ART
Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought. - Albert Einstein
WYNN NICHOLS
King Bird
King Bird is a playful, bold character that embodies creative freedom, leaving its quirky, rebellious mark on everything from books to currency, symbolizing self-expression and artistic defiance.
When I first imagined King Bird, I wanted to create a character that embodied boldness, a little attitude, and a lot of whimsy. What started as a simple sketch has grown into a full-fledged creative project that’s taken on a life of its own, from playful art on books and gift cards to a hand-painted currency. The journey of King Bird has been about exploring creativity without boundaries, letting the character’s vibrant personality shine across different mediums.
It all started with a simple, classic bird design — bold lines, a few curves, and, of course, a crown. The crown gave King Bird his regal status, but his sideways glance and raised wing always showed his playful defiance. With his oversized eyes and round body, King Bird has a unique charm that sets him apart from the typical regal figures. His expression says it all: “I rule, but I do it my way.”
King Bird didn’t stay confined to my sketchbook. He soon took flight across different surfaces, and that’s where the fun really began. One of my favorite canvases was the dollar bill. There’s something rebellious about adding King Bird’s crown and sharp stare to currency, made a bold statement about value, art, and expression. It was my way of turning something ordinary into a piece of art, stamped with King Bird’s attitude.
What’s great about King Bird is that he can be anywhere — but always on his own terms. From Agatha Christie book covers to painted yard flags and gift cards, I’ve let King Bird leave his mark across a variety of mediums. Each surface adds its own story and context to the character, but his personality always shines through: quirky, confident, and ready to make you take notice. At its heart, the King Bird project is about more than just a character — it’s about using art to make a statement.