Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Willie Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Willie, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I believe in my intuition and reading the room. However, being aware that I am equally as good and recognizing the skills that I possess along with the knowledge and wisdom gained helped me to accomplish many objectives and stand out at what I do best for myself and my tasks. I also have the support of many around me and am motivated to get whatever prize is worth going for, including survival.
So, my thoughts are being the only one in the room that looks like me is an opportunity to show what I am made of and, hopefully, break any preconceived stereotypes and unworthy negative connotations to my sex, race, appearance, and whatever else human beings may be afraid to face.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an illustrator, painter, animator, editor, and producer of digital art and media. I am anxious to build stories and expand my legacy into motion comics and short story videos that speak to everyone. I love to create art of a handful of styles, whether it’s abstract and simple or in the realm of realism.
It’s been 30 years since I made my first works of digital art. Similar to many other self-trained artists, my pieces were very amateurish and crude. However, I was excited as I got the hang of drawing with a mouse and coming up with something clever and creative within the limits of the software I used.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, I’d say that an artist needs to have an imagination and an expressive personality. Second, have something to say. Finally, finding the gift within to tell your story.
I think an artist should have a support group to help encourage their growth and keep practicing and perfecting their skills. Believe in yourself and don’t let anything stop you. It may take a lot of challenges, not finding the finish line for a long time, and hearing many things to dissuade from the journey and but figuring out a way and making to help to get to eventual success.
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 support group has been several in my family, a circle of friends, co-workers, and influencers. They’ve kept me going and working harder to be my best, and I want to do them proud.
However, my other most considerable help is the strength I’ve gained from personal accomplishments, and failures, and finding the courage to do what I enjoy to help others. I own years of having deep mental scars and losing myself to fear. However, I found help to get me on my journey.
I purchased equipment, studied, and practiced techniques picked up over time and from courses. I took a couple of business courses, built small projects, and posted them on social media, with each one I kept doing something different and improving what I’ve learned,
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crudearts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crude.arts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrudeArts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crudearts
Image Credits
Crude Arts
