Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronald Martin
Hi Ronald, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as an illustrator and storyteller began when I was in high school. When I was younger I always had an active imagination and I enjoyed drawing comic book characters. As I grew older, that same love for characters and storytelling came with me. To the point where I wanted to pursue my hobby as a kid seriously, even though as a kid I knew it was what I always wanted to do. My senior year in high school I began writing and illustrating drafts of my first book “All-Star Book 1: Protect And Serve” with my first ever superhero character in my publication. Ever since then I’ve been growing the character and even published a second story with the character.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenges that I faced were the pressures and anxieties of failure. Thinking that my work wasn’t good enough compared to the people in the comic industry and mainstream media. Although my parents were supportive I always had a chip on my shoulder as an artist to prove that what I am doing can be a living. Not to mention the business aspect that goes into making comic books and being a self published author. I had no clue what that looked like, but I was willing to find out. The first challenge is getting over the mental barrier of doubt that says you can’t do it. Once over that you’ve done 70% of the heavy lifting. The rest is simply work for the passion. Illustration was fun for the book but can also lead to burn out especially if it’s just you at the helm of it all, but once the work is all said and done it is truly an accomplishment and badge of honor. But with every level there is a challenge and an eventual breakthrough if you are passionate and consistent.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist I specialize in sequential art and illustration. Telling a story through panels, almost like a storyboard used in movies but for comic books. With my work I’m able to display real emotions among characters and can tell a story. Visually, colors are something I am also known for in my work as well, I genuinely believe color really can bring your art to life and can really make the characters and backgrounds of the story seem tangible. Overall, I would say I am most proud of the type of storytelling I am able to tell being a young black male, emotions and self expression can seem to be loss without any type of emotional vehicle and with my art I can express what I’m feeling about the world or whatever through my characters. I believe what sets me apart from most is my authenticity and my mindset of daring to dream and to pursue my dream.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Im terms of favorite apps I would have to say I’m really into Disney plus or YouTube right now because I love to watch other creatives and Disney has a lot of cool documentaries on comic book creators and really dives deep into the history of publications like marvel, and I also enjoy watching marvel movies and shows. With YouTube it’s the same thing just a broader scope of media that I can consume and gain inspiration from when working on my own craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radicalkomics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radicalkomics/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8oUly2ZFeKjWJxsKhTJ7Rw
