Sketchy hobby is comforting distraction for uber-busy Kimes
ESPN senior writer Mina Kimes is busier than usual these days, writing for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine – most recently on Kansas City Chiefs rookie Tyreek Hill – contributing to E:60 and now, co-hosting a Sunday ESPN Radio show with The Undefeated’s Domonique Foxworth and Clinton Yates, The Morning Roast (9 a.m.-noon ET). Kimes, however, recently revealed a hidden hobby – Etch-A-Sketching pro athletes. Front Row asked Kimes about her unique downtime diversion.
How long has it taken you to become this proficient at sketching?
My parents gave me an Etch-A-Sketch when I was a kid, and I fiddled around with it all the time. I renewed my passion for it a couple of years ago, when my dad gave me one as a gift on my birthday.
How long have you been creating these types of sketches?
I only started doing sports-themed etches recently. . . I’d mess around with it during the commercial breaks of games – or whenever inspiration struck.
How long does it usually take you to create a sketch?
If I’m locked in, and not watching TV at the same time, it takes me anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
Who/what has been your most difficult subject to sketch?
Faces are the hardest thing to Etch, because there are so many elements that don’t connect. It took me a while to capture the quiet despair in [Houston Texans receiver] DeAndre Hopkins‘ eyes. Throw him the ball, Brock [Osweiler, Texans quarterback]!
What can listeners look forward to on The Morning Roast?
Clinton, Domonique and I all have pretty unusual backgrounds, so I’m hoping that informs the discussion. We love sports, but we love talking about sports in the context of news, culture and business. I think it’ll be deep, and weird, and deeply weird. Funny, too.
Carrie Kreiswirth contributed to this post.
Below is a display from Mina’s preview of the 2016 NFL Playoffs, done via Etch-a-Sketch.
