Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Wilson II.
Hi Donald, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
During the pandemic, teachers were among the first to be sent home. My wife was being a healthcare hero, and I was teaching virtually while teaching our kids at home. It was here when I found the time to hone in on the drawing that I had been blessed to have the talent of since elementary school. After posting a series of art titled #HealthcareHeroes, local news WACH FOX 57 had a brief segment it about it as I continued to create and post. A few months later, I illustrated my first book, Dreams Do Come True by Jamarcus Little. Creating my own art was still very important as I added a few more children’s books to my resume.
During the next year, I began to create comics detailing experiences with my wife and kids, which included a funny take on shopping in Target. Target then reached out to not only post the comic on their page but to create more content for their social media. Since then, I’ve been able to illustrate 10 children’s books and create content with Target, Proudly, and Black Girl Sunscreen. The 10 children’s books to date have all included characters of color with a goal of increasing the amount of children’s books that feature characters of color from the lowly two percent.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Balancing time with family, work, and drawing was one of the challenges at first, but having a spouse that supports your dreams is a major help. As an artist, you can become so busy creating for others that you miss just creating for yourself. It’s definitely a blessing to be requested by many authors, but it is a struggle creating the things you have swirling in your head at times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an illustrator of children’s books. The books I illustrate feature characters of color so children can see themselves in numerous books. I’m most proud of being able to illustrate my family and have them be a part of my illustration journey from book signings to comics.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
It’s always something to do and it’s full of creatives! Dislike: the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sir_don_ii?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077651258714&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: Sir_don_ii
