Meet Randal Jackson | Creator – Story Artist – Illustrator – Writer

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

Hi Randal, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose a creative career because I grew up watching anime, reading comic’s, watching Spike/Tarantino movies and I knew as a kid that I wanted to create these things I watched. Your imagination is one of the greatest tools you have. You imagine everything in your day to day life. My imagination is valued greatly, it fuels my creativity and my art. Without that I wouldn’t be where I am today. I had regular jobs where I would write lines in my head and mumble them to myself and people would think I was talking to them (laughs). My lunch breaks were spent drawing and creating the world I saw in my head. I pushed myself to get into a career where I could do these things. Being in a field where I can express myself artistically is truly a blessing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the biggest challenges in my field of Animation was getting work. You have to have a strong network of people that have seen your work and can vouch for it. I’ve been building that network for 8 years now and it’s finally at a level where I get calls to work on projects. It is definitely a plus to have friends in this industry. Animation is a very small pool. That comes with a lot of competition. What sets me apart from others is my fast turn around with my work and my adaptability to learn other styles in Animation. I got to where I am today by being consistent and making connections with people. It wasn’t easy for me, you have to be ok with rejection. I was rejected hundreds of times trying to get work on a animated series. You build a thick skin and just keep it moving. I learned that not everyone is going to like your work but there is always someone out there that will. For the past two years I’ve been working on a passion project. A culmination of my interests, Basketball, anime, sneakers and comedy. A animated series called, SUPER SLAM DUNK ULTRA©. I’ve been pitching it for a few months now with some positive looks and hope to get it picked up soon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had someone visiting me here in LA, I would start with taking them to one of my favorite food spots. I go to this place called Badmaash a lot. It is an Indian restaurant with American fusion cuisine. This place has amazing food! I would try to avoid going to the tourist trap areas though. People are crazy in those areas like Hollywood blvd. Check out some art museums, LA landmarks and shopping spots I frequent. Look for some events that are going on because there is always something going on here. I think everyone should hike up to the Observatory at Griffith Park, you can get some dope views of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A few people in my life deserve some recognition. My older brothers Neil and Ray to start. They’re the ones that influenced me the most, they exposed me to everything I love today. Art, comics, music, films and sneakers. Without their interest and hobbies I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today. They gave me the blueprints and I went to go build my foundation. My family and friends have always been my number one supporters, when I was homeless for a month in LA they were there. They kept me focused on my journey. My parents, believing in me even when they were scared for me, they knew that this was something I talked about doing since I was a kid. They supported my journey and helped me along the way. My girl Kat, she stuck by my side when I was down and helped me up on my feet. I’m forever grateful to these people in my life.

Website: https://randaljacksonart.dunked.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randaljackson/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randal-jackson-88221a77/