EDITOR’S NOTE

There is nothing more daunting, at least for me, than taking on a leadership position, which is precisely what I did when I applied to be the editor-in-chief of this very magazine. Since I first joined KRNL as a blog writer my freshman year, I developed a passion for this publication that made it one of the best things to come out of my time as a college student, so taking the reins this year and having the opportunity to lead — to be responsible for taking KRNL to the next level — was a scary prospect initially. Now, two issues in, it has turned out to be the most rewarding, most eye-opening experience I could have ever asked for, and my love for KRNL has only grown stronger now that I have learned what my role within this publication is and what my impact looks like moving forward.

This spring, we have decided to continue with our experimental journey that started in the fall by trying new things in terms of design, storytelling and — most importantly — solidifying KRNL’s voice as a publication. With the departure of almost half of our staff now that they’re graduating at the end of the semester — some of them having been a part of KRNL for all four years of their college careers — it felt more important now than ever to make sure this magazine was prepared to grow and evolve now that a new era is on the horizon. Who knows what KRNL will look like a year from now?

Five years from now? A decade, even? The important thing is that we are ready to take this publication further and higher, and that all starts with this issue. With feature articles highlighting various artists within the Lexington community, from authors to poets to painters, as well as a deep dive into a recent Lexington-based marketing campaign that has taken the country by storm, KRNL is here to continue our mission of shining a light on the stories of our communities and documenting how we’re growing and evolving as well. Our editorial shoots pay closer attention to what’s trending in the fashion world, highlighting the knowledge of our brilliant styling team and giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents. All in all, I have never been prouder of what the KRNL team has been able to accomplish during all my time as a member of this organization. My vision as editor-in-chief for KRNL to be at the forefront of collegiate magazine publishing, to take risks and to allow room for our team of creatives to do what they love has come true right before my eyes, and it makes me feel like this magazine can do anything it sets its mind to.

I hope you enjoy reading this semester’s issue of KRNL, and I hope it inspires you to get in touch with your own creative side. We say this every semester, but right now it has never felt truer: this is our best issue yet.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

‘I’M READY TO DISRUPT’

Lexington, Kentucky-based artist Deja Corin discusses her creative process and her move back to her hometown.

A Word To The Wise

Conversations with Frank X Walker, Beth Connors-Manke and Crystal Wilkinson shine light on the closeknit literary community in Kentucky.