Episode 27: Ms. Kayla Ricker...Mr. Horner's niece and favorite artist!

This week's episode is a bit of a special one. My guest is none other than my wonderful niece Kayla. The WHY behind this podcast is to tell stories...people’s stories. Kayla’s story is pretty amazing. As you will hear in the interview Kayla loves drawing. I think she was born with a sketchpad in her hand! I have watched her grow in her passion for the past 21 years. She has a gift. 

In the episode she shares with us who has inspired her as an artist. The list is pretty amazing. These artists and illustrators are super influential in the world of animation.

Brothers Tom and Tony Bancroft have played a HUGE role in her pursuit of becoming an artist. You can hear in her voice the impact they have had. Two other digital artists who have influenced her are Mike Nawrocki (yep, the voice of Larry the Cucumber) and Phil Visher (voice of Bob the Tomato). Since an early age Kayla has been drawing Veggie Tales, and other characters as she has grown as an artist.

Click here to visit the Veggie Tales YouTube Channel

Kayla is currently attending classes for digital animation at a local college. This is a big step for her considering her struggles with social anxiety. Her anxiousness has been something that has been an issue all her life, and was one of the deciding factors in pursuing home-schooling her junior and senior year of high school. To cope with her social anxiety Kayla has leaned heavy into her faith and she has embraced the arts and humor. Brian Hull has been a constant source of stress relief and comfort for Kayla. His unique talent as an impersonator has inspired millions of people and provided joy and laughter during a much needed time.

Click here for Brian Hull's Link Tree

On Kayla’s 21st birthday she and I started chatting about this podcast. I asked her if she would be interested in drawing a new podcast picture for me. The picture you now see is her amazing work. I absolutely love this picture. In her words it captures a few of the things I love...the Teach Better Team and Crimson Cup Coffee. This is a story about a young girl seeking to live life for God, pursue her passion for drawing, and spread a little love and joy along the way. It is my privilege to share her wonderful story and talent with all of you.

Click here to visit the Teach Better Web Site

Want to check out Kayla’s work? Click here:

Instagram: @kaylarickart

YouTube: @KaylaRickAnimations

Click here to listen to Veggie Tales Song of the Cebu

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