Creator Spotlight – Alex Griffin, Creator/Publisher of Secrets Of The Kush Empire
Today’s Creator’s Spotlight is on Alex Griffin. I can proudly say I was a supporter of his Kickstarter Project, Secrets Of The Kush Empire (more on that later). It is also where I became acquainted with his work and passion for his project, so I had to interview him. Here it is. Enjoy!
Alex Griffin & His daughter :)
ARTISTIC/DEVELOPMENT
As it relates to your earliest memory as an artist, did Art choose you or did you choose Art? The Art of writing that is, explain.
The first thing I ever drew was a picture of woodywood pecker on a hammock with his head behind his head, from a coloring book my parents bought me. It was so good that they didn’t believe I drew it, they just knew I traced it. As a writer and creator I used to make little comic books out of notebook paper. I think one of my first was Voltron. I remember how mad I was when I created a comic with the lion and the vehicle Voltron force united. Then they took MY idea and did the same thing on the TV show a couple of weeks later….I WANT MY CREDIT!! Lol
Art choose me I’ve never been able to escape it. No matter what I do and where I am, I’m always creating. I’m always enjoying art even if it’s the clouds in the sky, I can make a story out of it.
Who or What were your earliest inspirations and present influences that that inspire your art/comics/writing?
I think Starblazers was the earliest. I loved the story line and the scope of the story. The animation was amazing. As far as comics I think Kitty pryde and Wolverine was my first introduction to comics.
How important is it to study your art and how do you approach keeping your skills sharp?
I am a fan of practicing and learning. I think its very important to study and practice what your passionate about. I keep my skills sharp by just thinking, or day dreaming. To me its like a puzzle, “what would Asukari do in this situation?” “how can I make this make sense” Then I get that moment of clarity and I just start writing!
What are some books that are on your personal shelf?
I love the walking dead comic! I love the book A Time to Kill, the autobiography of Malcom X is GREAT! I like some of the Batman story lines I just read the new 52 storylines. I also reread war world Hulk. I have a ton of books those are just a few.
Are there any titles that you are currently reading?
I enjoy Graphic Novels mostly so I usually wait around go by the comic store ask what’s hot and pick it up. I have a wide range, my brother is usually my supplier of comics.
WORK/STYLE
Give us a description of your Creative Lab or Studio where you work and how is the environment a co-creator or partner in ultimately what you create?
I have a very open leadership style. I believe in bringing out the best in my artist by getting to know their strengths and weakness. I love ideas and working as a team to create something special. So far it’s just me as creator but would love to grow and create a bigger team.
If Art can save the world, then that makes the Artist a Superhero; and every Hero needs theme music. Name the song or songs that you listen to for inspiration as you create?
I think an Artist becomes a superhero when they can make a real world issue that most people are afraid to talk about and twist it and transform it to a type of entertainment that grabs the people imagination, all the while informing people about an issue.
Theme music for inspiration, there is so many! I can listen to old school public enemy, to Metallica, so my taste is very broad depends on my mood and what I’m writing about.
What techniques & tools do you employ to bring ideas to life?
Lol the best technique I use to generate ideas is usually working out or playing basketball. Anything that get my juices flowing usually gets my mind going.
How would you describe your writing style or artistic technique?
I think my writing style is layered. I love to write in layers it comes as a simple idea then I add different elements to it to complicate things. I am also a realist, once your dead in my stories your dead. I always try to write with one foot in realism because I think it makes a better story when for instance an attack squad is using real strategy and tactics to deal with an issue.
SOUL/ART
In terms of personal projects, what is the Flagship creative project for your company and how did you come up with the idea for the concept? So far I only have one and that’s Secrets of the Kush Empire. I came up with that concept because I was moved by how violent we are as humans to one another. I was studying different genocides and other sad things we do and decided to use that as my first layer.
This story is about an ancient race called the Kush which is part of larger race called the Annunaki. This race was brought to the brink of extinction during a huge intergalactic war. The last of their people had put themselves into a state of suspended animation until a cure to the weapon of mass genocide that was unleashed upon them could be found. This also marked the rise of mankind.
What are some of the most immediate/follow-up projects? Secrets of the Kush Empire Vol 2, and a new series I call Stripped Gears.
Talk about the difficulties of being an independent artist and the hurdles you’ve overcome to produce and publish your own works. All I know is being independent. I love the challenges of getting your name out building a fan base and talking with followers. It’s something I’m very passionate about so I’ve been enjoying ever last step. The biggest hurdle has been getting the name out. When I started all I thought I had to do is start a facebook page and everything would just start moving in the direction I wanted.
What is your preferred medium for your stories; comic book, graphic novel, animation or movie? I love the Graphic Novel! You can make it as harsh and unforgiving as you want.
Name a mainstream project/character or an independent project and/or character that you’d love to work on or revamp and what would you do to put your twist on it? Superman believe it or not, I hate that they have him on earth I would create a more diverse bigger universe. I would have him deal with other characters that are his equal. Superman is like watching Shaq in his prime play basketball against 5 year olds. I would get rid of that boycott demeanor.
For the independent artist, how has technology affected the way you are able to do business or make progress on your art?
It’s amazing! Most of my artists are from other countries and we can use Skype and the web to communicate instantly. Technology has been a HUGE game changer! You can get feedback from people instantly also. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the technology we have now.
What are the conferences that are on your yearly schedule to attend?
I don’t have any right now but I would love to go to DragonCon down here in Georgia this year.
LIFE/EXPRESSION
On the idea of Art Imitates Life or Life Imitates Art, is the role of Art in human existence a catalyst for behavior and community building or is Art a mirror to reflect the world of what was and what is? I think it’s a reflection, but its disguised to make it so that people can actually look back into the mirror and see something they usually wouldn’t want to see.
Due to budget cuts for schools, classes and after-school programs, primarily in black and Latino communities, the youth are not getting exposed or are exposed to very little physical education and the arts. How important do you feel the arts are to the lives of the youth? I feel it’s VERY important! All of these disciplines is what my life has been all about. I went to school to become a P.E. teacher and football coach, I just so happen to write and like art. These things have given me to tools to do well in life. In my real job as a firefighter I’ve learned to become physically strong but with the art side it has given me the creativity to deal with most issues that I come across. It also gives me an avenue to blow off some steam.
Now to bridge the gap between your art and the public at large, give the name and address of your sites and forums where people can see your creativity and follow your work?
I use facebook for the most part and I’m very active here
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Secrets-of-the-Kush-Empire/207657052632771
What impact would you like your art to make on the world?
I would love for my creation would open up peoples mind to the value of human life and how vast and amazing the world and the universe can be. To show the potential of human beings worked together for the greater good. I’m going to challenge many issues that we deal with.
What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist?
So many quotes, I post a lot of quotes on my facebook page. I think one I’m liking now is.
There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is though everything is a miracle.
–Albert Einstein
Is there anything else that you want the readers to know, feel free to elaborate?
Hey I appreciate you for thinking enough of me and my work to send me these question. To everyone out there follow your dreams and passions and don’t let anyone or thing stand in your way!
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Thanks Alex, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
Until Next Time!
Peace, Power & Prosperity!
Stay Healthy
& Stay Creative!
