Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Howie Noel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Howie, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
From the first day, they encouraged me. Both of my parents have recently passed away, and I was always appreciative of their support and love, but once you lose someone close to you it becomes even clearer how they helped you.
My Mom was an artist and a teacher so I was fortunate art surrounded me at home and my drawing was always supported.
My Dad was the best audience one could hope for. I’d draw something and show it to him and he marveled at it. In his office, he kept a drawing on the wall that I won a $5 prize for in Kindergarten. He was forever proud of me.
That encouragement and support goes a long way because in the professional field, you will not always find that kindness. It is important to be nurtured in those early years as you learn your trade.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a professional illustrator and my instagram is dicktracyroguesgallery. My art feels new and yet retro for a time in the past that never truly existed. It may make you feel nostalgic for a memory you hold dear.
I graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and over the years have been fortunate to have clients such as T-Mobile, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Upper Deck, Noel Gallagher, The Pixes and many more.
I’m most proud of being able to bring my clients’ vision to life and to give them something their audience can enjoy forever.
I hope clients and the people who love my art see that I put my soul into my work and that there’s true emotion and love in each illustration.
I also create original comic strips and graphic novels. I love storytelling in addition to drawing. You can discover some of my newer comics at my website: https://hcnoel.com
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
When sharing art on social media, please tag and credit the artist. I’ve had many illustrations go ‘viral’ and sometimes the site sharing them will not credit me or tag me which doesn’t help me grow as a professional. It’s a simple and easy thing to credit someone when you’re using their work.
I think everyone can support artists nowadays in many beneficial ways. Commission original art for your home or business, share your friends’ art on social media, like their posts and tell others about their art. Spreading the word is free and so helpful.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Many people in your journey will attempt to break you. They will attempt to get you to quit on your dream. I’m not sure why this is, but they will always try. And it’ll be continuous.
I’ve always been inherently stubborn. I continue on despite people who insult me and try to ruin my dream of being an artist.
Art brings me joy and peace. I’m happiest when I’m creating. That’s what the negative people will never understand. They don’t stand a chance against happiness.
Don’t let someone stop you from creating and being happy making art.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hcnoel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dicktracyroguesgallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hcnoel/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hcnoel
- Twitter: https://x.com/hcnoel
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/hcnoelroguesgallery/
Image Credits
My author photo is by Cade Martin.
All artwork is by me – Howie Noel