We had the good fortune of connecting with Adisa Kareem Phillip and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Adisa Kareem, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My reason for pursuing the artistic career was purely out of passion. I’ve loved creative outlets for as long as I can remember, and as I grew up I would go on to learn more about illustration and animation. When I was 13 I decided that If I was going to have to work a career then I’d do what I have to in order to make sure that it involved the one activity I’ve always had a passion for; illustration. Even now I can confidently say that I enjoy what I do. I’ve worked into an amazing opportunity to work with Nickelodeon Animation and it feels like just the beginning. As I to work within the animation industry I find myself wanting more out of this career, and will continue to have fun pursuing it.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in exploring different environments. The beauty of layouts and backgrounds are the glossed over fact that a setting is just as much of a character when it comes to animation. I use my art to explore that idea. Creating layouts that are based from my own experiences and ideas. I am most excited about learning how to push this idea further with each piece.
Professional, I had to do a lot of work in self marketing. Along with practice I had to also make habits in showing my creative process to the public. Using platforms like Linked In, IG, and Twitter for display and connection opportunities while reaching out to animation studios directly. It’s not easy, however the pandemic has been a huge factor in how I’ve gone about my career.
I’ve made online marketing my sole effort for work which thankfully allowed my to gain acknowledgment from studios. After interviews with DTVA, BentoBox, and more. I managed to gain my first industry job with Nickelodeon Animation as a background painter. Even in a pandemic, I’ve learned that it is still possible people to meet their goals in illustration.
In terms of how the world sees my work, whether it’s personal, local, or industry. I would just like people to know that I enjoy what I do. Despite the cultural obligation for work, I have worked hard to earn an opportunity working in a career I love.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Seeing as I am currently based in Atlanta, there’s a lot to introduce to someone. Some of my favorite spots involve food. Brunch and , or Yummy place are definitely stops for a trip. I would also introduce anyone to my favorite cinnamon bun bakery since I love baked goods.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d definitely love to give credit to both my mother and my older sister. Though they had doubts and concerns about the risks perusing an illustration career comes with. They both did their best to provide both emotional and financial support for my goals. Allowing me the possibility to attend college for my career path and experiencing opportunities along the way. I’d also like to recognize the small group of friends I’ve made along the way. College was especially a rough challenge but I feel lucky enough to have grown a support system from those I worked alongside. Support from different places have been the main force that’s kept me going. For that I will always be grateful to these friends and family members.
Website: https://www.adisakareem.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disa.reem/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adisakareem/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adisakareemart
Other: Support/Donate to me through Ko-fi, Every dollar helps support my career in acquiring tech. Link below. https://ko-fi.com/adisakareem