Payton Kustka shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Payton, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Day by day I walk a straight path, attending classes, going to work, enjoying evenings with friends. Every day over the last few months has allowed me to follow the expectations set upon me, allowed me to operate with a sense of structure. When I broaden the scope beyond the day, into the weeks, months and years, I find myself meandering more than I previously thought I might. In January I start graduate school—something I never pictured myself pursuing until very recently—and start looking for full time work. It’s the first time I’ll have the choice of maintaining the structure I’ve grown to appreciate so much, and embrace the unknown of a creative career as a junior in the competitive industry of video game art. Change is something I struggle to accept, but at this moment in time I feel change is inevitable, so I wander!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Payton Kustka, I am a concept artist and illustrator for video games. I am wrapping up my BFA in illustration and will be beginning my MFA in Interactive Design and Game Development at SCAD starting in January of 2026. My love lies primarily in drawing environments, props and characters to tell stories intended for the interactivity of video games, but my skillset has expanded into 3D modeling, game scripting and game design. Following my graduation this Fall I’ll be looking for entry level work in the video game industry! Outside of my work I have a great passion for horses and gaming, which influence just about every part of my life.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
People pleasing has gotten me very far in life, for a long time I considered it an asset to my success and happiness. My ability to ‘go with the flow’ and get along with everyone was something I was able to turn to in times of discomfort or difficulty, and I’ll admit I still do from time to time. That said, I’ve realized through my professional endeavors and my personal relationships that people pleasing wasn’t exactly ‘pleasing’ to anyone, not even myself. I learned to overlook my instincts and my opinions in order to meet the path of least resistance—which goes against my entire upbringing. I was taught from the time I was little that challenges are what help us grow, my time at university further proved that failure was unavoidable and in fact, important. I don’t know what eventually led me to this conclusion, but in the last year I’ve found myself unwavering in my feelings and opinions, stubborn in my goals and unapologetic for being myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
My work ethic is something I can attribute almost entirely to my experience working in the equestrian industry as a young teenager. In hindsight, some of the things I experienced were quite abusive, long hours for little to no pay and the feeling of being thrown into the deep end with near no preparation. The opportunity taught me two things, that hard work is important and pays off over time, but also that you’re allowed to say no to things that don’t serve you. My time working as a groom at horse shows was exceptionally character building, both in my work ethic and my ability to self-advocate.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe, if nothing else, that people who are genuine can enjoy life more fully, and affect those around them more positively, than most others. I’ve struggled to fit in in certain environments, which felt more a liability than a positive quality. I didn’t often keep up with or enjoy the same things as my peers, and spent more time working on art or with horses to mind. Nowadays I can’t help but feel that it allowed me to navigate the world a bit more freely, and I can operate as a very real version of myself in most settings. That’s not to say I don’t change my tone and demeanor between work and personal settings, or share more or less of myself when necessary, but I generally feel most comfortable when I can be as genuine as possible. In short, yes!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Arguably my entire creative career has been an effort that won’t come to fruition for nearly a decade. It’s hard to stay with the state of the entertainment industry, particularly in video games, a state in which industry veterans are struggling to find work themselves. There’s a certain level of fear that I and my peers feel about finding work, despite the countless hours poured into developing our skills and portfolios. That said, it’s a privilege to know that I get to do something I’m passionate about as much as I do, so the payoff is something I’m willing to spend time working and waiting for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paytonkustka.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonkustka/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payton-kustka/
- Other: https://www.artstation.com/pkustka
