Daily Inspiration: Meet Charly Palmer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charly Palmer.

Hi Charly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Alabama and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During my youth, I attended a special art program called the Magnet Program in Milwaukee, where I had the privilege of being taught by Carolyn White Travanti. Her impact on my life was profound as she recognized my potential and motivated me to push my limits. To this day, I hold Carolyn White Travanti in high regard for the transformative role she played in my journey.

After completing two years at the Art Institute, I decided to transfer to the American Academy of Art, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in art. Initially, I embarked on a career as a full-time illustrator, working at various agencies in Chicago.

In 1990-91, I made a move to Atlanta with the goal of contributing to the Atlanta Olympic Committee in some capacity. Serendipitously, I managed to secure two commissioned projects through the committee, creating two limited-edition prints.

During this time, my firm, alongside my ex-wife Dorothea Taylor, was commissioned by Haynes to develop a series of 50 T-shirt designs. Alongside that endeavor, we undertook several other projects related to it. However, my ultimate aspiration was always to establish myself as a fine artist. After several years of working in design at the agency, I made the decision to pursue my career as a fine artist. The first gallery that took a chance on representing me, and with whom I still maintain a strong relationship, is Just Looking Gallery in Hagerstown, Maryland. Over time, I have been fortunate to collaborate with numerous galleries across the United States and even expand my reach globally. I have had the honor of working on significant projects such as John Legend’s album cover, a Time magazine cover, a collaboration with Selena Gomez on an Instagram project, and the NBA 2K cover for Legends in 2022. Additionally, I have illustrated twelve children’s books and designed at least ten book covers, among many other endeavors.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, absolutely! It has been quite a journey, filled with its fair share of obstacles and challenges. I recently shared a thought on Instagram that resonates deeply with me. Mike Tyson once said,”In order to have a testimony, one must be tested”. And let me tell you, I’ve faced my fair share of tests along the way. If you were to ask me about a specific failure, well, it’s hard to pick just one because I’ve encountered numerous closed doors and moments of doubt.

But here’s the funny thing: despite the setbacks, I’ve always found inspiration in those moments. I’ve always known, deep down, that I am on a mission. I believe that I have a dream and a destiny that has been intricately woven, orchestrated, and protected by my ancestors. So, yes, challenges and disappointments continue to come my way. However, disappointments are actually quite rare for me. You see, I approach everything with very few expectations. This mindset allows me to embrace whatever comes my way and find the silver lining in every situation.

So, to answer your question, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, but it’s been a remarkable one. The challenges and disappointments have only strengthened my resolve, pushing me to become a better artist and person. I’m grateful for the tests along the way because they have shaped me into the artist I am today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When it comes to my work, there are a few key aspects that define what I do. Firstly, I consider myself a fine artist, dedicating a significant portion of my time to creating and showcasing my artwork. However, I’ve also taken a slight shift in gears, allocating around 25% of my time to mentoring aspiring artists. It’s a rewarding endeavor that allows me to share my knowledge and insights with others.

Now, here’s the interesting part—defining my work can be a bit subjective. Depending on whom you ask, you may receive different answers. I’ve experienced considerable success as a children’s book illustrator, with many of my works receiving great reviews. Simultaneously, I earn a living through my endeavors as a fine artist. So, I’m recognized as both a fine artist and a children’s book illustrator. Furthermore, I consider myself someone who is willing to impart the truths I’ve learned along the way.

What are your plans for the future?
When it comes to my plans for the future, there’s one project that fills me with immense pride and anticipation. It’s the release of a collaborative endeavor I embarked on with Dr. Karida Brown, who also happens to be my wife. Together, we’ve created a book called “The New Brownies Book,” which holds a special place in our hearts. Our goal was to celebrate, honor, and craft a love letter to black families. We’ve brought together esteemed writers, educators, and artists to contribute their unique perspectives. This project truly achieves what we set out to do, and I can’t contain my excitement as we near its release in October 2023. It’s a project that has filled me with immense pride, and I eagerly await the world’s response to it.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where I can embrace a semblance of semi-retirement. This means allowing myself to be still and mindful about the projects I undertake. While I’m currently involved in a couple of thrilling children’s book projects, it’s the prospect of a sequel to The New Brownies Book that has ignited my imagination. Just this morning, I woke up with the realization that there is more to the Brownies’ story, and I can’t help but eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in Brownies Book 2. The possibilities are exhilarating, and I can’t wait to bring it to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: charlypalmer.com
• Instagram: @charlypalmer

Image Credits
Headshot – Marie Thomas Art Images – Charly Palmer Fine Art