We were lucky to catch up with Grayson Bowling recently and have shared our conversation below.

Grayson, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 can honestly say that learning my craft has been a lifelong journey. As most would probably see in their own creative works, I’ve grown with each project over time. Sometimes the best way to learn, is to simply play with new techniques and materials. For years I used only graphite for artwork, but then I tried charcoal, then pastels, then pen nibs, and so on. With each new material, I started by simply playing, to see what I could do. Now I can incorporate a plethora of materials and techniques into each project. Persistence is always the key. One project may not turn out as planned, but the best thing to do is move on to the next, growing as you progress.

Grayson, 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?

My name is Grayson Bowling. I am a sequential artist and illustrator. My work involves creating comic book pages, storyboards, and illustrations. My work has been published in novels, anthologies, business proposals, and even displayed in comic book stores. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawing. Creating dynamic art through still images, or sequential storytelling has been something I’ve wanted to do (and have done) forever. I have never given up on my hopes for such a career and have had the full support of my family all along the way.

I feel my work sets me apart as it is reminiscent of the past. I have earned the label of an ‘old soul’ by my peers. My major influences come out of the 1950’s and ’60’s from comic artists such as Doug Wildey, Alex Toth, and Jack Kirby and the western films of John Wayne and Audie Murphy. Styles, preferences, and art may change, but I find great value in looking to these great artists and stories of yesteryear for inspiration.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Two months after graduating from art school, I was diagnosed with leukemia. Not only did I suddenly not have the energy to draw due to the treatments I was undergoing, but some of the medications caused neuropathy (pain and lack of feeling) in my hands. Despite this, when I had the energy I would draw, even if not as well, or for as long, as I would have liked. Since my diagnosis, I have completed work for two books, as well as commission pieces. While I am still undergoing treatments, I no longer have to deal with the neuropathy due to physical therapy and the slackening off of certain medications. Even though I haven’t been able to draw as much since my diagnosis, I have continued my art despite it. Drawing is part of who I am and not something I was willing to give up on.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At my core, I am a storyteller. My goal is to create comic stories that have a strong sense of morality. Art has the ability to garner a strong cultural impact, for better and for worse. I hope to have a positive impact on our culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: gbowli20.wixsite.com/mysite-1
• Instagram: instagram.com/yesteryearadventure
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/grayson-bowling-ab94911a0/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Grayson Bowling