Ep. 181: Representation in Comics & Illustration with Ryan Oakley
On this episode we interview illustrator and comic book artist Ryan Oakley. We talk about exploring western and sci-fi themes in comic book illustration, navigating color on a screen, breaking into the comic industry, designing your table set up for a convention, the importance of making art that you like, and embracing human connection through the power of art.
Ryan Oakley
Illustrator and Comic Book Artist | Greensboro, NC
Artist Bio:
Growing up I loved film, science, fantasy, cartoons and comics. They became an important part of how I shaped my identity. Unfortunately in most of those fields there is a lack of representation outside of white presenting individuals. It is an interesting experience watching your favorite film or sci fi film devoid of people of color or where the main characters are reserved for white presenting individuals. Black and Brown people have made many contributions to society that have led us to this day. It was almost as though the ones in control of those narratives did not see a future where the contributions of Black and Brown people exist. As a result, my work explores fantasy, science and dystopian futures centered around women and BIPOC individuals that would not normally be the main character of those genres. What would a dystopian and cyberpunk future look like through the lens of a nerdy 30 year old Black American woman? I hope you view my work as vignettes into a more colorful future. A future that represents a variety of individuals.
Stay Connected With Ryan:
Website: www.ryanoaklyart.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ryanoakley
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/ryoakley
Podcast Music By Corey Claxton:
Website: https://www.coreyclaxton.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoreyclaxton/
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gMzkkK
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