cartoon called “Da Flies” and launched my production company Flash FWD Productions, LLC. With this company, I began to teach art programs at multiple schools and libraries across NYC/NJ starting from 6th grade and above. I also currently completing season two of my cartoon show [Da Flies] set to release on Youtube and other streaming platforms soon with major guest star cameos. I thank God for blessing with me with all that I have now, the life I have been given and the opportunity to spread a piece of His Light and Word through my art/animation to change the lives of many.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a roller coaster just like anything else in life. For me, there were a lot more highs than lows fortunately. A few twist and turns in the beginning but once I learned to embrace the curve, things started to align. At first, I used to get taken advantage of when it came to the business of the music industry. I started my company at 19 with no real business knowledge at all. Just a kid from Jersey who took a risk on an opportunity that blew up! People would act like they have your best interest at heart but really just using you. People acting entitled to your work or time. Labels trying to negotiate your price or running off with your ideas/designs. Artists or labels not giving proper credits or residuals on work done. It was a mess. Thankfully, I prayed, stood firm on my price and morals, stayed genuine, humble and patient and continued to thrive to this day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Multi-Platinum and Gold cover art designer, Animator, Producer and CEO of Flash FWD Productions, LLC. My company can make commercials, animated music videos, stage/web graphics for tours, venues and advertising on social media. We also design top of the line artwork for single and album releases as well as produce beats, original music or sound design for music and entertainment (tv shows, commercials, etc). We also provide hand painted murals for any establishments. Most importantly, we provide a learning experience like no other through our Essential Arts program. I teach beginner-advanced techniques and mediums in art and animation starting from 6th grade to adults! Through this program I have teamed up with legendary voice actress, Tara Strong, and her company ‘Voicelings’ to offer a 60% discount to Tara’s online voice acting course on www.voicelings.com using code “FLASH”. This allows all participants access to real time coaching and sessions with Tara herself to ensure a successful journey in the world of voice over!
Im mostly known for my work as a cover art designer but later shifted to an animator and launching my animation production studio. Personally, I am most proud of the basketball court I designed for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York. That is one of my most legendary artworks I have ever done. It’s been up for more than 3 years now and so many people have utilized my court to make cool basketball content, train, make memories and so much more. Truly a blessing.
I believe my originality, style, hunger, faith and mindset/heart sets me apart for others. I truly believe I am one-of-a-kind or once-in-a-generation artist and person.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as an infinite unit of measurement. There is no limit to how successful one can be. It’s all subjective. Even something as simple as waking up in the morning is a success. However, that success is ultimately determined by a decision. Every decision matters, no matter how small or large. What one decides to do with their 24 hours will ultimately reflect the life they live in the long run. Success is turning every loss into a lesson. Success is seeing and believing in something no one else believes in but you, even if you get called crazy for it. Success is not quitting. Not letting someone project their ideas or insecurities onto you because they fear you’ll do what they could never. Success is having faith that your path is covered, protected and paved no matter life throws at you. Success is for everyone.
Pricing:
- Teaching Services (5 /15week course) – $5000-$25,000
- 60% Voicelings (acting course with Tara Strong) – $268
- Custom Rugs – www.kidflvsh.com
- Cover Art (Single/Album) – $1000 – $5000
- Murals – www.kidflvsh.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kidflvsh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidflvsh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kidflvsh
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-444250309-151560117
