Where are you from originally?
Grand Island
What is your medium?
By trade I am graphic designer, photography is really just a hobby of mine. I use an iPhone and Instagram (username: @robkins).
How has Buffalo influenced your work?
Buffalo is the proudest city I've ever been to, and I try to show the pride I have in it in my work, whenever I can.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'm really inspired by the details of Buffalo that most people overlook or don't know are there, and sharing that with as many people as I can.
Name an artist (or more) that most inspires you?
Currently Jon Contino is probably my favorite artist/designer/illustrator. Look him up.
What is your preferred subject matter?
Architecture (new and old), graffiti, industrial areas, signage, and old hand-painted advertisements.
How do you feel you can best advance to the next level, or are you most happy where you are now?
As far as photography goes, I am by no means a professional photographer. I say that because I know a lot of them take issue with people who use iPhone's and/or Instagram--but at the end of the day, I believe a good photo is a good photo no matter who takes it or what it's taken with.
What is another medium that you would like to learn? Or that you have already learned?
Screen printing.
Is there a purpose to your artwork?
Showcasing the beauty and rich history of every aspect of Buffalo.
How often do you work on your art?
As often as I can, if I can get a new shot every day I am very happy.
What or who first prompted you to venture into the art world?
My parents.
Have you been schooled in art? Are you planning on attending art school? If so, where?
I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from SUNY Fredonia in 2007.
Where is your favorite venue in Buffalo to exhibit?
All of my photos are on Instagram and www.buffalotography.com for now, but I would love to have them in an actual gallery.
Is there a gallery in Buffalo that you would like to show your work in, but haven't yet?
Honestly, I'd be happy with anyone that would take me in!
Where did you learn your craft?
Art has always come naturally to me (my parents have a picture of me holding a pencil correctly at age 2) but I have put in plenty of practice on my own time and through school. I also wasn't allowed to have Nintendo or anything growing up, so while a lot of kids were playing video games, I was drawing--which was never something I complained about.
Name one person that you most like to sell a work of art to?
Stevie Johnson!
What's the best thing about being an artist?
For me, it's the fact that my profession is also my hobby and something I love doing.
Dealing with people who don't understand or appreciate art and design.
Is there another local artist who you would like us to interview?
Graffiti artist Chow Monstro.
Instagram: @robkins
Websites: www.buffalotography.com (photography)
rob45degrees.com (design)
Support our local artists. Here are a few more Art Buffs to brush up on:
Jennifer Seth-Cimini, Elisabeth Strong, Michael Mulley, Patricia Schwimmer, Mikel Doktor, Jerome Greenberg, Elizabeth Leader, Jacqueline Welch, Doreen DeBoth, Joe Cascio, Candace Masters, Iris Kirkwood, Lukia Costello, Michael Morgulis, Julie Leatherbarrow, Chris Liberti, Michael Mararian, Daniel Rodgers, Bruce Adams, Ken Payne, Christina Cooke, Elise Anne Brooks, Frank Cravotta, Jackie Albarella, Gary Melius,Melissa Campbell, Jeff Quigley
sheesh, can you stop calling these people "buffs?" people who create stuff are called "artists."
buff means "a person who is enthusiastically interested in and very knowledgeable about a particular subject." in other words, a buff is a fan, a collector, or a scholar or art, not a maker of art.