We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adisa Kareem. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adisa below.
Adisa , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Creativity allows me to persist in my career despite personal mental health challenges. Having a passion for illustration has given me an outlet that I am able to use to cope with life’s challenges.
When career work itself becomes overwhelming, I simply step away from digital media and focus on the forms of creativity that I find peace and enjoyment in. watercolor, poetry, these are forms of expression for me. free of critical analysis and pressure of perfection.
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?
Hi, I’m Adisa Kareem, an illustrator and and color designer Born and raised in Hartford CT based in Atlanta GA. With a Love for art from a very early age, inspired by the media of my childhood. I pursued my career in the animation industry as a Background Painter and Color designer at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Despite graduating in the pandemic, I’ve continue to work and earn many opportunities. I’ve been able to work with and learn from companies like Huff Post, DTVA, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. I also perform private commissions as well as freelance and can always be reached through email, or any of my listed socials.
What’s most exciting about what I do is getting to leave an impact for viewers of projects I’ve been a part of. Weather is a show teaching children life lesions or simply giving adults something to laugh about. I enjoy being able to share aspects of art that meant so much to me in my day to day as I grew up.
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?
Three qualities that have been very impactful on my journey, Keeping an open mind, having a willingness to learn, and being affable towards others in your field.
You’re going to work with many different kinds of people on various projects in this field. It’s important to remember that there’s always something to improve on and grow from. Being open and communicating to those that work with you can be a big help.
Most of what I learn and carry into new projects come from collogues and creatives I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside. There will always be someone who’s willing to share their experience. A professional space can be nerving at times but never close yourself off from anyone willing to be a kind and guiding influence.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Dealing with the current state of the animation industry has been a huge challenge within itself. Currently I am creating, collaborating, and taking commissions in an effort to further improve and display my skills. Finding full time studio employment has proven challenging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adisakareem.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disa_reem/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adisakareem/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/disa_reem
- Other: Blue Sky https://bsky.app/profile/adisakareem.bsky.social
