Today we’d like to introduce you to Frederick Noland.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My life orbits around art making. I don’t recall a time when I didn’t draw, and there wasn’t a point where I formally dedicated myself to being an artist. It sounds pretentious but it was pretty much a fact of my existence. I art and therefore I am.

I got to where I am by prioritizing my work above all else, finding kindred souls, and saying yes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The long road to here was neither smooth nor straight. Time is the big struggle; finding time to earn a living, finding time to create and finding time to live a somewhat balanced, fulfilling life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I’m a visual storyteller, primarily as a cartoonist, but I have worked in storyboards, animation, editorial illustration, and graphic notes.

I haven’t surveyed people to ask “So, what am I famous for to YOU?” Autobiography and historical subjects comprise the majority of my comics work. My client-based work is primarily for nonprofits and ranges from maternal and infant health, food security, DEI issues, education; quite a variety.

I’m finishing up a graphic novel biography of Major Taylor, a world champion Black cyclist who raced at the turn of the last century. That has taken four years to complete. I like to nest little asides and details into my art and story that can enrich without distracting. They hint at side stories or realizations that aren’t necessarily top level, but exist beyond the main narrative.

How do you think about happiness?

My son. Because he makes me a better person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.frednoland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frednoland/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@frednoland?si=pqijim1HA1E6z9oE

Image Credits

Frederick Noland