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

Alright, Ian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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 really learned through a combination of observation and trial + error. In the past, I’d see art techniques and think, “I want to try my hand at this,” and I did this multiple times with different art forms and styles until I settled on a few that I liked. I think the most important part of finding your voice as an artist is experimenting with different styles and techniques and seeing which ones you gravitate towards the most.

I won’t say there was anything I could have done to speed up my learning process as I believe art is meant to be made when the creative devotes time to creating and learning at their own pace.

The most essential skills for me were portrait and anatomy practice, hands down. Had to get a better grasp on the basics in my sketchbook and it translated perfectly to other mediums.

The only obstacle that stood in the way of learning more was my own discipline. I had to make time to practice and be honest with myself on what needed improvements.

Ian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Sure thing! I really just jumped into it with the mindset of, “I want to do this,” without giving it any thought on how to go about doing it. But I’ve learned that one of the best things about being a creative is that you can create your own opportunities for yourself. If you put your work out there somewhat consistently and keep marketing yourself, as well as make connections with others in spaces you want to be in, you’ll create a space for yourself.

As for what sets me apart from others, I’d say it’s the fact that my focus is on black women, and that was just a natural decision. As I was still developing my focus, I remember wishing that there was more art of black women in more than just the “strong/hyper sexual” narrative, and I realized I could create what I wanted to see more of. That’s also what I’m most proud of, seeing black women resonate with my work in a positive manner. And in a way, my art is a love letter to black women.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I’m conflicted to be honest.

On one hand, I like that it can be easier for artists to get paid for their work, especially if they’re used to being overlooked.

On the other hand, it feels artificial. Full disclosure, there was a time in my life where I looked into NFTs with the purpose of putting some out there. But the more I delved into it, the less fun it seemed compared to creating my own space within the art community. It sort of felt like I was using a cheat code in a video game back when those were a thing.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I honestly do. I’ve found in my journey that non-creatives have trouble understanding why creatives feel the desire to create. The reality is that there’s no one reason or complex explanation, it’s just a desire. Just as there are people who feel joy moving up the corporate ladder, there are people who enjoy creating visual/auditory works out of nothing.

Contact Info:

• Website: ianakasdraws.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/aeonparty
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianakas-draws-35b0b2207/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ianakas