Today we’d like to introduce you to Neko Lynn.
Hi Neko, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the Kansas City area surrounded by creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Some of my earliest artistic memories are sitting with my grandad while he drew little characters for me. Watching simple pencil marks become personalities sparked my imagination and taught me that all you need is a surface and something to make a mark with to bring ideas to life.
Before long, I was creating my own monsters, cartoons, and comic-inspired characters. As I got older, those interests expanded into hot rods, custom culture, illustration, graphic design, and screen printing. What started as sketching for fun eventually became a career spanning design, apparel graphics, branding, and production.
Today, I’m a graphic designer, illustrator, and co-founder of Zoink Pad, an artist-driven screen printing and design studio in Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, Kansas. Through both Zoink Pad and my personal work, I enjoy creating artwork inspired by vintage cartoons, monster culture, and the craftsmanship that first inspired me as a kid.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist and having a smooth road don’t really go hand in hand. I feel like one of the biggest challenges is that there isn’t a clear roadmap to follow. Unlike some careers, there isn’t always a direct path from where you are to where you want to be. There’s a lot of uncertainty about your work, your direction, and whether you’re making the right moves.
I’ve learned that you have to keep creating, keep showing up, and trust the process. You may not always know exactly where the road leads, but if you’re pursuing something you’re passionate about, opportunities have a way of revealing themselves over time.
Another lesson I’ve learned is the value of the people you meet along the way. Every artist, mentor, client, coworker, and friend who crosses your path leaves an impact. Not every connection leads to a dream job or a major opportunity, but each one teaches you something and helps shape your journey. Looking back, those relationships have been just as valuable as any project or accomplishment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, illustrator, and designer, I specialize in character-driven artwork inspired by vintage cartoons, comic books, monster culture, hot rods, and the handmade craftsmanship of the past. Whether I’m creating artwork for apparel, posters, brands, or personal projects, I’m always looking for ways to tell a story through strong visuals and memorable characters.
What I’m most proud of is my commitment to both creating new work and preserving the spirit of the artists and craftspeople who came before me. I spend a great deal of time studying the work, techniques, and stories of those who have inspired me. My attention to detail allows me to create artwork that feels connected to those traditions while still bringing my own perspective to the table.
What sets me apart is that I’m not interested in simply recreating the past. I’m interested in carrying the torch forward. Through my work, I hope to honor the artists who inspired me while leaving my own distinct mark through personal style, storytelling, and expression. While I still feel like I’m evolving as an artist, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about where the journey is leading next.
What does success mean to you?
I think it’s easy in today’s world to define success by money, titles, or material possessions. While financial stability is important, I’ve never felt that those things alone determine whether someone has lived a successful life.
To me, success is knowing that you found something you were passionate about and had the courage to pursue it. We only get one shot at this life, and none of us know how much time we have. Because of that, I think it’s important to spend your time creating, exploring, learning, building relationships, and doing things that genuinely excite you.
The act of pursuing what truly matters to you is, in many ways, success itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zoinkpad.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neko.lynn.studios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoinkpad/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neko-lynn
- Other: https://nekolynnstudios.myportfolio.com/
