We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Almanek Allums a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Almanek, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I’ve learned what I do through a combination of formal education, self-directed study, and immersive practice. My Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from Kansas State University provided me with a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills, which I’ve applied creatively in my artistic pursuits. However, much of my growth as a multidisciplinary artist has come from dedicating thousands of hours to mastering tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and through sheer persistence with mediums like animation, illustration, and writing.

If I could have sped up my learning process, I would have sought mentorship sooner. Learning from others with more experience could have accelerated my technical skills and helped me avoid common pitfalls. I also would have given myself permission to experiment more freely earlier on, embracing failure as part of the learning process instead of fearing it.

The most essential skills for me have been adaptability and storytelling. My ability to translate emotions and complex ideas into visual or written form has been key. Technical proficiency in tools like Adobe Character Animator and Illustrator has also been crucial, but none of that matters without a clear narrative to guide the work.

Obstacles have often been internal—writer’s block, self-doubt, and the lingering impact of growing up with a voice I was once teased for. Externally, access to resources was sometimes a barrier. It wasn’t always easy to afford or access professional-grade tools or opportunities to showcase my work.

Ultimately, these challenges taught me resilience and creative problem-solving. Every step, from filling my first composition notebook with raps to rediscovering my passion for writing years later, has been a part of my journey. The time I’ve spent—whether it was 1,200 hours on Adobe systems or countless nights refining a script—has shaped me into an artist who values both the process and the final creation.

Almanek, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Alma Allums, a multidisciplinary artist, business consultant, and storyteller based in Kansas City. I specialize in creating impactful and meaningful experiences across a wide array of disciplines, from visual and literary arts to strategic business consulting. My journey into this dynamic career was fueled by my love of creative expression, problem-solving, and a desire to make a difference on a global scale.

I started my career with a solid foundation in business finance, earning my Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. Over the years, I’ve blended my analytical skills with my passion for storytelling and design, honing expertise in animation, illustration, writing, editing, and branding. My work has taken me around the world, providing unique perspectives and cultural insights that shape the stories I tell and the services I provide.

Services I Provide:
Creative Services
Branding and visual identity design, including logo creation and album covers.
Animation and illustration, including character design and storytelling visuals.
Ghostwriting and content creation for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals.
Business Consulting
Strategic development for small businesses and startups.
Grant writing and nonprofit board consultation to help organizations secure funding and align their missions.
Financial Protection
As an insurance agent representing high-net-worth families in Kansas City, I provide tailored solutions to protect their assets and ensure long-term financial security.
Education and Mentorship
Workshops and personalized coaching for clients in areas like branding, financial planning, and creative development.
Problems I Solve for My Clients:
Brand Clarity: I help businesses and individuals define and convey their unique identity through professional branding and storytelling.
Strategic Growth: Whether it’s securing grants, launching a product, or consulting on nonprofit missions, I empower clients to achieve measurable success.
Creative Communication: From animations to written works, I provide clients with tools to express their message effectively and creatively.
Financial Security: I work closely with families to develop personalized financial strategies, ensuring their peace of mind.
What Sets Me Apart:
I believe what makes me unique is the blend of creativity and strategy I bring to every project. My ability to connect the dots between numbers and narratives allows me to offer solutions that are both innovative and results-driven. Whether I’m crafting a logo, writing a grant proposal, or consulting on a nonprofit board, I approach every task with empathy, precision, and a global perspective.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m incredibly proud of the impact my work has had on my clients and their communities. Helping a business launch with a strong brand identity, assisting nonprofits in securing critical funding, or seeing my creative projects spark conversations about important topics—these are the moments that fuel my passion. One standout project is the development of Sumnerd High, an animated series that dives into critical societal issues, blending entertainment with education.

What You Should Know About Me and My Brand:
Multidisciplinary Excellence: Whether through art or business, my work is rooted in a desire to inspire, educate, and empower.
Global Vision: My experiences as a traveler and storyteller enrich the services I provide, helping clients connect with diverse audiences.
Commitment to Quality: I personally oversee every project to ensure it meets the highest standards of excellence.
Dedication to Impact: From supporting nonprofits to educating families about financial protection, I’m driven by a mission to create meaningful change.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I believe non-creatives might struggle to understand is how often we, as creatives, take steps forward even when we don’t feel fully equipped. The creative journey is rarely linear or predictable. There have been countless times when I faced a project or opportunity and questioned whether I had the tools, skills, or knowledge to succeed. But here’s the thing: growth happens when you step into the unknown and allow yourself to learn as you go. Waiting until you’re 100% “ready” often means never starting. Sometimes, the key is simply trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.

Another truth that has profoundly shaped my journey is the importance of believing in a higher power. For me, having faith in something bigger than myself has been a source of strength and guidance during moments of doubt or fatigue. It’s this faith that fuels my courage to dream big and the perseverance to keep going when the path gets hard. It reminds me that the work I do has a purpose beyond myself and that I’m part of a greater plan.

Finding meaningful events and organizations to connect with has also been instrumental in my growth. Building relationships with people and communities who align with my vision has opened doors I never knew existed. Whether through collaborative projects, workshops, or simply volunteering my skills, I’ve learned that being part of something bigger than myself amplifies both my impact and my opportunities.

Finally, I’d stress the importance of putting in the work—especially the extra hours. The romanticized image of a creative effortlessly inspired and endlessly productive doesn’t capture the reality of late nights, long hours, and relentless dedication. Creativity, like any other pursuit, requires discipline. There’s a reason I still pull all-nighters even though I graduated years ago: those extra hours often mean the difference between a good idea and a great one. They’re where breakthroughs happen and where you turn dreams into tangible results.

If I could share one piece of advice with anyone, creative or not, it’s this: don’t let the fear of imperfection stop you. Trust in a higher power, build meaningful connections, and be willing to put in the work—even when it feels like no one is watching. Those small steps, late nights, and moments of faith all add up to something extraordinary.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

First and foremost, I wish I had understood more about art collectives and their potential to connect artists with galleries, museums, and broader audiences. I’ve always loved visiting museums in my free time—those quiet spaces where creativity and culture come alive—but I didn’t fully grasp the process of how to get my art featured in one. Art collectives often serve as a bridge between emerging artists and these prestigious spaces. They provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into navigating the art world, including how to prepare portfolios, write artist statements, and submit proposals. Being part of a collective also offers a built-in community of support, something I think many creatives don’t realize the value of until much later in their careers.

Another resource I wish I’d understood earlier is the value of whole life insurance with cash value. As a creative, financial planning might not seem like the most exciting topic, but it’s crucial for long-term sustainability. Whole life insurance not only provides security but also builds cash value over time that can be borrowed against or used to invest in projects. If I’d known about this earlier, I could have leveraged it to fund artistic endeavors or even scale my business ventures. It’s a tool that can provide both peace of mind and financial flexibility, which is invaluable in a field where income can often be unpredictable.

These two resources—art collectives and whole life insurance—are worlds apart in their focus, but they share a common thread: they offer stability and support for the creative journey. Whether by fostering connections in the art world or providing financial security, I wish I had tapped into these opportunities sooner. To any aspiring creatives, I’d encourage you to seek out these kinds of resources early and integrate them into your plans. They can truly make a difference in how you navigate your career and build a sustainable future for your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/almanekallums1
• Instagram: @allumspublishing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alma-a-0206a39a/
• Other: https://agallums.myportfolio.com

Image Credits

Portfolio Image of myself- Phot Credit to Alan Garrett- Loud Kicks Photography, Wichita KS