Meet Kim Salt

Life in quarantine is getting pretty dull, but the lively and vivacious drawings of NYC-based illustrator Kim Salt are bound to revive you. Featuring so much movement and kinetic styles to her illustrations, Salt combines stunning colors and abundant compositions to create pieces that you just can’t seem to take your eyes off of. In our latest interview, we chat about hearing, gravity, and inspiration.

Four Truths and a Lie

(Answers at the bottom of the interview)

I was once on a gymnastics team.

I once drove by myself from California to New York with a small collection of houseplants in my front seat.

My first name is actually Patty. I use my middle name, Kimberly because people used to prank call me to order salty patties.

I didn’t decide to become an illustrator until I was 26. Before that, I trained to become a graphic designer and worked as one after I graduated.

I own 54 plants in my 450 sq ft apartment and it takes me about an hour to water them all.

Would you rather…

be able to smell the future or hear into the past? Please explain why.

If I could hear into the past, I’m not sure I’d be able to understand what it was saying. I wanna know what the future smells like, whether it smells like industrial materials and trash or nature smells like foliage, soil, and rain.

Some Questions with Kim Salt

What narratives do you gravitate towards in your work?

Some of my favorite narratives are adding life and dynamism to things you wouldn’t normally think twice about. By adding a visual tilt of kinetic energy or exaggerated proportions, I hope to create larger than life characters who move through their environments with radiance and resolve.

What was the best piece of advice you ever received?

"Make art that smells like you." I'm paraphrasing a little, but it's not as strange as it sounds. The inherent strength of any artist is that they are able to bring their individual set of life experiences and influences to the table. No two people have the same perspective; it’s an artist’s job to bring their own set of stored observations and passions, and impart their own “stank”. What sets your work apart from everyone else comes from your unique voice and the things you love about life.

What about the female form inspires you?

For one thing, women are just really fun to draw. Probably a reason closer to my heart, I think it’s important for women to take back the historical narrative of their own agency, how they want to be depicted, how they choose to move through space, who they hold space for, and who else gets to inhabit that space.

What do you want viewers to take away from your work?

Hopefully, viewers leave feeling a bit more connected to their own inner power. And maybe a little more magic in their day.

Is there a brand or organization that you would like to collaborate with? Why?

I’m not sure if she counts as a brand, but I love Kadhja Bonet’s music and I’d be overjoyed if I ever got to collaborate with her. Also, Creepyyeha because her outfits seem really fun to draw. Other than that, any projects that would pay me to travel (eventually)!!

What has been the best interaction you have had with an appreciator of your work?

Honestly, I’m grateful anytime my artwork has ever led to a new friendship. Bonding with other people over art or just shared weirdness is really nice.

What tools do you use most often when working?

The tools I use most are my Cintiq and photoshop, as well as procreate on my iPad. Never hurts to keep a sketchbook to noodle around in, too.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Sometimes we feel the most stuck right before a period of growth, so be kind to yourself and keep going!

Two Truths and a Lie answer key

Truth: I was once on a gymnastics team.

Truth: I once drove by myself from California to New York with a small collection of houseplants in my front seat.

Lie: My first name is actually Patty. I use my middle name, Kimberly because people used to prank call me to order salty patties.

Truth: I didn’t decide to become an illustrator until I was 26. Before that, I trained to become a graphic designer and worked as one after I graduated.

Truth: I own 54 plants in my 450 sq ft apartment and it takes me about an hour to water them all.

Kim Salt