We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevon Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kevon, what do you attribute your success to?
It’s a cliché, but the true answer is creating what I’m passionate about. When we make the art that comes directly from the heart, that is when we’re the most honest. The best version of our talent shows and people see it. I believe that being too trendy will make a creator generic and forgettable.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my versatility as an artist is what sets me apart the most. I’m not the best at any one thing I do; there are always others that inspire me and make me strive to do better. Nonetheless, I do quite a lot artistically speaking: special effects makeup, set and prop design/fabrication, creature suits, body painting, puppetry, fine art painting, graphic design/illustration, video effects, writings, acting, etc.
Generally if something is creative, I enjoy doing it. Looking back, it seems like one thing branched into another during my journey. From the time I was old enough to pick up pencils and crayons, I always use to draw pictures. I’d even write my own stories with illustrations. I’d be inspired by shows and movies and knew I wanted to get into entertainment somehow. When I was twelve years old, I got a camcorder for Christmas so I could make “movies” with my friends. Afterward, high school was a pivotal point for me in two respects. I began taking art classes which got me acquainted with painting for the first time. I also took theatre classes which became my beginning as a performer, but also introduced me to other creative disciplines like set design and stage makeup. I felt like I had a path now. I moved to Denver to attend art school. I began interning at a special FX company which led to working for various haunted houses throughout Denver. I was able to merge my interests as a performer, set designer, makeup artist, etc.
I was in my mid twenties at this point, and it’s when the SyFy show Face Off came out. I realized the contestants were doing the very same things I had been learning to do. I knew I needed to get on. I applied twice (once for Season 3 then again for Season 9). I was cast for Season 9 and even got to return to Season 13 All Stars. The experience was a tremendous catapult for me. I got offers to teach courses, appear at conventions, and travel for gigs.
Was my path challenging? Yes and no. It’s taken me a lot of work to get where I am. It’s the dedication that makes all the other things work out. I’ve enjoyed the journey, so sticking with it wasn’t something I’ve had to force myself to do. In some ways it’s like I don’t have a choice. I know I’m always going to pick up a paintbrush or a ball of clay. Enjoy what you do and just keep at it. Don’t be too focused on what the opportunities are going to be. Let it be a surprise. That’s my best advice.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve entertained people in Denver multiple times. The 16th Street Mall is always a must. You find all sorts of entertainment there, as well as food/bar options. Regrettably, Leela’s Café is no longer in business, but I use to take people there all the time. It was a cool, 24 hour, downtown place where you could enjoy a drink and watch Denver’s night life. Denver has such a wide variety of options that there isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all itinerary, but places I have taken visitors include the Nature and Science Museum for an intriguing exhibit, the Church Night Club and Tracks for a late night club experience, Elitch Gardens for summer amusement, the Aquarium and Denver Zoo to see exotic life, Coors Stadium to catch a Rockies Game, Red Rocks Amphitheater for an amazing concert, the Denver Center for Performing Arts to enjoy some theatre. There is truly something for everyone in Denver.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Three people come to mind in this chronological order: David Doporto, who was my art teacher in high school, taught me how to paint and really got me excited about pursuing art as an actual career. I believe this was the point when I really began to take art seriously. Lou LaFond got me started in SFX when I attended college in Denver. I interned at his effects shop fourteen years ago, and I continue to work with him to this day. Through him and his company, I have learned a lot and have been given amazing opportunities. Heath Heine is a Denver based actor and close friend of mine who got me started in the film industry. He showed immense support and interest in my pursuits by introducing me to important people in the community and sending gigs my way.
Thank you, gentlemen!
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