Meet Elia Allen | Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Elia Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art has been with me for as long as I can remember. In preschool, I was known as the kid who preferred to stay inside and draw. That desire developed with each year, beginning with my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Ampania, who went out of her way to provide me with extra art supplies when she didn’t have to—knowing that teachers often lack the resources to do so. Looking back, I realize how many people believed in and encouraged my creativity, from educators to friends to family, who always provided me with the tools I needed to express myself. A big thanks to them!
My style and inspirations come from animated films and cartoons that shaped me, like Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, Steven Universe and many others. Reading manga like Yotsuba and graphic novels like Smile and Drama by Raina Telgemeier that all really inspired me into visual storytelling.
I think my inspirations helped pushed me to do big projects like being the co-author and illustrator of the collaborative graphic novel “The Wonders of an HBCU,” directed by Sanford Greene, a Benedict College professor and Marvel artist.
Pursuing art as a career is, in my opinion, a divine blessing— a gift from God Almighty. It’s not just about having a skill; it’s about having the will to keep going, to keep producing, in the same way that someone else may be motivated to master physics or math. The arts allows me to perceive the world in a unique manner, and I want to share that perspective with others, even if only for a moment. Which is why I continue to do what I’m doing.
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 life and view of myself have always been contingent on art. Growing up in Sacramento, CA, I was constantly inspired by the world around me. My environment was full of art and creativity. I am a recent graduate of Benedict College in South Carolina, where I had the opportunity to expand my artistic foundation and develop my unique style. Now, based in Decatur, GA, I’m continuing to push my boundaries as an artist and build on the diverse experiences that have shaped me.
The quirky quality that I bring to my work is a reflection of my childhood influences from Japanese media and cartoons, which I think makes it unique. I find happiness in giving my characters exaggerated features, such as big eyes, hands, and feet—to create characters that are both admirable and significant. I’ve always quoted Shakespeare, “eyes are the window to the soul”. What artist doesn’t want big windows to bring in more sunlight?
I’m also inspired by various artists who are doing great works on their own now. Nina Chanel Abney, Kat Hudson, Zeoarts, Sanford Greene, Tanner Wilson, Asian Fulmore and Chris Hong. Just to name a few.
I would also consider my work to push boundaries on how we see art. Whether it’s out of frame, out of the box, or the actual frame, my work pushes me to think about my message deeply. My goal is for people to see the world through a new lens, even if it’s just for a moment. I want my art to feel like a story waiting to be told, capturing a sense of wonder that I hope people connect with on a personal level. And as they depart their gaze upon my art, they may think differently about themselves and the world for the better.
One thing I’m proud of is my perseverance. While art has always been my passion, getting to where I am today has not been easy. Like many others, I’ve faced setbacks; from technical struggles to self-doubt, and at times, the challenge of balancing my passion with practical demands of school and just life. I’m still not where I want to be (yet). But each challenge taught me something invaluable, and my motto has always been ‘continuously learning, learning continuously.’ This approach helps me stay open to growth and experimentation. And makes even the toughest obstacles a part of my evolution as an artist. Over time, I’ve learned to turn limitations into creative opportunities, and I’ve grown more confident in my style and voice.
Along the way, I’ve learned that art is about more than talent—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to show the world what makes you different. I want people to see my work and know that it’s driven by curiosity and a love for learning and growth. Ultimately, I hope my work and what I do inspires others to embrace their creativity and view the world with a little more wonder.
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?
I’m a pretty boring person. I like art and food. I only go to places that bring me peace and inspiration.
To start, I’d definitely tell them to ride the MARTA at least once. It’s a simple experience, but it calms me down and helps me stay in the moment. There’s something about just putting on my headphones, tuning everything out, and getting lost in my own world for a bit.
For food, I’d say hit Ponce City Market—a cool spot with a mini-mall feel and a ton of food options. I’d want them to try different spots there. If you like Indian food and you’re in Decatur, Curry Up Now is pretty good. There’s also an international supermarket near home that me and family go to all the time for their foreign fruits and veggies but they also have various desserts at the bakery there that I have to try each visit.
I’d suggest to take a tour of SCAD’s Atlanta campus. Their building is fantastic, and I’ve toured it twice myself just to stay up to date with what’s happening in the art schools around me. Even if you’re not a student, the space is inspiring and has a creative energy that I think art lovers would enjoy. High Museum of Art and Memento Gallery are nice too.
Since I’m still learning the city myself, I keep it flexible. I say take time to explore the neighborhoods and find hidden gems along the way. Atlanta is full of unique spots, and Id love to stumble upon some new favorites. I think that’s the beauty of Atlanta—it’s a mix of high-energy and chill spaces, and it’s all about finding what resonates with you.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my family, especially my parents who believed and poured into me before anyone else did or could. You did an amazing job raising me, I can’t thank you enough.
Shoutout to my siblings of the Masterpiece Alpha chapter of Alpha Rho Theta Fraternity of the Creative and Performing Arts, I love y’all so much!
Shoutout to my sisters and Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. <3 Z-Phiii
Shoutout to my alma mater, Benedict College. Where we put BC in HBCU!
Shoutout and all praise to Jesus. I wouldn’t be where I am without Him. All the glory belongs to Him!
Website: https://www.eliadoodles.com
Instagram: @eliadoodles
Image Credits
Lamon ‘Cupid’ Terry
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
