Meet M. Cody Wiley | Cartoonist and Designer for Animation

We had the good fortune of connecting with M. Cody Wiley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi M. Cody, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from a small town just outside of Detroit, Michigan. I come from a predominantly working-class family, so when I graduated high school and first started attending college, I didn’t really know where I should start or have a good idea of what career I wanted to pursue. I decided to start at Henry Ford College, a local community college, to see if it was right for me and to try and figure out a career that spoke to me.

At first, I wanted to go into something for music but was scared off by the idea of a lack of job security. I ended up switching my major a handful of times before needing to fill an elective slot in my schedule for the program I was in at the time, and I thought it would be fun to take a drawing class. I had always liked drawing as a kid and often spent nights watching cartoons and drawing with my dad, but I had never taken any art classes in school because my electives were always filled up with band classes.

Taking this class was the first time I started to learn of all the ways that people can earn a living by drawing and through art, and it was exciting enough that I switched my major one last time and graduated there with a certificate in illustration. By this time, I had learned exactly what I would like to be doing, but I knew that my portfolio wasn’t where it would need to be to start finding the kind of work I wanted to do.

Shortly after graduating, I transferred to College for Creative Studies in Detroit. While there, I was able to further my skills and build a strong enough work ethic to start finding work as a freelance comics colorist assistant. I did that off and on and eventually went on to make and self-publish my own comics, all while still in school.

I had learned from watching my parents my whole life that I would have to work hard to get to where I wanted in life, and I feel like only in this past year, or so, I’m starting to see some of the hard work pay off and like my career goals are in the not so far off future for the first time!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the things that I’m most proud of is the mentorship program I created this past year, Coven of the Arts. CotA is a mentorship program designed specifically for artists that aspire to work as Background Designers and Painters for TV Animation. I believe that one of the most important things about being a successful working artist is having a strong sense of community where you’re encouraged to share ideas, help each other grow, and build up and support your fellow peers along the way. That’s what Coven is all about. I’m currently wrapping up my second “Season” and in the early stages of planning the third.

I’ve learned so much from teaching this program in only a short amount of time and have been able to apply what I know to the following seasons. Seeing this community thrive and grow together has hands down been the most fulfilling part of my career.

I plan to continue to improve and grow this program and community as long as there is a need for it, and I can’t wait to see what we can build it into!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the Georgia Aquarium and think it’s a must-see for anyone new to the area looking for fun! I also love walking around Little 5 Points on a nice day. There are so many great shops like Criminal Records and Southern Star Tattoo. If you’re in the area and looking for a good tattoo artist, this shop is filled with incredible artists!

Another must-see is Piedmont Park! It’s such a gorgeous place to take your dog and some good friends and have a picnic or just get some fresh air!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I have to say that I couldn’t have made it to where I am without the help and support of my parents along the way. They continue to support me in so many ways, and I owe so much of my success to them. I’d also like to shoutout my amazingly loving and supportive partner Morgan and our amazing dog Skully for always putting up with me! Lastly, I would like to shoutout one of the best mentors anyone could ask for, Dave Chow. Dave was my mentor at CCS and continues to be an inspiration and someone that I am happy to be able to call a friend.

Website: mcodywiley.com

Instagram: @mcodywiley

Twitter: @mcodywiley