We recently connected with David Glenn Brown and have shared our conversation below.
David Glenn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Throughout my career, I have been the only black in the room, I learned how to navigate through environments where I was often marginalized, overlooked and underestimated. I realized early on that what ever success I was to have, I would have to create it myself and work much harder then my white peers. This inspired me to become entrepreneurial, learn the business of art and create my own opportunities. The foundation for my career began in 1973 at Stockton University when I became the first Political Cartoonist and only African American staff member for the student newspaper (picture: 7Paperstaff73). I always loved to draw and this position gave me the opportunity to express mine and other student’s opinions, which lead to learning how to design ads for the local businesses. Little did I know at the time how much that experience taught me about the Newspaper, Media and Advertising Industries. It enable me to build a portfolio that lead to work in the Advertising business. Looking back, I realize that experience was the foundation to my career pathway in the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industries!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an Artist, Educator, Publisher and nationally recognized, political cartoonist, who also produces graphic novels and comic books with positive messages for others. A former Career Technical Education (CTE) instructor of Arts, Media and Entertainment for the Los Angeles Unified School District and instructor of Cartooning for the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
For over two decades I have been the political cartoonist for the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper and featured contributor to the Washington Post and San Francisco Bay View newspapers. The recipient of numerous prestigious Merit awards for “Best Editorial Cartoon” by the National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA); and my body of work was featured in “Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year: 2005 – 2014 by Pelican Publishing Company Inc.
In 2009 I was awarded a NAACP Image Award for my self published political humor book “Barack, Race and the Media: Drawing my own Conclusions” The book is a collection of inspiring, yet humorous cartoons highlighting the historical Presidential campaign and election of Barack Obama the first African American President of the United States.
I am a founding member of my alma mater, Stockton State University’s Alpha Alpha Chapter of the IOTA PHI THETA Fraternity, I was awarded the 2011 Stockton University School of Arts and Humanities’ Professional Achievement award and in 2022 nominated Black Alumni Trailblazer for my long-standing artistic career in service to my community.
Additionally, I am an exhibiting artist, my work has been shown in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. In October of 2009 the U.S. State Department and Brazilian Consulate sponsored a cultural exchange visit, I was selecting to exhibit my political cartoons and comics in Brazil. I am the former Chairman of the Board of the Museum of African American Art Los Angeles, where I was a board member for over a decade.
My versatility as a commercial artist and designer has produced excellence in other areas including photography, multi-media and illustration through promotional work for clients including Los Angeles International World Airport, Automobile Club of Southern California, Warner Bros., City of Los Angeles, Wells Fargo Bank, California African American Museum, the Getty Foundation, ABC-TV and others.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First advice, is don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone!
Secondly, embrace new experiences!
Third, follow your passions and don’t be afraid to take risk! You will learn more from failures then successes!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My Dad was always a hard worker and I credit him for my work ethic!
My Mom I credit with the gift of creativity! I will always remember the advice she gave me before I left South Jersey to move to Los Angeles. She told me “KEEP GOD FIRST, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND BE WILLING TO WORK HARD!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davidgbrown.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgbcomic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.g.brown1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidg-brown-baa9b66/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dgbstudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkLGuccGE0RPt7MrkLXzLIQ
