We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wolly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Wolly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Everyday is a risk I think. When I was young, I grew up in an environment where things happen daily. People loose their lives, racism, limited options, and at times despair. We still stepped outside, we still found reason, we still took a chance on the idea of surviving and just growth in life. So When I decided I wanted to follow a path in the world of art and creativity, I learned quickly there was a lot to learn, and the environment was constantly changing so some adaptivity was a must. Pursuing something when you are unknown, and new is risky, but I understood that if I did not step out there and work towards being seen, I would have little to no chance of seeing what I could accomplish. Same as if you never stepped outside of your door. Of course, risk assessment is key in life, but in this case, it like the risk wasn’t as permanent as those growing up where I did. It felt like this was a situation where I needed it to work, but if it did not at first, I could start over, regroup, and keep going. No failure til you give up state of mind. I have had to constantly remind myself that I can do better, not better than others, but better than what I did last. Growth. So this path is full of risk. I have traveled from Charlotte NC, where I live to New York with literally $50 in my pocket, no way back home, having faith in the universe and myself that somehow I would sell enough art at a convention to at the least get back home. I have used my rent (back when I was renting) and light bill money to invest in new art books, prints, clothing with my art on it, knowing I had a weekend to make it back or fall behind on if not face eviction. Risk. But even when worried, maybe somewhat in doubt, I push forward. It has worked out. If i did not take certain chances, risk, I would not be who I am or doing what I do…. I could go on with stories or risk, reward, etc. But what I have learned is, you gotta believe in you no matter what obstacles or who thinks different. Go after what you believe in. Stand tall on, head high, smile, and go for it all.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My most proud creations in life are my kids. They are central in a lot of my push. They watch my ups and downs, learn and grow from it all. They are the first (and my wife) people I show new projects, get feedback from, and talk with for hours about this world of creative things. My wife and kids and I have recently launched a clothing brand brand with clothing based on art from myself and my daughter, with concepts and ideas from us and my wife and son….
My day to day work is normally illustration. Story boards, character design, concept art, sequential pages in comics, graphic novels, kids books, commissions, etc. I also dabble in graphic design for clients doing logos and various aspects of brand identity. I first got into freelance work after going to comic book conventions and meeting other artist who showed me some of the journey they were on. So from that I started doing conventions, later forming a group with other artist in my city, and putting together gallery shows as well. This opened up networking, which has lead to working with Jack Daniels, Nike SB, Black Sheep Skate Shop, 21 D Sweden AB, IDW Publishing, Archie Comics, Topps, KeenSpot Publishing, and various colleges and corporate brands. Because working for others is not my main goal, I have self published several graphic novels, single issue comics, created products such as skate decks, art books, hats, tees, and other apparel, a small run of action figures for one of my books, whatever else I can think of or find a way to do lol.
A key thing for me is making sure what I do is as good as I can make it, if not better. I want people to see and feel quality in what I do no matter the task at hand. Know that I put care in the projects I am a part of, and often go above and beyond in what I craft.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative for me, is having the ability to be a voice. I don’t have to wait for someone to tell my story or to tell stories that I feel are needed. I can put that in motion, control my own narratives and speak from an unheard place or perspective, especially in my person creative works. Years ago, before it was more common to see little girls as heroes in comic stories, my daughter, who was about 4 at the time, came to me expressing that she loved comics but did not see many that looked like her. None had hair like her, skin like her it seemed. She was visibly bothered and concerned. I took a second to reflect, then begin working on a character specifically for her. She helped with the process, we created a base story, a good friend helped me with the script, and before long we had launched a kickstarter, gotten funded, printed and self published the book, had in stores with my daughter and I signing books and greeting parents and kids, and even teaching classes on narratives and story telling. It was an amazing experience to work with my daughter on that book, and years later she is creating new stories and building fun worlds and adventures completely on her own.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Just the joy of creating, and a desire to do what most people want to do… secure a good life for my family, and impact as many people in a positive way as possible. See the stories I create or help create come to life in various ways, and wake up everyday enjoying what I am able to do. Opening doors for others is also major to me when and where possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oncemperors.com
- Instagram: @wollyv
- Other: www.cartoonsaturdays.com
Image Credits
Wolly McNair