Meet Howard Coolin | Graphic and Character design

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

Hi Howard, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been drawing since I can remember and I had always been told that I made really eye catching work since I was a young child. I was working as a LV Field Engineer and really didn’t get along well with the new manager. Very rude and condescending. Well I was getting to my breaking point when the Covid pandemic happened. I was forced to stay home for the 1st month. I had been drawing on my small Note Series phone,but Within that time off I decided to pick up an IPad to test out some large scale digital drawing. I took too the dedicated drawing app really well and practiced tones to techniques and app functions during that 1st month.
So the month goes by and I’m back to work. I start putting out the word on Instagram that I’m willing to take on commissions. Of course I don’t think people will take me seriously out of no where. I’d been able to create art for ever and hadn’t cracked the code of sales. But that 1st week I got 2 requests for work and I was thinking to myself nervously , “What do I charge”. I didn’t want to overcharge and scare them off,and I didn’t want to undercharge and do a lot of work for I didn’t want to overcharge and scare them off, and I didn’t want to undercharge and do a lot of work for inadequate pay. So I finally land on a decent amount that I feel is fair and justified based on the level of detail I work at, and sure enough both happily pay and request even more art for the next week. So I began to crunch the numbers in my head. I realized how many projects I need to book a month in order to replace my current occupation and decide I could definitely achieve that. With some help and support from my partner and friends I took that leap ,and luckily for me, have really been embraced and supported by clients and other great artists in the community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey to where I am today was tough, but I imagine a lot of people go through much tougher to no success. So I know I’m very fortunate.
I learned some very important lessons about the selling art and providing commissions. you always have to charge what you’re worth. Some people will always try to lowball or stall you out, but you have to stick to the numbers you feel are fair and not budge. You may miss the sale, but always look at that as opening yourself up for the next one.
Also transparency while working with clients will take you very far. Even when you have to tell a client some bad news, it’s better than not telling them at all.
My brand stands for and tries to depict black excellence and black culture. Trying to reflect an illustrative, but impactful look at a day in black society. Not everything is super serious and not everything is joking and fun. A well balance in order to stay afloat.

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?
Honestly, you’re asking the wrong person. I’m really a homebody that spends time with the family and trains to grow in my field of art. The small free time I do get I spend out in my garden.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really have to say that the love and support of my partner and children ,along with close family and friends have gotten me to where I am today. I had a hemorrhagic stroke a few years back and had some issues getting back to normal. Fortunately I’m 99% better with a few lingering issues,but My family really supported me mentally and physically and helped me adjust to a new normal.
Also I’m very fortunate to take part and contribute to this beautiful thing we call Black Culture. I’ve been deeply inspired by past and present civil movements and push messages of equality, empathy, and unionization. I hope I get enough time on this earth to further grow and support other black creators as well.

Instagram: @How_cxxl