Kenluis Estrada, aka KEN, aka Ken Valor, is a communication design student, thriving to expand his skillsets on all things art and creativity in all forms. He is a hip-hop / RnB artist who is breaking boundaries turning his craft and passion into his career. He is the meaning of turning dreams into reality and is ready to change the world and impact the lives of many through his craft and work through many art forms including his music. Here we will discuss his dreams, mentality, his drive, what his goals are and what is next for him throughout his college and future career.
Q: So Ken, what is your online avatar and what does it mean to you?
A: My avatar showcases myself as an ARTIST. An artist in all forms and shapes. I am a musician, some may say I can/ should be a model, but I am an illustrator and a creator. I showcase myself as a uniquely creative artist of many talents and my avatar shows that in a simple effective way. Me. KEN. Or Ken Valor as I like to go by as my persona/ stage name. This is a simple clear photoshoot close up showing nothing else but me. As soon as you look at it, it gives off a fierce statement just telling the world, “I am Ken.” Nothing less, nothing more. My avatar is a headshot of my upper body, face turned to the right (My right, your left) With a white backdrop, everything black and white except for my face and skin color, while im wearing a gray button-down shirt with the first few buttons unbuttoned. A very clear picture of me.
Q: What is your dream job in the field of design?
A: My Dream Job in this field of design would probably be in the world of Marketing and Advertising. Also designing everything we might see in our future and working with top name brands. I also want to be a designer in terms of music/music creation and composition. I am a huge music guy and I see my future being heavily involved in the industry. I see myself on the billboard charts, on stage winning awards someday with a great label behind me or even my own label, with a BFA in hand to tackle all types of other careers if that’s what I need to do. With all of the skills and creativity I gained, I want to combine it all and use it for my artist brand that I created for myself. I can use it with Logos, Album covers, Brand Covers, Merchandise, ads, promo campaigns and more.
Q: How is the community in your major?
A: The community in my major, Communication Design, is fairly quiet, well at least for now as freshmen. However, everyone is pretty nice so far and friendly, mostly supportive. In my opinion, I feel like people in my major should speak way more and socialize with others to a greater extent, I mean, we are COMMUNICATION Design after all and a major part of our careers or having a successful career in anything is communication with people and your social skills. Personality really changes your outcome in your life in so many ways. People are really shy in this major and don’t really know how to speak up, or even talk to people which I feel should change. We are the future of this world, the future designers, entertainers, and the people who will shape the world and everything that’s around us through our creativity. I urge people to massively break out their shells and be the best people person you can be. Communication, social skills, and spectacular personality are highly important especially as an “artist” of any kind. I feel like I can help create or shape this change by getting to know everyone personally and talking with all my fellow COMD classmates. I could open myself up to everyone and try to get them to express themselves more verbally and Ill try to give them comfort while they speak with me.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m highly passionate about music. I’m a music artist, Hip-Hop/RnB. I have been doing music for more than 5 years now, and aspire to be a great artist in the music industry. I love creating music, and I record songs at home almost every single day. I actually just dropped a new single today on all platforms, a song called “Eastside” available now. (9/13/19) I love creating all types of songs and being there for the people and the fans. I feel like I can be a great leader and role model and create an impact on this world. I will make a statement everywhere I go. And inspire millions.
Q: Why did you choose this major (COMD)?
A: I chose this major because I wanted to expand my creativity in every way possible and become an artist in many forms. I want to grow my skill set and use it to change the world and also use the skills I learn and implement it within my music. I want to show the world what I got and create spectacular things. I want to create. I am a creator, an artist, an innovator of all sorts. I grew up around art and music all my life and I want to create massive success out of it. I know with my vision, ideas and imagination, I can impact this world in so many ways. Use my skills and combine everything I have ever learned and all art forms into one to make something incredible. We are all incredible in one way or another.
