Meet Kai B. Parker | Owner/Artist: Kai B. Parker Ink

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kai B. Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kai B., what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking isn’t optional in art; it’s essential. You can’t afford to get comfortable or complacent, or to settle into a box someone else put you in. If you’re okay with that, maybe this isn’t the path for you. I can’t think of a single piece of truly groundbreaking art that didn’t take a leap, push a boundary, or offer something fresh.

When we first put our art out there, we’re essentially shouting, “Look at me! Look at me!” And if you want to make a living from it, or even just a side-hustle, your art has to go a step further. It has to scream, “Take me home. Hang me on your wall. You need me.” It needs to demand attention and then earn its place in someone’s space.

I’m not yet where I want to be with my art goals, but I can feel the shift happening. New people are still discovering my work, but now I also have collectors returning. People who are actively seeking me out for my next piece, and honestly, that’s an incredible feeling.

But the catch is if you’re not taking risks and bringing new energy, new ideas, new layers to your work, people will move on. They’ve seen it. It’s no longer fresh to them.

All that being said, it’s also important to understand that you can temper your risks. You don’t have to bet the house on everything, but you have to be willing to take chances and feel a little nervous. As scary as it can be, I tend to find that the bigger risks I take, the bigger responses I receive.

So don’t play it safe. Push your boundaries. That’s where the magic happens.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always drawn inspiration from a wide mix of influences. Pin-up art, tattoo, skate/surf, film, music, and pop culture in general. Skate artists, in particular, are some of the most underrated talents out there. Their work can be insane and I try to channel some of that energy into my own pieces.

I like art that’s loud, messy, and colorful. I’ve always been into the nerdy stuff, too. Being a little older, I remember when “nerd culture” was definitely not cool. It’s fun to see it embraced now, and that shift has given me room to blend those two worlds, adding a bit of punk rock to the nerdy things I love.

But none of it is easy.

Coming up with ideas is hard. Getting them from your brain to the page is even harder. Knowing when a piece is done? Nearly impossible. Then there’s just running your business and your ordering prints, prepping, building displays, booking shows, setting up booths, and, of course, trying to convince someone to take your art home with them.

As far as making progress and pushing through all the challenges, it really comes down to two things:

1. Practice incessantly.
2. Never quit.

I’m constantly practicing my craft, and I grind hard. If my family would let me, I’d do a show every single weekend. I’ve convinced myself that the day I quit will be the day before my art finally blows up. So I won’t stop. I can’t stop.

I’m always working and building toward tomorrow.

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.
Well, I’m born and raised in SoCal, so we’re definitely eating a lot of Mexican food. When friends visit from out of state, we usually hit the classics: Hollywood Boulevard, Disneyland, the beach… maybe even catch a Lakers game if the timing’s right and the prices aren’t astronomical.

But if it’s up to me? We’re watching movies, hitting local breweries, digging through crates at a record shop, shopping for toys, or doing something arty. Not necessarily museums. More like cruising around downtown L.A., checking out graffiti murals and street art. That kind of spontaneous, creative energy.

Basically, arty and nerdy… with a lime twist.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I grew up deeply influenced by the worlds of Hanna-Barbera, Walt Disney, TMNT, and Stan Lee/Marvel Comics so I absolutely have to credit them as major inspirations for me pursuing art.

But when it comes to my day-to-day motivation and support, it’s my wife and daughter (in particular) who make everything possible. They’re the ones who lift me up when I doubt myself, give honest feedback on my work, bag prints, lug our gear through brutal heat and rain, and spend entire holiday weekends in crowded convention centers talking to strangers about my work.

I truly couldn’t do any of this without those fools! Their love and belief in me is truly genuine. They’re the real heroes behind the scenes.

Website: https://www.kaibparker.com

Instagram: @theamazingkaiderman

Facebook: @kaibparkerink