Today we’d like to introduce you to Davian Chester.
Hi Davian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your back story.
I have been creating and telling stories since childhood! I transitioned from cartoons to illustrating the black experience around 2016. In 2019, my artwork became mainstream when I created a mockup of a Juneteenth Google Doodle when there wasn’t one.
That later opened up more celebration and acknowledgment of the holiday from major brands. Since then, I have been growing my comics, bringing awareness and conversation on different topics in the black community. I work with brands, creating social media campaigns, engaging audiences, and promoting authentic representation. I have also started Real Talk with Real Toons, hosting interactive shows with my art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road! Some struggles have been unnecessary competition between other creatives, opportunity rejections, and social media trolls/haters.
I believe in collaboration over competition. Every creative brings their flavor to their field. I don’t understand why so many creatives fight, avoid, or sometimes sabotage each other because of fear of competition. Imagine if more people worked together to create or spread a message. I love collaboration and would love to work with so many people, but I believe that doesn’t happen as often because of this. Money is another reason, but that’s a story for another day. I know others share this belief, and I would love to use this as an opportunity to find them.
Rejection is a huge part of the process. We all go through it, but I believe in what I am doing, and I know what opportunities could come. So, determination and self-worth are huge factors in pushing through. Haters are just a part of life, but I feel that my line of work- bringing awareness to difficult topics- brings out some wild ones! I can’t let them get to me; I avoid them at all costs! (That makes them angrier!).
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a comic series called Real Toons that points out the absurdity of stereotypes and biases in the black community.
My comics bring awareness and create discussions over many topics! This sets me apart from others because these topics are often avoided or not talked about with intention. I am most proud of my comics that change the narrative or perspective of the viewer.
I have started an interactive in-person show called Real Talk with Real Toons. We play games and discuss different topics using my art. It is a fun and safe space to experience the black community, but all are welcome! If anyone is interested in more details on this, just let me know!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Well, AI is changing the game, and I believe it will be an interesting journey. We will have to wait and see. I hope more people realize that computers can’t truly replicate us. Art is human expression, and computers aren’t human.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DavianChester.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/real_toons
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/realtoons
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davian-chester-3bb112a3/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/real_toons
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/davianchester
- Other: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1W30ryV2QsJ_Dw_Si-F9LzyjFPkCEGuZc?usp=sharing
