Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Alexander.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicholas. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Nicholas Dunn, I’m from Hampton, Virginia and I’ve been drawing since I was four years old. I spent most of my free time as a child drawing my favorite cartoon characters from memory. As I got older, my drawing skills developed and I became the artsy kid known for my talent. Voted most artistic in high school to studying graphic design at Virginia State University art as always been a major part of my life. I have studied digital art, fine art, and animation and they all have molded me into the artist I am today. About ten years ago, I came up with this character that resembles me and I used that character as a stepping stone to help develop my first children’s book. This character is a more funny, bold, and adventurous version of myself along with his friends they let their imaginations take over and put them into a world they create themselves. Throughout my career as an artist, I’ve been constantly told what I could and couldn’t do and was underestimated. I never let anyone throw me off my game, I used their words as motivation to prove them wrong. Now, the only person I have to prove wrong is myself.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As any creative, we all suffer from challenges and roadblocks along our journey. My professor/advisor in college didn’t believe in me at all and called me a “one-trick pony” and even suggested that I drop out of college. He felt as if what I did wasn’t good enough to sustain a career as an artist. At that time, I wasn’t as strong-minded as I am now so his words sort of discouraged me and I began to think about the longevity of my artistic career. I began to doubt my abilities and seek other career paths. I’ve applied for jobs that I knew I was qualified for and was turned down for less qualified artist. I took a break from art for about six months to reevaluate my life and the goals I wanted to accomplish. Once I picked up the pencil again, I was full of inspiration and did my first painting.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with THE TOMORROWERS – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a freelance artist and I cover mediums such as paintings, graphic design, book illustrations, and tattoos. I’m currently writing and illustrating my first children book called “The Tomorrowers” which is about a group of kids around the ages of 7-9 letting their imaginations take them on fun adventures where they are taught life lessons any kid today could learn from. This is a project I have dedicated a lot of time to and it’s the most ambitious project of my career. I see how needed this book is for today’s younger generation and for black culture. Out of everything I’ve done as an artist this book is something I’m most proud of because I’m writing the story and illustrating it, its all my ideas the way I want them and I have a clear vision of what I’m trying to convey. This book is different from other books because it discusses things other children’s books are afraid to discuss. The art style is unique yet real and shows realistic features. The passion behind the book radiates through each page and through each character.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to have about eight books released and working on my series pilot on a major streaming network. I want my art to be seen across the world and for kids to see themselves in each character I created. With my books, I want to start a franchise where I have books, toys, video games, and even big-budget animated movies based on the stories I write. I know it will all have one day because I see the potential my book has.
Pricing:
- custom book illustrations $85-$100 per page
- paintings vary upon canvas size starting at $200
- graphic design/logos $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.portfoliobox.net/admin#/
- Email: NicholasAlexander.Dunn@gmail.com
- Instagram: thealxndr
- Twitter: nickalxndr
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