We recently connected with April Cumbie and have shared our conversation below.
Hi April, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
“Why not me?” is a question I ask myself often when thinking about a new goal, adventure, or experience. Optimism for me looks like the hope or desire for something to come to pass. I truly believe once I envision it, see it, and pray on it – I can work towards that goal. Some concepts take more optimism than others but I often remind myself that if it has happened for/to others then “Why not me?”
With that mindset, I go after what I want and do it with the talents that God has gifted me with. My way wont always look like someone else’s and thats okay. In fact, thats better from my perspective to excerise my talents, analyze its affectivness and still experience someone else’s concepts as well. Everything is a learning experience and failure is sibling to experience so , “Why not me?”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a children’s book author and illustrator. I currently have 3 books on Amazon and will be publishing 2 more by the end of 2024. I have always worked with children and truly enjoy watching their creative minds grow and flourish through the arts and education. While working in a child development center I realized firsthand how literature and art were crucial aspects in early childhood development when teaching educational concepts. This inspired me to write books that offer an imaginative, educational, and visual aspect for children of all ages to enjoy at any time. Through my books, I can spread education, imagination, and creativity outside of the classroom.
I am also a teaching artist for the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative . Both of these organizations thrive in spreading exposure to the arts amongst Birmingham and surrounding cities. Many schools in these areas enjoy intergrating arts education into their schedule and lesson plans. With the same goal to teach, expose and create, we as teaching artist show our students how creative they can be.
Lastly, I have Acentric Art, my art based business for comissions art pieces, school residencies, murals and more. For those who enjoy my expression of art, teaching styles or other artistic needs to experience for themselves.
Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=april+cumbie&crid=3CYI16X4T6NNA&sprefix=april+cumbie%2Caps%2C106&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
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?
Confidence, self-esteem and understanding. Earlier I spoke on the phrase “Why not me?” when combating the negative thoughts around reaching a new goal. I have confidence in my talents, perspectives and character. I truly believe that if you know yourself and understand the way you function it will only aid you in navigating situations to be a positive experience for you. Build and treat your confidence as a body guard in your everyday life and see how your self-esteem grows.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to partner with new clients, businesses, and corporations Art is everywhere and education is wide-spread.
As a children’s book author and illustrator, I am open to working with companies/organizations wanting to produce children’s content such as storylines, character design, and educational content.
As a teaching artist, I offer residencies within schools that offer the children exposure to different art mediums, techniques, projects, and development. Rather the material be integrated into current lesson plans or simply offer the students art-based experiences.
As an artist, collaborate with art material development companies as an ambassador to introduce students in schools to their products. Being a bridge to support those who are passionate about creating and teaching.
Contacts:
Email – Acentricart@gmail.com
Instagram: Acentric_Art
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acentric_art/
- Other: Book links: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=april+cumbie&crid=3CYI16X4T6NNA&sprefix=april+cumbie%2Caps%2C106&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acentric_art/
Image Credits
Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative
