1.At what age did you discover your passion for art? What steps did you take to perfect your skill in painting?

I knew I had talent at about 10 years old.  My cousin Dave was doing work for DC comics.  I started doing superheroes like my big cousin and my friends really liked them.

2. You were one of two full time illustrators hired to work at Hallmark Cards Inc. but you left after 4 years to set out on your own. What gave you the courage to do so?

I had started doing my own art after work and on weekends, so when the company downsized and got rid of a lot of illustrators it was a good opportunity for me.   It was a great learning opportunity, but I was ready to strike out.

3. What struggles would you say black creatives have in your industry and what suggestions do you have to help overcome these barriers?

I don’t know if this is specific to black creatives, but styles go in and out of favor.  I went about 8 years between my first picture book “Campy” by David A. Adler and working with Derrick Barnes on “Crown”.  As an illustrator you are at the mercy of changing tastes.

4. You did beautiful illustrations for Derrick Barnes’ book: Crown: An Ode to a Fresh Cut and I Am Every Good Thing. What was your inspiration behind your art for these books?

I love classic illustrations and paintings.  The great American painters like John Singer Sargent and Thomas Wilmer Dewing and Henry Ossowa Tanner inspire me.  I want to give the kids museum quality work 17-24 paintings at a time in children’s book form.  I try to do books that will make people wonder how all that work got done.  I get that feeling when I look at Jerry Pinkney’s work.

5. Your books are on billboards, tv shows, etc., and have picked up prestigious awards, what do you attribute your success to? How do you feel about everything you have accomplished thus far?

I’ve got parents who supported me. My wife and kids are behind me.  I work every day to honor the memory of my grandparents who came here from the islands with very little to give later generations like me these opportunities.  I feel I am approaching where I should be given all that was put into me by the people that love me, but I’ve still got a way to go.  I want to make my family and my people proud.

6. It is my understanding that you have a son with autism and so do I. When did you discover your son had autism? What was your initial response to finding out about this diagnosis?   My son Gabriel is on the cover of “I Am Every Good Thing”.

I think Gabe was about three when we found out.  Finding something out like that is life changing but you switch gears and move forward.  We expect the same things for his life that we do for our daughter.  Maybe the time-table will be different or the path will be unique the path but he will have the full, independent life he is entitled to.  It’s really the same approach we take toward raising his older sister.

7. What are your son’s interests? Tell us your hopes and dreams for your son and all his wonderful accomplishments.

Gabriel loves travel and maps.  He is also a master drone pilot.

8. Tell us about any upcoming books that you plan to illustrate for and any other new developments in your career.

I am working on “Just Like Jesse” by Paula Young Shelton.  It’s about how Andrew Young was inspired by Jesse Owens and it’s the first book I’ll be doing in chalk pastels.  It’ on my easel right now and so far, it’s beautiful.  I’ve got a book about Thurgood Marshall with Carole Boston Weatherford as well as another project with
Derrick.

9. Where can we find you on social media?

IG: @gordoncjamesfineart

Twitter: gordoncjamesart

Facebook: Gordon C. James Fine Art and Illustration

Website: www.gordoncjames.com

I hope that Gordon’s story inspires more people to find their passions and pursue their dreams. Your dreams are what help you feel alive. They add purpose and meaning to your life. No matter how hard you work on your passion, it never feels like work. It brings you happiness and peace that surpasses all understanding. Even when you are broke or struggling to get your business off the ground, somehow deep down inside you know that is still all worth it. It creates dreams for your children that they will have a better life by knowing you can pass down this legacy to them. I am glad that Gordon sees possibilities for his son despite his special needs. I plan to create as many opportunities as possible for both my sons to find their passions. My dream is that more parents do the same. This is a tough, cruel world and kids should feel limitless in their abilities and opportunities. It is your job as parents or caregivers to encourage that.

Love and light,

Kira

First and foremost, my latest book “The Barrel” will be coming soon. The illustrator is very meticulous and is taking her sweet time on these illustrations but it’s all good because she does good work. I LOVE what she has so far so I know you will too. It’s almost like something out of a cartoon or Pixar movie. It’s THAT good. So, patience is a virtue and I will be patient and hope you will do the same. If you don’t follow me on social media, this ebook will be about collective cooperation. It is intended for children between the age of 6-8 but I think that all children older and younger can grasp this concept. The Barrel is about the demise of a family of crabs who unfortunately can’t get it together to help one another. This book does not have a happy ending so if you are looking for a fairy tale type story, this is not it! It emphasizes the importance of working together for the greater good. So, I hope you like it. I leave it up to interpretation what exact concepts I am referring to with the story I have told.

The next book that will coming out after this is Carrie the Photographer in the fall. Now this book will be in print version and ebook version. It is the story of a Latinx girl who has an eating disorder. It encourages girls to look deeper within as well as love their natural bodies too. With social media, there is so pressure to be perfect and fit this body image that is unattainable. So, I want young girls to embrace their authentic selves and realize that their uniqueness is what makes them beautiful. I have an illustrator who shares the same background as the lead character so there will be all those LatinX touches in the book that will highlight the aspects of this culture. I can’t wait….

I have a vendor event coming up where I will be selling my books. I will be at The Black Flea Market at the Kappa Center in Raleigh on Sunday, August 30th. This will be my third event there, so I am excited. I enjoy working with Queen Hustle and find the whole Black Flea Market experience to be so inviting and exciting. I have had some bad experiences with certain vendors (they will remain nameless) but Queen Hustle is A1; both professional and personable. I thank Queen Hustle for making me a part of their regular lineup.

Coming very soon, I will be on 103.9 The Light; at least my voice will be. The radio station will be running regular radio ads about my business from 8/23-8/30. So, make sure to listen up to hear more about my business and SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT! I can’t say this enough…I can not do what I do without money so please make sure to support. The ebooks I provide for free were not illustrated for free. Illustrators cost money and yes, even though I get some good deals it is still hundreds of dollars. I am not going to beg because I have too much pride for that, lol, but I do want you to understand that when you can and if you can, please support with your dollars. I want to be able to continue to offer free ebooks to you to spread my books among the masses but can’t continue to afford to do that if you don’t buy my books that come with a price. I try my very best to also use my dollars to support other small black businesses and would appreciate any support that can be offered in return. Thanks in advance!

Finally this month, I will be doing an interview centered around the viral Coronavirus ebook “Why We Stay Home” by medical students, Samantha Harris and Devon Scott. It has had over 40,000 downloads, translated in multiple languages, and was actually featured on the PBS news hour. In addition, it is inspired the two medical students to create a whole Millie and Suzie series, where they discuss various type of doctors and parts of the body. I love this! They are medical students writing children’s books about health and black to boot? I knew I had to interview them.

Well that’s about it. I am glad you tuned in and hope to see you back soon!

Love and light,

Kira