Behind KRNL: Peyton Fike, Creative Director

One of the best things about the KRNL magazine is how everything, from the fashion shoots to the lifestyle stories, all come together in the end and are laid out beautifully in our magazines. It takes someone with an eye for creative detail and strong organizational skills to make sure that all of these key components are able to blend together to create a product we're all proud of sharing with you. The creative director at KRNL is responsible for coming up with the entire aesthetic for each magazine we put out, and so it's important we have an artistic and creative person step up to the challenge. Get to know Peyton Fike, our next creative director, in this week's edition of "Behind KRNL."

Introduce yourself!

My name is Peyton Fike and I'm from Northern Kentucky. I am a senior majoring in Integrated Strategic Communication with a minor in WRD and my current role for KRNL is creative director.

How did you first get involved with KRNL?

My connection with KRNL may be a little different because this is actually my first semester being involved. I have followed KRNL since freshman year, but it wasn't until the spring semester of this past year when I met Kendall Boron (former creative director) that I decided to become a part of the staff!

What's your favorite part about getting involved with KRNL?

While I may not be able to have a favorite part about working with KRNL quite yet, I will say I am super excited to work with a team of such like-minded and creative people!! I think we have a super talented group this year and I can't wait to see what we create.

What other interests/hobbies do you have outside of KRNL?

Whenever I try to think of my interests I see art and design within each one of them! Recently I have loved creating mood boards, interior decorating, and painting graffiti-style art!

What is your favorite place you've ever traveled to?

I would have to say one of my favorite places I've traveled to is New York! I really love the city and would love to go back and explore more.

Who are some of your fashion/lifestyle inspirations? In other words, who do you look up to?

For fashion inspiration, I have always been a huge YouTube watcher. My favorite influencers right now are Keaton Milburn and Julia Havens. My art inspiration comes from the things I see around me every day, but some of my favorite designers and artists are Terry Urban, Tyler Spangler and Ashley Longshore!

What are you looking forward to this year regarding KRNL as our lead photographer?

I am super pumped for the future of KRNL and the people we have on staff. With things going back to somewhat normal I think there is a lot of opportunities to connect not just within KRNL but also the university and Lexington community. As a designer, one of the most rewarding things is getting to see your ideas come to life, so I am super excited to be a part of this magazine and see all of the stories and photos come to life on the pages!

Plug your socials!

You can find me on Instagram @pey10fike & @peytonfikedesign !!