Ken Westphal Interview:
Born and raised in the American midwest, I've also spent time in the Netherlands, Uganda, Belarus, Russia & Haiti. Despite my parents’ farming backgrounds, they always encouraged my love of the arts (music, art & drama). My dad even brought old discarded files home so I could draw on the blank sides of the large sheets of paper. When I was indoors growing up I was often on my stomach in front of the TV, drawing my own stories and imagined places.
Around 10 years old I became interested in photography when I bought my first camera from Bazooka Bubble Gum by saving wrappers and probably sending them a little money. It was a small, plastic camera with a simple mechanism and fixed lens like a Kodak Box Brownie. I looked for samples of those earliest shots but found only one, of my little sister striking a funny pose, not believing I'd actually take her photo. Of course, I took it. (Go to the People gallery in my Portfolio. The BW shot of the girl with her tongue out? That's her.)
At KU while studying to be an illustrator, I also began shooting with my first 35mm SLR, a Nikkormat with one 50mm lens. I earned my BFA in illustration & design and worked for several companies before launching my freelance illustration career. Graphic design followed years of illustration. The desire to make music persisted and in 2010 I started my own band, playing classic rock by Chicago, BS&T, Steely Dan, The Doobie Bros and more.
Over time, my love of photography overtook my other interests, which has brought me to what you see here. My formal training in art and design has informed how I approach my photography. We all have our own way of seeing the world around us and this is how I look at things.
© 2025. All content on this blog is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Ken Westphal or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only
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Sports Illustrated for Kids, Cover art
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Arrogant and Proud of It, Moody Monthly
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Ken Westphal is a Master Designer/Illustrator! Conceptually & Creatively, he brings a well-thought-out, final result to each project.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I appreciate you generous compliment!
DeleteKen and I worked together for several years developing and designing fast food toys. He was so flexible in the ideation process (the most critical part) and final designs were world class!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill!
DeleteKen, you are always the best to work with with the years we did for Breakaway magazine and other projects. Miss working with you my friend. JP
ReplyDelete