We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Richard Singleton II. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Richard below.

Richard , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My name is Richard Singleton II and I’m the founder of Creative Theory World where we take imagination to the next level via music, comics, and animation. Our mission is to assist normalize the content created by black creators, destroying the pigeonhole allowing for our community to artistically express without limitations.

We are currently focusing on Black-centered animation by creating our own genre titled AA Anime (Double A Anime). This allows us to think as creatively as possible. We were successfully able to become the first Black Owned Production Company to animate the first black fantasy anime (Broken Beat Forthbringers) independently.

The journey has been very long. Before starting CTW, I worked in Afghanistan and Iraq as a civilian to earn the funds needed to pursue this dream. I’ve missed death more than once as well as unfortunately watching good friends pass away who also had goals of their own. Diagnosed with PTSD, pushing so hard to succeed is my way of honoring them.

There have been plenty of ups and downs however the ups have out weighed the downs by a large margin. Working with former Toei animators (Magnetic Studios) and being invited to Toei Animations Philippines has been the greatest motivation to keep going.

I’ve also had the pleasure to create some amazing music with grammy nominated Nicolay from “The Foreign Exchange.” Music has always been my true passion, and our efforts at the end will open up more opportunities for musicians to create music for our company as well.

Richard , 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?

I am a vocalist from Fayetteville, North Carolina who’s goals has and still is to create songs that can last the test of time. I am also a huge anime fan. Most don’t know my age by looking at me however I am 41 years young and I can remember the greatness of 80’s and 90’s anime. The first time I watched Mazinger Z at 6 or 7, I was hooked.

Going through band after band and finding myself homeless, an opportunity to work overseas as a civilian contractor came available and I took it without hesitation. Because the earnings was lucrative, my intial intentions were to earn enough money to start up my own music label. I then began working on a music project to combine music and anime after watching Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem music videos. I went through a lot of animators and fortunately was able to speak with Magnetic Studios which changed the course of my purpose.

We both came together to create something that’s never really been done before. Black Centered Fantasy Anime. We were definitely ahead of our time and sometimes being ahead of the pack, our content was not recieved like it should have. As a independent group we blew up the scene leaving many amazed and some hesitant. We were also unfortunately vulnerable to opportunist. We’ve spoken to a few studios, executive producers, production companies but nothing came from it. At the same time I was working with Nicolay from The Foreign Exchange where we created a few tracks that the public recieved extremely well. It is still one of the biggest highlights in my journey. I’m looking forward to creating more timeless music with him.

The thing that sets CTW apart from everyone else is not only do we have the quality that can compete with the industry, our drive in each of our crafts and connections as independents is unmatched. It’s just a matter of finding a home that makes business sense. Being invited to Toei Animation Studios Philippines was also a great accomplishment. This set us down a path of creative enlightenment.

Our current project we are developing is a hockey anime featuring a black cast. This anime was inspired by the CHL the colored hockey league of the 1800’s. We are spearheading once again content thats ahead of the pack however thanks to our growing pains and falling forward our strategy is to bring the followers with us. It only makes sense to succeed with the people.

We have become strategic partners with Blerdstation. This amazing up and coming platform that is similar to Legion M, Netflix and BET all wrapped into one. We have two projects that will be premiering as Blerdstation originals. “Atasha” and “Isha”. The future is looking very bright. It is a great partnership and we cannot wait to show the world who we are and what we are about.

How did you build your audience on social media?

There really is no secret. The algorithm can be complex. Although we feel we should have a larger presence based on our quality alone, we just post to rech views. This way we know eyes are on our content.

Consistency and discipline will break you through the algorithm eventually. However, my suggestion is not to focus on social media but behind the scene in person networking. Followers and likes do not always determine if you will be successful or not.

Any advice for managing a team?

The biggest thing is ethics. Be honest, have integrity, be able to own your mistakes. Being straight forward is key. Treat everyone you work with like people but still protect what your building. If theres someone that refuses to get on the program, you have to let them go. Morale and making sure the right people are brought together is the foundation for success. Know your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creativetheoryworld.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative_theory_world?igsh=d2FwaXVmOTBlMmkx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativetheoryworldllc?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@creativetheoryworld?si=YzUEwo6ePfBGM18H

Image Credits

Nikki Mae Illustrations, David Bain, JJ Music, Marquiin Mason, Magnedo 7, Aura, Midnight Comics, TDJcomics, Tricky Sun Comics, Allure, Demetrius Holt, King Lion, Anime News Guy, Red F Manga, Obsidian Comics, Blerdseyeview, C Powell Freelance, Psycho Image Films, Nonpfixion, Animoo Otaku, Amerime Media, Nyim Creatives, Inevitably Dope, Rogers Review, Black Mastadonta, G Storm Entertainment,