Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Williams.
Hi Blair, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As young as I can remember, drawing has always been one of the only consistent things I find purpose and meaning in whenever I do it. From doodling the ninja turtles in math class to branching off into multiple mediums in adulthood, I have only scratched the surface of sharing my passion with the rest of this beautiful planet.
Growing up, I felt like I always knew I wanted to do art in some way but never felt confident enough to take the steps needed to pursue a career as a creative. Coming from a military family, art was not something I could really put my all into as at that point it was more of a hobby. This led me to being a self-taught artist for the majority of my career. Although I have a lot of confidence in my own skills and talents, I have not shied away from higher learning opportunities; recently completing my degree in Science and currently working towards completing my BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts). Outside of that, I work as an After School Art Teacher in East Atlanta.
Growth is the always on my mind when it comes to my art and how it can reach larger demographics. Over the last few years, I have been focusing on my own website and services such as Paint n Sips, Private Drawing Lessons, and Personal Commissions. I have worked on illustrations, to home murals, to custom shoes, to music album covers, and even some animation and photography.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With art, nothing is ever as easy as we may think it should be or want it to be. I cannot count the amount of times I felt I was passed over, ignored, or taken advantage of. You may be in a dry spell and not getting any work. Even worse, you could go through an artist’s block and not create anything for days or even weeks.
This is the kind of business where nobody will motivate you are give you a schedule or pay you regularly (unless you are working for a company). You have to be your own boss and your biggest motivator and sometimes (a lot of the time) it can get really tough.
Despite how rough things can get as an independent creator, or artist, or whatever you call yourself; just about every experience you have can be learned from. We are all always learning and just knowing that I actually am learning and progressing is enough to keep me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My artwork is generally focused on Afrocentrism, surrealism, and graphic illustrations like comics and anime. If you were to look at my portfolio, you would be hard-pressed to find anything that is not unapologetically black, something creepy looking, or a fan-made image of a popular character like Batman or Goku. I would say I’m most known for recreating people in the style of their favorite shows or movies.
There are so many different pieces I have done it is genuinely hard for me to pick what I am most proud of….but if I had to decide it would be between being able to create custom designs on shoes and my hand-painted series from ‘Lovecraft Country’.
As an artist, it is important to be able to get a good reading on people as it helps deliver something they will really treasure and I can say I have gotten really good at reading my clients.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Aside from a career as an artist being a risk in itself, I would not say I take unnecessary risks. When I think of “risks” I think of a new way I can challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. (ie. Doing large murals, animations, using minimal colors, etc,).
You likely will not find me doing any illegal graffiti or painting with fire anytime soon!
Pricing:
- Commissions – Starting at $40.00
- Shirts and Hoodies – $20.00 – $55.00
- Paint n Sips – $40.00 – $150.00
- Private Lessons -$45.00
- Art Books – $6.00 – $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: solsurrealart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sol_surreal_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solsurrealart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-williams-987b76185/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfVZe3hHWnTIMAgN9-Rihlw
Image Credits
1- n/a 2- “The It Girl” 3- “Lady of Summer Walks” 4- “Rock God Lucy” 5- Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion W.A.P. x Kill La Kill 6- “My Bey Academia” 7- “Afro Kid Goku” 8- “Badu”
