Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Harkin.
Hi Steve, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been creating artwork for as long as I can remember, but my kindergarten teacher was the first person to identify my creative abilities. She, along with other mentors on my journey, encouraged me to seek a career in art. They gave me hope that the old cliche of the “starving artist” can be challenged and overcome.
From that foundation, I have used my creativity to promote truth and beauty in the world. After studying graphic design and painting in university, my first “real job” was at Nike in 1995. This gave me the opportunity to create visuals on a worldwide platform. For over a decade, I art-directed initiatives for Basketball, Running, and Niketown… and was able to work with athletes such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. I also gained a deep understanding of the fledgling practice of “brand design,” which is now seemingly everywhere.
In the years after leaving Nike, I worked for multiple design agencies and brands across North America and Asia. In 2018, I joined PwC as their Global Creative Leader. I now direct all visual aspects of the brand across 150 countries.
In addition to my PwC role, I’m also a creativity coach and dedicated artist. I don’t ever plan to “retire” from creative work… it’s too much fun!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I achieved all my life goals by the age of 28… And I was miserable. What made it worse was that I lacked constructive mentors. Bosses, shrinks, and spiritual people all laughed me out of the room. It was only through rigorous self-evaluation and research that I realized I was an extreme introvert with depression and PTSD… All common conditions that I could not only “cope” with but thrive with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My highest ambition is to promote truth and beauty in the world. At a “commercial” level, I do that every day as the creative director at PwC (one of the highest-valued brands in the world). I direct digital design, photo shoots, films, and even gaming experiences in the metaverse. But I’m ALSO fortunate that I can be a creativity coach and artist.
As a creativity coach, I help people create what’s next – in career, craft, and the world – and harmonize their work with life to build greater meaning and purpose. Based on over 30 years working in design and the visual arts, my coaching practice focuses specifically on creative work and ambitions. And while I have specialized skills in visual creativity, I can help all types of creators solve wide-ranging problems. People seek my help for self-improvement in areas such as: career coaching, creative thinking, self-esteem, public speaking, and leadership abilities–to name just a few.
As an artist, I put a great emphasis on visual storytelling, illustrating ideas, and retaining some element of mystery or subtlety in whatever I create. I work primarily with ink, paint, and digital tools such as Illustrator and Photoshop. More recently, I’ve begun incorporating generative AI into my process. Although many people fear AI, it echoes previous technologies such as photography and music sampling, which ultimately expanded the realms of creative expression. So, I believe AI is a new frontier in the creative practice, not the end.
What am I most proud of? My family and the life I’ve been fortunate to build from my creative spark, however it chooses expresses itself (see all of the above).
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Just because someone fits society’s definition of a “success,” it doesn’t mean they’re happy. In fact, they may be the saddest person on the planet. I’ve lived and worked around many achievers who fell victim to drugs and other destructive behaviors because they were chasing happiness based on how others defined “success.” That’s why I coach people on finding happiness and fulfillment through creativity and self-reflection. And why I put such a big emphasis on creating things myself… I love it!
This will sound crazy, but I believe the act of creating something is to search for the spark of the eternal within ourselves. Call it God, energy, the universe, whatever you like. Personally, I like to think of that spark as love.
When we create, we are actively searching out truth and beauty–one note, or word, or brush stroke at a time. When we chase truth and beauty in this way, we begin to love ourselves and the universe we exist in. We become more comfortable with not having the “answers,” and instead, we enjoy exploring what harmonizes with our energy. That’s where the excitement is. After all, some of the most popular songs in history don’t follow traditional structures. People love these things instinctually, not logically. Love is not logical!
Perhaps what we each create can someday benefit all of humanity. Or not. Maybe these experiences are just for us individually. Either way, love is our reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: steveharkin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harkin.art/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SteveHarkin
