Meet Greg Batten | Comic Book Artist & Character Concept Designer

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

Hi Greg, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance sways like a pendulum. My balance has definitely changed based on what I’ve learned, the sacrifices I may need to take, and how much time I have had to step away from my work. Because my art career is currently not my main source of income I definitely have to divide up time day by day to create while still having some level of financial stability. As of now I’m trying to shift the balance in my favor, more creating rather than clocking in somewhere.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is different from your usual Black artist, a lot of my style derives from Japanese style work while still blending African-American culture within the design. My current career is still in progress, I can full-heartedly say that I am not satisfied where my profession currently stands. Because of certain mistakes that I’ve made getting to my goals has not been easy. I am grateful for what has happened thus far, it’s created more connections and helped me realize there are different avenues to studying to elevate my craft. The realm of my career as a comic book artist or even a character designer, is not the easiest one. I try to create discipline in my life while working a normal occupation to in return cater to my profession.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Usually if I want to show a friend around or at least take them to a spot that has interesting spots, I’ll usually take them to the beltline around ‘Ponce City Market’. Since I moved here during the pandemic I’ve definitely been more of a hermit than active, so if I were to go venture it’d most likely be an experience for the both of us. The ‘High Museum of art’ is a place I still need to check out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many who I can thank. Of course my mother, father, younger, and extended family. My peers from my days at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) as well as those from my “Aesthetic’ group. If I were to name a few art friends within the most recent year who have been the most beneficial to my growth; Slater Williams, Moe Lee, Jack Genova, John Grund, Calvin King, Shaquille Brown. There are plenty more, but these these are the few I’ve taken my career in greater detail than most. The Japanese genre Anime/Manga and its culture is a huge addition to my development as well as keeping me inspired. A few African-American artist I should name; Oliver Coipel, Nikolas Draperivey, and Chase Conley are great inspirations towards my success.

Website: Warlordrip.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-batten-0882a2196/

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