Meet Blake Showers | Illustrator/Mangaka

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blake Showers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blake, what principle do you value most?
I think that representation matters to me the most. I want more kids of color to see themselves in media that they like. I feel like it can affect you psychologically not seeing people that look like you. You feel like you are not suppose to like the things you like or that you don’t belong in the realm. There were times gowning up that I felt like this. It’s not a good feeling. There were black people in things I watched and read, but not as much as today. I never want a kid to feel like that.

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.
I like making cartoony type art! I try to blend American cartoon style with more manga and anime influences. I’m very proud of the ideas I have! It takes me a minute to flesh them out but they spiral into super fun projects ! I think I got to where I am now professionally by staying consistently practicing and word of mouth by clients and supporters. I have such a great support system on and off line. They really helped me get to places I wouldn’t have on my own. It was not easy, I still have to keep in mind that things aren’t built in a day so I have to be patient as possible. I think my biggest lesson is patience/ trusting the process. Eventually if you keep at a goal, You will get there. It may not happen on your time, but it will happen. I want people to know that a big part of any profession or goal. Like it sounds cliché but really, Never give up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say if your gonna go to Birmingham, There’s alot of nice places. The Birmingham Museum of Art is a must. It has so many pieces from around the world and locally aswell. My favorite sections is the African art. I think the Civil rights Museum is great too. So many artifacts and history all made in and shown in that one place. I think uptown is nice. there is some nice food shops. Downtown Birmingham is growing alot. Many historical sites and AMAZING food too. The Railroad Park is an dope spot too. It is very relaxing and in walking distance of food and shops.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to anyone who has supported me thru the years. My parents have been so supportive throughout my whole life. I know it’s a scaring thing not knowing if your child will be able to make a living doing something they love but they always let me make my own decisions and supported how I went about them. My girlfriend has helped a lot so much. She always wants to help me with getting to shows, showing of my work, getting me art supplies, just because. She doesn’t have to do these things, yet she always offers and want to see me do well. I have a great online support group. I always appreciate them. Anytime I drop something at least 1 person buys something. If there’s something I made, I know that someone I know will share. It makes me very grateful.

Website: https://www.blakeshowers.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeobk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-showers-7a1452124/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlakeOhBeKay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlakeOBK/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blakeobk