Since a kid, I’ve been fascinated with physical media and print. I always used to look at the credit sections of comics to see who the penciler, inker, and colorist were… I would think, “Wow! That’s someone’s job.” So when I started drawing more heavily after college, I approached print media with the techniques I learned and admired growing up.
Pretty much everything I do is pen on paper. Face-to-face connection has played a big role in my journey since I’m extremely extroverted. I enjoy daily interactions.
I find inspiration in all art forms, but have to take time to see what I’m into for each one. I like what I like, and don’t care about what others like. I’ve always been like that.
Howard was a continuation of my upbringing around black creatives. I learned a lot inside and outside the classroom that I use in everyday life. I’ll always be appreciative of the professors who raised me at Howard.
My advice to young artists is to go to some sort of school or advance your learning. Intern for an established artist and learn, learn, learn.
I was always surrounded by creatives and now I have a family so my kids create with me.
My wife is creative and has been my muse since we first met. The only job I’ve had for the past 10 years has been art. My creativity built financial stability to buy a home and grow a family.
There is a big difference between my personal and collaborative work. Some people treat commissions like a service, others let me cook up whatever ideas I have. Collabs are fun especially if it’s a person/company I can align with.
Rap music for sure influences what I present in my work, I actually used to work for Atlantic Records under contract. The music industry treats visual artists like we are expendable. I have a lot of work from that time which never saw the light of day. I really don’t get close to musicians like that, we just vibe while doing the projects and go back to our lives.
I read a lot to stay creative. The creative game hasn’t changed much, or at least I don’t pay attention to it. I live by chances.
My work has been featured in Atlanta Contemporary, Superchief Gallery, March Gallery, Swan Coach House, and the High Museum, among others.
Sometimes institutions don’t want my edgy/challenging art. Some of these places want to control what black art is. They only want to show what is comfortable for them.
After becoming a father, I work way faster on pieces and projects. My kids watch everything I do and emulate; my eldest son is constantly drawing and writing his own comics. Being a creative father, art and working in flows is normal for them. They don’t realize the difference until they see other parents working 9 to 5’s stressing. I coach baseball and none of the parents know what I do for a living <haha>. They just know I’m covered in tattoos and drink a lot of beer.
What do you hope to present in your work? And what motivates you to keep pushing the envelope for Atlanta and Atlanta artists?
Originality. I’m motivated by challenging people to leave their comfort zones and look beyond the surface. But at the end of the day, I’ll always create for myself first.
