Meet Kendrick Kidd, a dynamic designer, illustrator, and typographer who juggles roles like a pro surfer catching waves. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Kendrick wears many hats—from working at an advertising agency to running his own screen-printing business, Halftone Def Studios, and freelancing after hours. His days are filled with creative energy, passion, and a genuine love for his craft.
But what truly sets Kendrick apart is his unique approach to design, blending an old-school love of sketching with the power of digital tools. Whether he’s crafting a brand’s identity or dreaming up the next big illustration, Kendrick’s story is an inspiring one for designers looking to elevate their game and inject more heart into their work. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s go!
Table of Contents:
- Kendrick Kidd’s Creative Journey
- The Creative Process: From Sketch to Screen
- Kendrick Kidd’s Design Preferences and Inspirations
- Using Mockup Generators to Enhance Design Workflow
- Final Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Designers
- Conclusion
Kendrick Kidd’s Creative Journey
Kendrick’s love for design is something that seems to have always been in his DNA. Encouraged by his parents to draw and explore his artistic side, he found his calling early. While some of his peers struggled to find direction in college, Kendrick knew he was meant for a creative path. This clarity allowed him to dive deep into his craft, developing a distinct style that seamlessly blends illustration, typography, and branding.
Kendrick’s work spans a broad spectrum—logos, apparel, print design, and more—but it’s his love for identity work and typography that shines through. He’s got an eye for crafting visuals that don’t just look good but also communicate a brand’s personality at every touchpoint.
The Creative Process: From Sketch to Screen
For Kendrick, the creative process might not be as glamorous as it sounds, but it’s a tried-and-true method that gets results. It begins with a client meeting to gather as much direction as possible. Then, with a pencil in hand, Kendrick starts sketching fast and loose, letting the ideas flow without restraint. After a round of refining these sketches, he presents the rough concepts to the client, making adjustments as needed.
Once a direction is chosen, it’s time to switch to the computer and start the rendering phase in Adobe Illustrator, his go-to digital tool. The process may involve a few rounds of feedback, but that’s just part of refining the final product. Check out Kendrick Kidd’s Instagram for visuals! @kendrickkidd
Kendrick Kidd’s Design Preferences and Inspirations
If Kendrick could only choose one type of project to work on, it would be identity work. “I love thinking about branding systems and how designs will carry from office pencils to outdoor signage and everything in between,” he says. And his inspirations? Kendrick looks up to legends like Ken Barber for his mastery of lettering and Aaron Draplin for his bold, no-nonsense style.
When it comes to tools, Kendrick keeps it simple: a pencil and Adobe Illustrator are all he needs. He jokes that without them, he might have to find a new profession altogether!
Using Mock It to Enhance Design Workflow
As a designer who juggles multiple roles and projects, Kendrick Kidd could benefit immensely from tools that streamline his workflow. Enter the clothing mockup generator, like Mock It. Imagine Kendrick creating a fresh T-shirt design for a client or his own screen-printing business; with Mock It, he could easily visualize how his design looks on different apparel, instantly generating high-quality mockups.
No need to guess how the final product will appear or wait for physical samples—Mock It makes it easy to create mockups, refine concepts, and present polished visuals to clients. For designers like Kendrick, who thrive on efficiency and creativity, a mockup generator is a game-changer. Ready to see the magic yourself? Sign up for Mock It and bring your designs to life!
Final Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Designers
Kendrick Kidd lives by a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Take your work seriously, and not yourself.” It’s a mantra that keeps him grounded, even on the busiest days, and one that aspiring designers would do well to adopt.
The world of design can be intense, but it’s also a playground for creativity. Kendrick’s journey shows that passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn can take you far. Whether you’re sketching out ideas by hand or refining them digitally, the key is to keep moving forward and enjoying the ride.
Conclusion
Kendrick Kidd’s creative journey is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. From his early days of drawing as a kid to his current status as a versatile designer juggling multiple roles, Kendrick’s story is one of inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the design world. And with tools like Mock It, designers can streamline their processes, create mockups quickly, and focus on what truly matters—bringing their creative visions to life.
Ready to take your designs to the next level? Dive in, explore, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way.
