We were lucky to catch up with Parker-Nia Gordon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Parker-Nia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Growing up in East Memphis, TN, as an only child, drawing and coloring was my daily hobby – not knowing the amount of time and practice I was doing was brightening my creative eye for my future. I have always been interested in the arts, but as a shy child, competing and being involved in the community was a dream. It wasn’t until a supportive teacher in my high school submitted an art assignment to our CAPA Art department, that I received praise and belonging from a new world of classmates. My life changed incredibly fast. I became more confident and understood in my new art classes, taking AP and honors. At the end of my studies, I submitted to my dream college, Ringling College of Art And Design, in Sarasota Florida.
Our art teachers religiously talked about Ringling and how a grand opportunity it would be to attend one of the top art schools in the world. Coming from a single-mother household, money wasn’t necessarily scarce, but it was a very small chance I would have the opportunity to go to such an expensive college. As delusional as I was, I still worked hard in my schooling to present a fantastic portfolio to submit anyway not knowing what would happen. Coming close to the end of the school year, everywhere I submitted I got accepted, but Ringling was scorching hot in the mail. Pressing my nerves about whether I’ll be going or not. Graduation was a week away and I still haven’t heard anything, so I sadly gave up hope. Until one day I finally revived my exception letter.
Four years after graduating Ringling with a B.F.A major in Illustration, I became a visual teacher back in my hometown for 2 years. While teaching, I was constantly reminded that I wanted to be more involved in my craft. I began posting my work online, and I came across another community of artists who loved art as much as I did. Enormous opportunities began to come my way, like gallery shows, workshops, book illustration deals with clients like Chris ” Ludacris ” Bridges and Jayson Tatum, and many more. I had truly become a full-time freelance artist. Not going to lie, it’s a challenging journey, but the freedom to create is something I would never trade for anything.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have a variety of projects I’m currently writing and illustrating under the brand Art of Modern Magic. My brand represents inclusion and a correction of how we see different groups in the media. Preferably in the arts and creative storytelling. I want to spread light on those groups to modernize how we see each other in communities that you wouldn’t normally see or even understand. No stereotypes, and generic representations of how we think others live or will respond to their daily lives. Let’s modernize being curious about our neighbor’s cultures, traditions, and views of the world.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
To me, the best reward is seeing your work displayed and having the chance to work with amazing clients. Seeing your hard work and practice come to fruition is an amazing feeling. It’s always up. Of course, there will be challenges and obstacles that may tear you down. Life is going to life, but consistency and determination to finish the projects are worth every sweat, and tear. I’m proud of where I am in life, even if the road behind me isn’t perfect. I can truly say I’m trying and using my experiences to better future decisions and results.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
My best advice would be, don’t be afraid to backtrack if you think it’ll create faster results. Write down what you have a hard time completing and revisit the basics of that subject to better your confidence. My journey now, I’ve been studying portrait and body anatomy. Growing up I would be more concerned about having a style and creating unique characters. However, while creating my work I would spend longer hours on something that would take no time. I had a lack of knowledge to understand anatomy which caused me to spend the most time trying to get the pose right, instead of focusing on the design and story. Haha..put ego aside and use the memory you’ve practiced instead of the memory you think something looks like to dictate how you create your work. Now I have more fun creating and breaking the rules to stylize my characters. Practice, Practice, Practice. You will get better and take breaks. Consistency is key! You can do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artfofmodermagic.com
- Instagram: @artof.mm
- Facebook: Art of Modern Magic
- Linkedin: @parkerniagordon