Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Wilkerson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was in my junior year of high school when I realized that I wanted to pursue a creative career. I looked around and saw many of my classmates stressing out over their SAT scores and trying to convince themselves that they really wanted to be doctors and lawyers; while many of the adults in my life were frustrated with their careers as well. I figured I’d rather take my chances pursuing something that genuinely made me happy, and would eventually make a life for me years later.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Prior to becoming a full time children’s book illustrator, my career started in TV animation. I was hired by Pixel Pirate Studio to design characters and props for an adult animated series called “Sugar and Toys” produced by Carl Jones and Brian Ash (The Boondocks and Black Dynamite). After season 1 of that series, I was able to start Godleehaze LLC and began working with studios such as Bento Box, CBA Studios, and Cartoon Network to develop future animated projects. My versatility is by far my greatest attribute. From designing for print, television, gaming, and VR; I’ve never shied away from creative challenges and enjoy learning new design systems.

Working as a designer in animation allowed me to fulfil many of my earliest dreams and ambitions. As an illustrator, my work is centered around empathy, and allows me to focus on the healing aspect of storytelling. My reward is the entrustment of people who seek me directly to visualize their stories. It’s truly an honor.

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

Until two years ago, I had no clue that some states have grants specifically for creatives. Whether to start a creative business or to stay afloat when projects fall through. Knowing that would’ve helped me tremendously in year one of my journey.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the grind/hustle culture that had become popular years ago. Over the course of my career, I learned that constantly working and spending longer hours in the studio wasn’t helping my creative process at all. I found myself only drawing to meet deadlines rather than drawing to improve or for my own enjoyment, and it left me feeling burnt out early in my career. Nowadays, there are seasons that call for longer hours, but routine self care has become an integral part of my process. I’ve learned that a focused five hour day is much more effective than a scattered twelve hour day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theartofdlw.com/
• Instagram: @godleehaze
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilkerson-76a3b3b3/
• Twitter: @godleehaze

Image Credits
David Wilkerson