Meet Kent Youngstrom. This DENY Artist has been with us since 2012! He’s a no-excuses renegade of an artist that pulls out spectacular designs full of depth and character.
As an artist, Kent Youngstrom enjoys the struggle as much as he does the end product. He mixes color, typography, a bit of faith, sentimental imagery and a laugh now and then to take you on a journey with him. Kent prefers to start with an unknown and let it pull him to completion. The ultimate challenge is to convey emotional transparency with each stage. Many times he takes the wrong road and has to double back to find the right path. The final image is often a simplification of a journey full of unexpected twists and sharp turns along the way.
Hey Kent! First, let’s start with the basics. If you were a superhero, what would your catchphrase be?
I get more done than you.
Ha! What song would be used in the soundtrack for a movie about your life?
It’s All Been Done by Barenaked Ladies
Describe your style.
Movement and texture.
We can definitely see that reflected in your work. Hot color of the moment?
Black and white.
Can’t go wrong with that! What’s the best city for design inspiration for you?
Chicago.
Pictured: SHE LOVES ME Throw Pillow, BLACK CIRCLES Throw Pillow)
Tell us 5 things you can’t live without.
1. Running shoes
2. Protein bars
3. A blank canvas
4. A Macbook Pro
5. Confidence
You can invite 6 people (anybody living or dead) to a dinner party. Who made the list?
1/2. Martha Stewart and Oprah: So they can try to out impress each other.
3. Richard Brandson: So I can pitch my work for any of his projects.
4. Alton Brown: So he can cook the meal.
5. The Mayor of Charlotte: So I can tell him the roads here suck.
6. Some bigwig from HGTV: To tell him/her that they made a big mistake by passing me up.
You tell ’em! Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
Doing the same thing but hopefully more people have been introduced to it.
(Pictured: DEER Throw Pillow)
If you had to choose a piece of your artwork and build a room around it, which piece would you choose?
Ha. I think that’s about every room in my house. I prefer to work large, so the entry way gives me the most space.
What are 3 necessities that you feel are needed in every room?
1. Chair
2. Piece of art
3. Potential for a soft breeze
Amen. If there’s one artist (dead or alive) that you would want to have drinks with, who would it be?
Jackson Pollock. I think he drank – right? Ha.
If you could do one dance move the rest of your life, what would it be?
The wall lean.
A crowd-pleaser. Ha! What’s your signature daily attire?
Jeans, T-shirt.
If you had to describe yourself as a color, what would it be and why?
Grey. I’m good at adapting to different environments.
If you’re running low on creative inspiration, what’s your remedy?
Exercise. Shower. Sleep.
It’s all about the basics, right? What are reading right now?
You’ve been with us for a while and have shared some great statement-making art along the way. Why do you love DENY?
Mostly, I love your eagerness to jump off the diving board and plunge into the world of printed goods – but with an emphasis on items for the home which is severely lacking.
Thank you, Kent! We loved the chance to chat and get a glimpse into your creative haven. We’re so happy you’re a part of the DENY Artist Family!
DENY DESIGNS 