Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Borders.
Hi Drew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had an interest in art and have been drawing since I was little. It became a routine for my siblings and I. Every day after school, we got a snack, did our homework, and then spent hours drawing on printer paper and in sketchbooks. I had an obsession with cartoons and anime, not just because they were entertaining, but because of how they made me feel. Like I was transported into another world. I knew animation was something I wanted to do when I was older. I ended up attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah and graduated with honors in the spring of 2020 with a B.F.A. in 2D Animation.
I was basically launched into the professional world at the start of the pandemic and I was panicking. At the time, most places weren’t hiring and getting a job in my field felt increasingly impossible. Funny thing is, had I not struggled to find work in the animation field, I probably would have never turned to murals as an alternative. My first mural job came a few months after I was out of school from a family member. I remember almost turning it down because it wasn’t relevant to my degree. I decided to give it a chance and quickly fell in love with it. Now here I am two years later with a total of 10 murals in Atlanta and two in Oklahoma. Animation is still near and dear to my heart which I why I’m also currently working as a Freelance Animator. My experience working in the mural scene and meeting other amazing artists in the city has taught me two things. 1) doing something different than your degree does not make you a failure and 2) keep an open mind about different opportunities that come your way. I almost blocked a huge blessing when I was on the fence about painting my first mural.
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?
I went to predominantly white institutions (PWIs) for most of my education. I also grew up in a neighborhood where we were the only Black family for many years. I struggled with the subject matter for my work and often created pieces that made others feel “comfortable.” At some point in high school, I decided I wanted my work to serve a more fulfilling purpose. I wanted positive representation for Black and Brown women. That was something I didn’t have very often growing up and it led to deeper insecurities about myself that I have thankfully broken out of. I received a lot of pushback from classmates and teachers for why my work wasn’t more “diverse,” but what they really meant was “why am I not included?” No one ever questioned my White classmates when their work only reflected their perspectives. I understand that there will always be people who don’t like my work, but I keep pushing because it matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work as a Freelance Animator, Illustrator, and Muralist in the city of Atlanta. I specialize in 2D cel animation and my work often celebrates pride in my own culture and that of other minorities. I consider my murals a success when I see young children of color engaging with my work. They see themselves and they love it. That makes me more proud than anything.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have a digital and printable coloring book on my Etsy! You can check it out in the link in my bio on Instagram (@drewborders.art).
I also have original work for sale up at Trackside Tavern in Decatur. All sales are handled through the bar and are CASH ONLY. The show goes until the 15th of December.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drewborders.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewborders.art/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1141153781/printable-melanin-inspired-coloring?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=melanin+coloring+pages&ref=sr_gallery-2-36&organic_search_click=1
Image Credits
Both the photos of the Ormewood bridge (one with me and one without me in it) were taken by Michael Jarrin.
