Today we’d like to introduce you to Anami Hayes.
Hi Anami, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Richmond, Virginia ever since I was a kid I was always interested in science and actually wanted to be a doctor specifically around the brain. Physics and how things work really fascinated me. As I got older, I was always involved in art classes and tend to put more focus in that more than anything. It wasn’t until near the end of my senior year in high school that my mom encouraged me to pursue art immediately I knew I wanted to do animation. I realized later on that the need to figure things out and how it worked was really my creative outlet showing but through science. When I applied for SCAD, I had about 20% chance of getting in and already, my first year was pure intimidation. As I never really knew I wanted to do art until started, I simply knew I had to find a way. Therefore I wanted to learn everything, I modeled for Miss J. Alexander, became a runway model for four fashion shows and fashion film, became an actor in different short films, was in theater and worked with people in music. I have animated for multiple animated films like award-winning short “Survival Strategy”. Over time I developed my own art style learned to paint and use my creative talents everywhere I go. Today I am developing a new upcoming 2D animated show, which will be coming soon.
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?
They’re have been many rough patches here and there. One of the main struggles was keeping up my mental health, mostly I tend to keep myself on a much positive note, however art does take a lot out of you. Before I went to SCAD, going to a small town in Glen Allen, VA I didn’t grow up with people who looked and had the same interests as I did. Of course, I had friends but never seeing other black people, specifically black men who were as feminine and loved art like me. It was either you were casted out as being “gay” or trying to be “white”. It wasn’t until coming to Atlanta to SCAD where I found people who were like me and I could connect with. Another rough time was I used to be a “gym rat” having this toxic positivity constantly pushing myself to the brinks getting involved with so many different things. That in turned, I ended up the most stressed and anxiety-filled than ever. Now I take my time, my peace and spiritual life are extremely important to me as it not only helps align my mind, body and soul but I can connect with others through my art. Around my junior year was the most stressful I have ever been as one day, I suddenly couldn’t draw. Becoming desperate, I reached out to so many people and luckily enough my best friend, Josiah, took me under and really showed me how to draw express. I learned in time that Art is something a part of you, mind, body and soul. In time my art style improved tremendously, I became a better painter and overall artist using my creativity in so many different ways.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So I am a 2D Animator and Illustrator, focusing on Visual Development like character design, creating backgrounds, pretty much world-building. Mainly I’m known for being a visual artist, as I work literally in everything. I work with musicians, other artists, artistic input in films and photography. I’ve done cover art, helped in mixing and mastering music, animation for other short films and modeling. I believe what truly sets me apart from others is how I perceive art and my art style. I see art as a whole, mind, body and soul, I love to preach about how to truly connect with your art whether it be music, photography, etc. For lack of better words, I’d say visibly my art style is very loose yet structured which you can see with my drawings. I love painting portraits and I am a hoe for colors, so almost all my work is just a saturated overload of colors and how I use it. I’m most proud of how I paint people and do character design because not many that I know draw similarly to me. In the near future, I’m excited to start directing my own tv show and continue to help build a positive environment for artists, hopefully teaching art as well.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I don’t have necessarily have a favorite childhood memory, most of it just consists of small moments where I felt really happy. I think whenever I saw my mom and simply cooking together in the kitchen or getting cozy watching a movie together always was something I cherish. Being in the car with all my close friends, eating Taco Bell at 3am, before having bills and simply joking around and talking has to be one of the best feelings.
Contact Info:
- Email: adhayes112@gmail.com
- Website: www.anamihayes.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wavyanimator
