Meet Karl Washington III

We were lucky to catch up with Karl Washington III recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karl , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding your purpose means listening to the voice inside of you. It means paying attention to your gifts and talents and boldly taking risks. From the time I was a child, I have always had a love for art and illustration. At the heart of me was a creative person. I can remember sitting at the kitchen table for hours, working on a drawing I had to get just right. My mother’s voice said, “Give yourself a break and try again later.” I thought my desire to perfect my artistic ability was just a hobby. I did not know this instinctive talent was connected to my purpose. My purpose was revealed to me when my mother took me to the movies to see Spiderman Into the Spider-Verse. At the time, Spiderman was one of my favorite characters. However, I was used to seeing it in live-action depictions. I was initially resistant to wanting to see the movie in a 2D to 3D animation format, but my mother insisted that we see the film. My world changed after watching the movie because it unleashed a desire and passion trapped inside me. The movie inspired me to want to be an animator in the film industry. At that moment, I discovered that I wanted to ignite a passion in others through art and animation.

Particularly, I wanted to give people of color a positive depiction of themselves. For the first time, I saw pieces of myself through Miles Morales, and I wanted to give other people of color the same opportunity. To See Themselves! Walking in my purpose meant pursuing a dream, even when people told me I wasn’t good enough. It meant practicing my craft to gain the skills I needed for the industry. It meant investing in my education and surrounding myself with people with similar dreams. It meant pushing myself when I wanted to quit and being open to new ideas and artistic techniques. What I discovered is that your purpose is always bigger than yourself. The creators of Spiderman Into the Spider-Verse had a vision for the film. That vision connected to my purpose and dream to work for Sony one day. Using my gift of illustration to tell the story of those often unheard is my purpose and the gift I want to leave the world.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Karl Washington III. My artist tag is KWIII. I am an aspiring animator, illustrator, character designer, graphic designer, and freelance artist. I am a Kansas City, Missouri native who grew up in the Raytown, Missouri area. I’ve been creating and developing art since I was in elementary school. I graduated high school a year early to pursue my passion for artistic expression. I am a sophomore at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Animation with a minor in sound.

I don’t shy away from the use of color. My art provides bold expressions that resemble pop art. I love using bright colors and compensation to draw viewers to my artwork. I am inspired by street and graffiti art. I am known for my Vector pieces, graphic designs, and illustrations. My vector work resembles editorial pieces. I am a freelance illustrator. I have been working with clients since I was 16 years old. I have created characters for children’s books and graphic design ads for advertising & marketing companies. I am dedicated and passionate about bringing my client’s vision to life.

This year, I am focused on growing my animation portfolio. I am working on developing character creations for an original short film animation that I would like to expand into an animated cartoon series.

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?

The four areas of knowledge I would like to provide inspiring artists are the following:

1. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes. I believe nothing in life is perfect. You will make mistakes along the way, and that’s okay. What matters most is how you learn from mistakes and use those mistakes to better yourself.

2. Be open to trying new things and working outside of your comfort zone. Trying something new allows you to gain new skills and perspectives, which will help grow you as an artist.

3. Don’t let the naysayers stop you from pursuing your dream. Be brave and create your path. Often, society tells you to pursue a career that pays a lot of money or take the safe route. Where there are no risks, there are no rewards. Pursue what you love, not what people think you should do.

4. The last thing is not to compare yourself to other people because there’s only one you! Art is subjective; some people love what you create, and some will hate it. The most important thing is to be true to yourself and your artistic expression.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Frequently, I have been overwhelmed by the project demands, deadlines, school work, and life responsibilities. What helps me overcome the feelings of overwhelm has been stepping back and taking a break. Make time for the things you enjoy that fill you up. Create healthy habits that sustain you during stressful periods in your life. I learned the importance of sleep, drinking water, eating balanced meals, having friends and family who are there for you, and being active all help to enhance your creativity. Having a spiritual life with God helps keep me grounded when overwhelmed. Remember that you are enough, and it is okay to say No.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Artwork By: Karl Washington III (aka: KWIII)

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