We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Barr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I’ve always been described as a creative person. Starting in 2nd grade, I would draw my own comics and bring them to the my local comic shop to get feedback from the guy running the register. I’m sure he was always thrilled to see me come walking through the door. A few years later, I got my hands on my parents camcorder. It opened the world of creating my own movies. Most evenings and weekends were spent with my friends, making nonsense “films” that we found hilarious. After graduating highschool, I knew acting was the path I wanted to take. I met my wife in an acting class in St. Louis MO. She had plans to move to New York at the time we started dating. After some long distance (STL to NYC), we decided LA was the place we wanted to be. We immediately started down the recommended path of acting classes and workshops. For several years, I had a great run with commercials, with a few indy films here and there. Between all the acting (which can be very long lengths of time), I found myself illustrating as a creative outlet. If I had an idea for a movie, it would take a huge team to make it. But I could create art through illustrations on my own. We had our first kid in 2017 with boy #2 to follow in 2019. Time for acting classes seemed to get less and less. With Covid, the industry took quite a hit. The number of jobs just aren’t what they used to be. I started drawing more and more. I started getting better and loved the idea of character design. I began taking courses online through CGMA. Around my 5th or 6th course, an instructor encouraged me to try illustrating for children’s books. It felt right up my alley, but I didn’t just want to draw, I wanted to tell the story too. My wife and kids and been amazing inspiration for my stories and characters. Kids have an endless imagination and it’s inspired me so many times. A year and a half ago, I jumped headfirst into the world of creating children’s books. In the next week, I’ll be signing with a literary agent. It has been quite the journey to get to this point and I’m very excited for the next phase! I can’t wait for the moment my family and I walk into a bookstore and see my stories on the shelf.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I feel my last answer (probably too long) answered a lot about my story and what I do. I have 1 children’s book ready to go and 3 more in the “dummy phase”. That means the stories are written and basic drawings are in place. Once I’ve signed with a literary agent, I get into the world of publishing. That will come with it’s own challenges and excitement (and some edits too). I still do freelance illustrating when I can. That ranges from movie poster to custom artwork for gifts.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being observant of the world around you is a great quality to have. It sounds silly, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been inspired by something I’ve seen while out on a walk or shopping for groceries. It’s easy to be in your head about what’s next on your to-do list or have your nose buried in your phone. Just taking a breath and letting your mind drift to things around you can do wonders.
Not sure if it’s a skill or a quality, but being positive goes a long way. I question that because it’s not always an easy thing to do and it can take skill to maintain. Especially coming from a creative background where you’re bearing your work for the enjoyment of others. Negativity can make you question every creative decision. Will this character be funny? Is this story any good? Will they like my art style? These nagging questions will prevent you from moving forward and keep you stuck wondering if you’re any good. Not only will a positive attitude give you self confidence, but it will rub off on the people around you.
And lastly, finding a creative outlet that makes you happy is everything. I’m lucky that drawing makes me happy and that I’m able to make a career from it. That said, what makes you happy doesn’t have to be a career hobby. It could be crossword puzzles, gardening, camping, etc. Having some sort of creative outlet is so important to a healthy mental wellbeing.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My wife, Chelsea, has been everything to me. She has an unending belief in me and has made a lot of sacrifices to help my creativity reach new levels. When I come up with some hairbrained idea, she’s right there, telling me to go for it. She has supported our family financially for a long time and I can’t wait to return the favor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanbarrdraws.com
- Instagram: #ryanbarrdraws
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
